Nicole eyed Vicki warily, her voice flat. “I'm okay. But what brings you here, Miss Hampton?"

“I dropped by to see you," Vicki said, her smile faltering just a bit.

Nicole sighed, her patience thinning. "We're hardly friends. If you've got something to say, just get to the point."

Vicki's tone shifted, a note of sincerity creeping in. “Why are you always so cold to me? What have I actually done to you?"

Nicole nearly chuckled at Vicki's act. She remembered everything from their last encounter outside the courthouse, especially Vicki's manipulative threat involving her son, Austin. That was a line she could never forgive.

Nicole's instincts as a mother were fierce. If anyone threatened her son, she'd fight tooth and nail to protect him.

“Vicki, you know exactly what this is about," Nicole stated plainly.

“Honestly, Nicole, I don't. Help me understand," Vicki replied, keeping up her charade.

Tired and wanting to end the conversation, Nicole closed her eyes.

"Vicki, you've said your hello. If there's nothing else, I think it's best you leave now. We're done here."

Vicki's expression darkened briefly before she looked at Nicole again.

Despite the pallor of illness, Nicole's presence was still striking, her vulnerability only adding layers to her already compelling allure.

It was clear why men found her irresistible, and even the stoic Jarrod couldn't help but be drawn to her.

Vicki clenched her jaw and snapped, "You're just letting me walk away, Miss Lawrence? I thought you'd want an update about your son."

Nicole's eyes snapped open, and she bolted upright. “What about Austin?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to be left alone?" Vicki retorted, standing up and feigning a departure. "I won't bother you anymore. It seems you're not that concerned about your son."

“Stop!" Nicole's voice cracked as she reached out, grabbing Vicki's wrist to stop her. “Explain yourself. What's going on with Austin?"

Vicki grimaced, surprised by Nicole's strength. “You're hurting me," she complained.

Nicole released her grip immediately and persisted, "Tell me. What's happened to Austin?"

Rubbing her wrist, Vicki muttered, "He's just got a minor fever, nothing serious."