Vicki continued, âIf he were to do so, he would pull the Schultz Group, which he has carefully restored, back into turmoil.
He would be labeled a traitor and a liability.
Remember, the Hamptons were there for him in his lowest moments.
He might disagree with us on some issues now, but to commit an outright betrayal against the Hampton family? That would be an egregious act of treachery.
â
The consequences of such an act would be disastrous, potentially ruining the Schultz Group.
Who would willingly risk such a downfall?
Surely, only someone who had lost all reason.
Vicki couldnât restrain herself from expressing her doubts aloud, âUnless Jarrod had lost his mind!â
Nicoleâs smile widened as she noticed Vickiâs distress.
âVicki, Iâm not sure about Jarrodâs mental state, but I can assure you, I myself am quite unhinged.
Why would I need anyone else?â
âJarrod wonât allow this to happen,â Vicki declared, convinced that Jarrod would intervene before Nicole could disrupt their family dynamics.
If Jarrod ignored this and allowed Nicole to wreak havoc within the Hampton family, then he might indeed be as unhinged as Nicole.
Nicole chuckled dismissively.
âWhether he approves or not doesnât concern me.
I do as I please, and nobody can hold me back.
â
âYou truly are unhinged!â Vicki finally saw the worst parts of Nicoleâs temperament.
She realized she had antagonized someone genuinely dangerous, someone who could potentially ruin her.
âWhy do you think Iâve kept you engaged in conversation for so long?â
Without warning, Nicole stepped closer, locking eyes with Vicki.
âWhat are you planning to do?â Vicki staggered back, unsettled by Nicoleâs intense stare, anxious about her next unpredictable move.
âWhoâs that over there?â Nicole diverted her attention, pointing at a police car that had just pulled up nearby.
Vicki turned and saw her brother, Lowe, being escorted from the car while being handcuffed.
âLoweâ¦â Vicki gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock.
How could this have happened?
Vicki then turned back to face Nicole.
âDid you submit the video from that night?â
Vicki had thought the original recording of that night had been destroyed, handed over to Wayne by Jarrod.
Wayne had sought Jarrodâs assurance that this incident would not stir up trouble, with the exchange that the Hampton family would never speak of any help they had extended to Jarrod in the past anymore.
Indeed, the Hampton family had reaped considerable benefits from saving Jarrod at that time since the favor was akin to a Lifelong leverage over him.
Wayne was no fool and his support wasnât merely driven by Vickiâs feelings for Jarrod.
He recognized Jarrodâs potential for a formidable comeback.
With the support of the Hampton family, Jarrod had been able to circumvent many obstacles and ascend swiftly.
In truth, it was inevitable that Jarrod would rise to prominence, with or without the Hampton familyâs assistance.
With the assistance of the Hampton family, Jarrod was able to accelerate his resurgence.
Without their help, it might just take Jarrod a little more time to achieve that.
Wayne was a savvy businessman, and his support for Jarrod was not merely due to Vickiâs affection.
Vicki was puzzled as to why Lowe was placed under arrest.
What about their agreement?
Vicki couldnât bear to consider the implications.
She turned to Nicole with a fierce look.
âWhat have you done?â