Chapter 1382

Chapter 1382:

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They believed Vicki was doing more than enough and Nicole's demands seemed unreasonable. Allowing the future presenter to be humiliated in front of the boss's ex was unacceptable. It was time for them to show their support.

One of the guards, feeling protective of Vicki, stepped forward, his presence imposing. “Miss Hampton, this woman is causing a disturbance. “Perhaps we should escort her out to avoid further trouble.”

“No need,” Vicki quickly said, her voice still warm and reassuring.

“Austin’s mother is understandably worried about her son’s caregiver. It's natural for her to feel anxious. She didn't mean any harm. She's just worried about her loved ones. “Let’s not be too hard on her.”

Vicki's words subtly painted Nicole as unreasonable and overly focused on her own concerns without showing any hint of respect.

Nicole, disgusted by such indirect manipulations, refused to play into Vicki's games. "Vicki, can I see Kamilah?" she asked.

“You called Jarrod earlier, right? If he didn't grant you access, unfortunately, there's nothing I can do,” Vicki replied helplessly.

Vicki had been watching Nicole from the balcony since her arrival, observing her every move, including her desperate phone call. Despite Nicole's pleas, Jarrod had not allowed her entry.

Vicki felt that she was finally on solid ground. She was glad that she hadn't followed Doreen's advice to make things more difficult for Nicole.

Instead, she continued to cultivate her image as a self-sacrificing wife and mother, who had significantly cemented Jarrod's trust in her, diminishing any remaining influence Nicole may have had.

“Can I at least talk to Austin?” Nicole asked, her tone softer, almost pleading.

Since Austin's well-being was now ostensibly under Vicki's control, Nicole knew she had little influence.

Vicki's expression turned visibly smug as she denied the request. "I'm sorry, Nicole. Jarrod doesn't want you to have any contact with Austin."

Rejected once again, Nicole felt her frustration mounting, leaving her at a loss.

Vicki, taking advantage of Nicole's vulnerability, lowered her voice in a conspiratorial tone. "Nicole, don't say I've never offered you anything. Why don't you come back to work tonight? If I'm in a good mood, I might let you see Austin."

Nicole raised her head. “Really?”

“Of course,” Vicki replied with a cheerful smile. “After all, when Jarrod is away, I am in charge of the Schultz household.”

Nicole was painfully aware that Vicki was right. Jarrod was too preoccupied with business to take care of the house, and instead relied on a hostess to oversee domestic matters.

"I'll hold you to that promise, but you have to let me see Austin. If you cheat on me, I'll fight you with everything I've got," Nicole warned Vicki sternly.

Vicki, however, barely took Nicole's threats seriously. Fighting with everything she had? Someone she considered fragile and nearing her end? It seemed ridiculous.

Vicki waved her hand dismissively. “I told you you'd see it, but…”

Vicki paused, her smile turning sly. “You'll have to meet my conditions.”

“Okay,” Nicole reluctantly agreed. “I’ll do as you ask, as long as I can see Austin.”

“Make sure you dress appropriately,” Vicki added, with a chilling smile.

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