Confronted with the potential threats to Austin, Nicole's complexion turned ashen.

“I heard your son is on the transplant waiting list. It would be a pity if he couldn't make it until then, wouldn't it?" Vicki sighed and continued, "He's just a kid. He hasn't even had the chance to see the world yet. Would it not be tragic if he died just Like that?"

"How dare you!" Nicole clenched her fist tighter, her voice thick with anger. “If anything happens to Austin, I'll fucking kill you both."

Nicole mentioned “you both" because she thought Jarrod had entrusted Austin to Vicki, showing his negligence as a father. He was no better than a beast. If anything were to happen to Austin, she would go to any lengths to make them pay, to avenge her son.

“With your current state, how do you suppose you could do anything to me?" Vicki scoffed.

"In my eyes, you're just an ant. And as for that son of yours, if I'm feeling irritable, just a flick of my fingers could end his life."

Vicki leaned close to Nicole's ear and whispered these harsh words, like a sharp needle driving straight into Nicole's brain, the pain sharp.

“You, you lunatic!" Nicole's entire body shook with fury. Vicki's true nature was now completely exposed. Vicki seemed gracious on the surface, yet harbored such dark intentions.

Vicki was unfazed by Nicole calling her crazy. In fact, embracing madness seemed even more liberating. Tucking a stray hair behind her ear nonchalantly, she suggested, “Perhaps you should just accept the job I've arranged for you. It'll keep you too busy to seduce Jarrod, which really would be best for everyone, wouldn't it?" Her voice stayed soft and gentle, belying the venom underneath.

"I..." Nicole struggled to voice her objection, her words stuck in her throat. She dared not gamble with Austin's life.

Confident of her Leverage, Vicki pulled out her phone and played a video for Nicole.

“Look at your son, his fever has turned his ears red. Quite the sight, isn't it?" Vicki's tone was deceptively sweet as she cruelly taunted Nicole about Austin's illness.

Nicole trembled, utterly helpless. Austin's well-being was controlled by Vicki. At this point, even reaching out to Jarrod seemed futile.

After all, Jarrod was set to wed Vicki, and Nicole knew Jarrod's character well. Though he could not truly love her, as a businessman, he always prioritized his self-interest and reputation.

The Hampton family had supported the Schultz Group during its toughest times. Consequently, driven by both sentiment and logic, Jarrod was obligated to marry Vicki to honor the Hampton family's generosity and solidify his reputation in the business community.

After all, nobody respected those who exploited others and failed to keep their promises.

For Jarrod, marrying Vicki was essential to secure the Schultz Group's standing in Ardlens. Therefore, Jarrod would not punish Vicki for Austin's sake. The transaction simply did not justify it. Indeed, to Jarrod, everything could be seen as a transaction.

"Miss Lawrence, this is an excellent chance for you. If you agree now, it could spare Austin further distress. Wouldn't you agree?"

Vicki pressed. Her words left Nicole without a response, her options seemingly evaporated. Austin was Nicole's vulnerability. Nicole could not and would not overlook this.

"Okay, I'll go." Nicole consented almost instantly. What other choice did she have? Submission seemed to be her only option.