Yet, human nature was an insatiable beast, and once a desire took root, it exerted an invincible force.
Vicki couldnât pinpoint the exact moment when she first wished for Austinâs removal, but once the notion settled in her mind, it grew relentlessly.
She had even devised a scheme for Austin to meet an âaccidentâ after her wedding with Jarrod.
However, Jarrodâs unexpected request for a vasectomy had thrown her off balance, prompting her to accelerate her plan.
Vicki felt only Austinâs demise would disrupt Jarrodâs vasectomy plans and potentially lead him to seek another child instead.
Vicki hadnât anticipated how troublesome Austin, that insignificant pest, would become.
Not only had her carefully laid plan crumbled to dust, but he had boldly turned the tables on her.
A storm of fury raged within Vickiâs soul.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as desperation tinged her voice, imploring Jarrod, âJarrod, Iâve been truthful with Austin.
Weâve been together for years.
Donât you understand my character? Would you believe a child whoâs been in your life for a few weeks over me?â
âs BunnyBookery Her cries echoed with anguish, portraying a sense of genuine injustice.
Jarrodâs countenance was contemplative, his gaze reflected profound thought as he absorbed Vickiâs words.
Over the years, Vicki had never purposefully harmed anyone.
Had it not been for the video of her mercilessly attacking Nicole, her plea might have swayed him.
However, in the footage, Vicki whispered into Nicoleâs ear, âI intend to harm Austin.
â Her words were drowned by the clamor of their surroundings.
Upon scrutinizing Vickiâs lip movements, Jarrod realized Nicoleâs allegations were true.
Vicki had indeed threatened to take Austinâs life, and Vickiâs eyes betrayed her intention as she struck Nicole.
Jarrod couldnât help but be amazed by the unpredictability of people.
The Vicki he knew bore no resemblance to the malevolent figure standing before him.
Jarrodâs silence was construed by Nicole as an attempt to shield Vicki.
She promptly intervened, âVicki, reserve your account for the authorities.
â
Vickiâs fury erupted.
Who was this woman to interrogate her? Nicole held no jurisdiction!
To Vicki, Jarrodâs silence seemed indicative of a softening stance toward her.
Capitalizing on the moment, she assumed a pitiful demeanor, tearfully expressing, âMiss Lawrence, I hold no animosity toward you.
I get it.
You cannot simply idly stand by as I prepare to wed Jarrod, driven by envy and a desire to harm me.
My affection for Austin has always been sincere.
Yet now, he maligns me, alleging I har or intentions to harm him.
Who will acknowledge the injustice I endure?â
Pausing for dramatic effect, Vicki pressed on, âI understand your need to protect your son.
However, if you persist in mistreating me, my father will not condone it.
â
Vicki invoked Wayneâs name, confident in the widespread knowledge that Jarrod would never disregard Wayneâs influential support.
Indeed, when Jarrodâs position was precarious, it was the Hampton familyâs backing that had secured his role at Ardlens.
Vicki believed this single fact would negate any suspicion of wrongdoing on Jarrodâs part.
âIndeed, you hold no malice, and in fact, you were quite eager concerning me,â Nicole remarked.
Vickiâs eyes widened in astonishment.
She struggled to comprehend Nicoleâs implication.
Nicole elucidated deliberately, âWerenât you eager to introduce me to your brother to become his mistress?â
âWhat nonsense are you talking about?â Vicki retorted, her voice gradually fading as a wave of guilt engulfed her.
âWhat nonsense?â Nicole echoed.
âDidnât you promise that if I agreed, youâd arrange for me to meet Austin in three months?â
The moment those words escaped Nicoleâs lips, Jarrodâs demeanor turned frigid.
Observing his icy expression, Vickiâs heart skipped a beat.
She cursed silently.
Nicole was just like her detested son, crafting words filled with snares.
She dared not respond rashly.