As they restrained her, one guard said, “Miss, we really don't want to do this. We don't want to upset anyone. If you just cooperate, it won't come to this, okay?"

Desperate, Nicole pleaded, “My child is in danger. I need to call the police!"

One of the guards chuckled dismissively. "Miss, are you serious? The young master is always out on the balcony, looking perfectly healthy. What danger are you talking about? Are you paranoid?"

Hearing this, Nicole's fear subsided slightly, though her worry lingered.

The guard continued, “Look, even if you call the police, they won't take such a report seriously. You know that, right? Go ahead and try, but you might find yourself the one in trouble. You could even end up in a psychiatric ward. The young master is well cared for by Miss Hampton. She's a wonderful stepmother, very attentive. She visits daily to look after him..."

Nicole's expression darkened. Before Vicki's wedding with Jarrod, she was certain Vicki wouldn't harm Austin. But now, with things changed, she wasn't so sure.

Vicki's actions against Kamilah, the nanny who had been taking care of Austin and trusted by Austin, were to gauge Jarrod's reactions. If Jarrod showed indifference to Kamilah's wellbeing, it could suggest that Austin might be at risk if Vicki made a move.

Though it was all conjecture, Nicole clung to the adage, "Better safe than sorry." She absolutely could not allow this to happen.

Determined, she yelled, “Vicki, come out! Vicki, come out!"

The guards tried to silence Nicole, but it was too late.

Breaking free from the guards' grasp with newfound strength, fueled by her burning desire to protect Austin, Nicole rushed to the door, pounding on it and calling for Vicki.

Moments later, the door swung open.

Vicki intervened upon seeing the security guards manhandling Nicole.

"Stop, stop. This is Austin's mother. You can't treat her like this."

Vicki approached with a calm and gentle demeanor, appearing very much the lady of the house, and asked Nicole, “Are you hurt?"

Nicole doubted Vicki's sincerity but knew she had to tread carefully.

Suppressing her anger, she inquired, "Miss Hampton, why has the nanny caring for Austin fallen ill?"

Vicki looked genuinely surprised by the question. “Nicole, I'm not sure about the nanny's sudden illness. After all, sickness is common. It's part of life. Are you suggesting I'm responsible?"

Vicki's expression turned sorrowful, and she seemed on the verge of tears. “It's tough being a stepmother. I try my best for Austin, but I can't manage everything, especially not the health of an elderly nanny. Can you understand that, Nicole?"

The security guards found it difficult to watch the exchange anymore.