Before Vicki could finish her sentence, a man approached with a cold demeanor. “Who are you planning to harm?"

Jarrod noticed that Vicki hadn't been following him, and upon returning for her, he overheard Nicole's threat to kill someone just before Vicki's fall down the steps.

Jarrod hurried to Vicki's aid, carefully examining her for injuries.

Once assured there were none, he inquired, “How did you fall?"

Leaning against Jarrod's chest, Vicki appeared frail and frightened, evoking sympathy from those around her.

"I... I'm okay... It wasn't because of Miss Lawrence..." Vicki faltered, her words sounding more like a defense of Nicole rather than an explanation. She seemed intent on avoiding conflict.

In an instant, Vicki's reputation improved further. An empathetic wealthy heiress became even more desirable.

As expected, Jarrod regarded Nicole with a frigid expression and demanded, “Apologize to Vicki." He paid no heed to Vicki's words or the truth. He simply believed what he had seen.

At this moment, Jarrod exuded the same cold demeanor as before.

Jarrod had resolved to teach Nicole a lesson, fueled by her repeated opposition to him in the past. He had decided that he would never again indulge her or plead with her. He desired for her to experience fear and to beg him as she had done in the past.

Nicole spoke icily. "Firstly, I didn't push her. Secondly, I wish harm upon her because she intends to harm Austin. If you permit her to do so, I won't hesitate to kill you as well!"

Vicki, covering her mouth in shock, protested, "Miss Lawrence, what's gotten into you? Did I say anything negative about the child? I only expressed sympathy for your situation..."

Seemingly overwhelmed with emotion, Vicki choked on her sobs, tears streaming down her face. “I only expressed sympathy for you as a mother, hence the offer to take care of your child. Did I say anything inappropriate?"

"Miss Lawrence, please refrain from slinging mud at me. I've never committed any wrongdoing since childhood, as is evident to all,"

Vicki asserted, turning her head with a tone of grievance. “Jarrod, I swear on my family's life, I never intended any harm to her child. I merely mentioned caring for him..."

Jarrod nodded reassuringly, his tone gentle. "I believe you."

Then, his gaze turned cold as he addressed Nicole, "Apologize to Vicki!"

"Me?" A mocking smile tugged at Nicole's lips. She scolded herself for being naively clinging to the hope that Jarrod might genuinely care for Austin. To Jarrod, Austin was merely a means to assert control over her.

“Jarrod, it's been over two weeks since you took Austin away. Have you taken him for a medical check-up? Do you even know the extent of his illness? Do you truly care for him? If not, why did you take him away? Answer me!" Nicole's voice cracked with despair. She felt a sense of pity for both Austin and herself. They were like kites tethered by strings they couldn't shake loose.

Jarrod sneered, “It's just a heart condition. I'm searching for a donor for him."