Pleased, Vicki commented, "Miss Lawrence, your decision is wise. You will go tonight. I've arranged for someone I know to meet you. Please ensure you treat him with respect. Do not upset my guest, understood?"

Nicole felt a foreboding chill, asking, “Who have you set up for me?"

Vicki laughed ominously. “Miss Lawrence, no need to worry about that. You'll find out soon enough when you arrive."

Her laughter sounded strange and unsettling. Nicole sensed trouble waiting for her. Yet, she had no other options but to comply with Vicki's plans.

"I'll follow your instructions, but stay away from my child, or I'll make you regret it," Nicole warned.

Vicki just laughed again. She completely dismissed Nicole's threat.

What could Nicole really do in such a state? Austin seemed even more delicate. With a mere word, she could order their elimination if she chose to. Just like now, despite her internal resistance, Nicole had to comply.

Vicki savored the control, reveling in the power it gave her. It felt exhilarating. She declared, "As long as you behave, I won't harm him. Honestly, I'm not interested in your child. My focus is on you, Miss Lawrence. Perform well when you arrive, and if you impress me, I might even show some kindness to your son. How does that sound?"

"Fine, just keep your promise." Nicole glared at Vicki and warned, “If you dare harm Austin, I'll make sure the entire Hampton family pays dearly."

The whole Hampton family was a rotten bunch. Vicki, Lowe, and Wayne...

None of them had any regard for human life.

But Vicki was utterly unmoved by Nicole's words. She deemed Nicole's defiant stance ridiculous even already in a pitiful state, With a casual toss of her hair, Vicki remarked, “I won't disturb you any longer. 6:30 PM, Kingbel Club. Don't be late."

Vicki turned and walked away, her high heels tapping audibly with each step.

Once Vicki was gone, Nicole could no longer maintain her composure and crumpled to the floor next to the bed. The floor was cold, yet her heart felt even colder...

Tonight marked the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter. She was certain that more challenges lay ahead. She wasn't sure if she could withstand this next onslaught. But for Austin's sake, she had to remain strong.

Nicole ignored the doctor's advice and insisted on leaving the hospital.

Reluctantly, the doctor agreed to let her go. Once the discharge paperwork was finished, Nicole was surprised to see an unexpected amount of money in her bank account.

It seemed Alec had deposited the money. Nicole quickly transferred the amount equivalent to her hospital bills to the Schultz Group's company account. She had no desire to keep the money or to be indebted to Jarrod. Right now, she was keen on cutting all ties with him and focusing solely on getting Austin back in her arms.

This morning, she had looked for medical records of Derek at this hospital and checked with nearby hospitals, but no one had heard of him. No one knew where Derek was, and there was a good chance he was no longer alive. It was probably impossible to contact Leighton.

Leighton has been exposed, and Alec would definitely take the necessary actions to deal with the situation completely.