She lacked the strength to confront Jarrod or even contemplate it.

For now, her only concern was Austin's safety.

Unexpectedly, Alec laughed upon hearing this. “Miss Lawrence, your thoughts dwell on your son now? If genuine concern for him existed, you would have refrained from harming his biological father, right?"

He commented, "Mr. Schultz exemplifies exceptional kindness. Had it been another individual, your fate would have been sealed many times over."

Nicole anxiously inquired, “Who has been tending to Austin Lately?"

Alec's opinion did not trouble her, but she sensed his unwavering loyalty to Jarrod could shield Austin from harm. Thus, she opted to inquire.

Alec frowned and replied, “Miss Hampton has been tending to him."

Nicole's heart sank, prompting her to assert, "I desire to see Austin. I am presently at the doorway of his villa. Kindly seek Jarrod's approval for me to visit him immediately. My apprehensions for Austin's well-being persist."

Alec scoffed. "What's there to worry about? Miss Hampton tends to Austin admirably. She escorted him to meet Mr. Schultz yesterday. Under her tutelage, Austin addressed Mr. Schultz as ‘Daddy.' She excels in both care and upbringing. Consequently, Mr. Schultz intends to expedite their union. Rest assured, Miss Lawrence, you are cordially invited to witness their forthcoming nuptials."

Nicole's heart plummeted deeper still. Jarrod wanted to marry Vicki as soon as possible? Despite recognizing Vicki's substantial assistance for Jarrod and her suitability as his future spouse, the announcement still came as a jolt.

While Jarrod and Vicki had cohabitated as betrothed partners, their wedding date had been contingent on Nicole's appeal and review of the fight for Austin's custody. What spurred this sudden urgency?

Upon their union, Nicole's chances to obtain custody of Austin would be further attenuated.

Vicki possessed a talent for masquerading and hoodwinking the public with her facade of innocence. Yet beneath, she harbored a heart of unmitigated cruelty. None rivaled her in cruelty. Jarrod would be better served to marry anyone but Vicki.

Nicole's apprehension deepened, prompting her resolve to enter Jarrod's villa to check on Austin stronger. Given the impossibility of seeking Jarrod's approval of her entry, she resolved to explore alternative ways.

Addressing Alec, Nicole voiced her concern, "Alec, there's cause for concern regarding Miss Hampton. I implore you to dedicate more attention to Austin. After all, he is also Jarrod's child."

This served as a reminder for Alec, who possessed intelligence and wouldn't fall prey to deception easily. While Vicki excelled in the art of deception, her facade was destined to crumble eventually.

Following the phone call's conclusion, Nicole pondered alternative approaches, yet the mansion's formidable security posed insurmountable obstacles. Scaling the walls or navigating the backyard proved futile endeavors.

Hence, Nicole resorted to a rudimentary and inelegant tactic: vocalization. Positioned by the mansion's gate, she vocalized her call for the nanny, confident that the household staff would recognize her voice. Her sole aim was to assert her presence and intent.

Deliberately refraining from uttering Austin's name, Nicole feared unsettling him.

Given Austin's unique nature, Nicole handled every aspect concerning him with utmost caution.