Doreen had heard whispers that Jarrod journeyed to the northern territories to rescue Nicole, thereby incurring the wrath of the northerners.
The north was a perilous realm where its denizens lived by the blade, viewing affluent individuals like them as walking treasures.
Jarrodâs defiance of these northerners for Nicoleâs sake was a precarious move.
Doreen couldnât shake off the concern that he might face repercussions in the future.
It was said that the people from the north were ruthless, and they were unlikely to let such an affront slide.
Originally, Doreen had intended to exact vengeance on Nicole following the wedding, but when Nicole was whisked away by Jarrodâs men, Doreen refrained from acting recklessly.
While she possessed a fearless demeanor and harbored no apprehension toward her parents or anyone else, she couldnât shake off her trepidation of Jarrod.
When Jarrod was angry, he was truly terrifying, disregarding blood relations or familial affection.
Later, Vicki invited Doreen out, saying Jarrod was indifferent to Nicole due to Nicoleâs actions at the wedding.
Upon hearing this, Doreen immediately came to teach Nicole a lesson.
Nicole remained impassive, enduring the strike as long as it meant she could see Austin.
Turning to Vicki, she questioned, âDid you summon me here today solely to be struck by her?â
Vickiâs lips formed a pleased smile.
The slap was immensely gratifying.
It would have been even more satisfying if she could have done it herself.
However, preserving her reputation in Jarrodâs eyes was crucial, even in his absence.
She needed to act prudently.
Vickiâs animosity toward Nicole fueled this scheme, enlisting Doreen, who shared her disdain, to administer the punishment.
Additionally, Doreenâs involvement minimized complications, ensuring Jarrod wouldnât hold Doreen accountable.
Plus, everyone recognized Doreenâs capricious and irrational nature.
Vicki smirked and replied, âWhat? I didnât summon you here to be harmed by Doreen, and I would never do such a thing.
Donât misinterpret the situation.
â
Nicole, more perceptive than anyone else, understood it was no mistake.
Vicki cleverly used Doreen as a pawn to express her anger.
Vickiâs cunning was remarkable.
âExactly!â Doreen chimed in, âLet me make this clear, Vicki has no part in this.
I came here to deal with you myself.
Who do you think you are, you wretched woman? How dare you cause trouble at my wedding and make things difficult for me? Iâll beat you to death!â
Doreen seized Nicole by the hair and slammed her against the table.
Pinning Nicole down firmly, Doreen said, âToday, youâll feel the same humiliation and resentment I endured that day!â
Nicole felt no fear.
She was prepared to endure the pain.
She fixed her gaze on Vicki and said, âMiss Hampton, I trust youâll keep your promise just as we agreed.
â
Observing Nicoleâs miserable state, Vicki smiled and replied, âOf course.
Iâm the most reliable person youâll meet.
Iâll keep my word.
â
Vicki preferred not to be directly involved, so her response was deliberately vague.
As long as Vicki honored her promise, Nicole was indifferent to any manipulations.
Otherwise, she would not tolerate Doreenâs abuse.
Doreen lifted the bottles of champagne and beer, tipping them over Nicoleâs head.
She taunted, âDonât you enjoy drinking? No worries! Even if youâre not a fan of drinking, Iâll make sure you develop a taste for it.
Enjoy your time!â
The sharp smell of alcohol soaked Nicoleâs face.
With her eyes closed, Nicole remained passive, not resisting.