unmistakably as they tormented Nicole.
Regarding Doreen, he had yet to address her actions.
However, Vicki had profoundly let him down.
When Vicki expressed her desire to kill Austin, her face and gestures exuded malevolence.
Jarrod despised having trusted Vicki and allowing such a wicked individual to approach Austin.
Vicki still struggled to accept that her aspirations had crumbled so swiftly.
Originally, she was set to marry Jarrod in a week.
How could such a joyous moment be shattered so effortlessly? She found it inconceivable.
A woman of Vickiâs nature would never contemplate her behavior.
She solely held Nicole responsible for enticing Jarrod.
Clinging to Jarrodâs legs, Vicki pleaded, âJarrod, this is my fault! Entirely my fault.
I promise not to trouble Nicole again.
Canât you see I was just jealous? I was jealous that she held a place in your heart and that you harbored unique feelings for her.
I admit my mistake.
I can accept Nicoleâs presence going forward, as long as you donât leave meâ¦â
Nicole stood stunned by Vickiâs declarations.
It appeared that if Jarrod forgave Vicki, Vicki was ready to embrace a polygamous marriage.
But Nicole found that prospect utterly unappealing.
Just considering it turned her stomach.
How could a wealthy lady like Vicki conceive of such an arrangement? Couldnât she live without Jarrod?
Nicole harbored no intent of tethering herself to Jarrod indefinitely.
The notion scarcely crossed her mind, a fear that it might never do so in perpetuity.
Jarrodâs displeasure manifested as he raised his foot, leaving Vicki to steady herself with her hands, visibly flustered.
âI am now a married man, Miss Hampton.
I implore you to mind your words henceforth.
â His brows and gaze remained as frigid as ever.
Yet, Vicki sensed a glimmer of warmth in his eyes when he uttered the word âmarried.
â It diverged from Jarrodâs usual demeanor when they interacted previously.
In Vickiâs presence, Jarrod was always aloof with a poker face.
But at this moment, he seemed to be glowing with energy.
The description fit him perfectly.
It seemed as though he had worn a facade for years, only now revealing his genuine self.
His happiness fueled by his marriage was evident.
This realization instilled fear i n Vickiâs heart.
She had never fathomed Jarrod possessed such an alternate persona.
Nicole lacked the vigor to witness Vickiâs tumultuous emotions.
In her perception, Jarrodâs demeanor toward Vicki felt off.
Could he harbor intentions to safeguard Vicki, the would-be assailant of Austin?
Nicole disregarded Jarrodâs motives since he had assured non-interference.
She retrieved her phone and dialed the authorities.
âHello, Schultz Residence speaking.
I wish to report a crime.
Someone has plotted to poison my child.
Yes, please hurryâ¦â¦â
Following the call, Nicole paid no heed to the commotion outside.
Her priority was to assess Kamilahâs condition indoors.
She hastily walked inside.
Jarrodâs displeasure was evident as he observed Nicoleâs departure, witnessing her disregard for him.
Subconsciously, his brows furrowed.
She appeared not to be bothered by his presence with another woman alone.
Her indifference spoke volumes.
With a gesture, Jarrod prepared to depart.
Vicki was caught off guard by Nicoleâs swift action in contacting the police.
The Hampton familyâs standing had already suffered due to Loweâs incident.
If she were implicated in another scandal, the Hampton familyâs reputation would be irreparably damaged, much to her fatherâs dismay.
Facing the prospect of police involvement was something Vicki couldnât afford.
Should such an event occur, her fate would be sealed.
Revelations of Jarrodâs dumping her would leave her reputation in tatters, rendering her a pariah in Ardlens.
In a state of panic, Vicki dropped to her knees before Jarrod, beseeching him, âJarrod, you cannot allow her to ruin me.
The Hampton family cannot withstand a scandal.
â