They believed Vicki was doing more than enough, and Nicole's demands seemed unreasonable. Allowing the future hostess to be humbled in front of the boss's ex was unacceptable. It was time for them to demonstrate their support.

One of the guards, feeling protective of Vicki, stepped forward, his presence commanding. "Miss Hampton, this woman is causing a disturbance. Perhaps we should escort her out to avoid further trouble."

"No need," Vicki quickly said, her voice still warm and soothing.

“Austin's mother is understandably worried about her child's caregiver. It's natural for her to feel anxious. She didn't mean any harm. She's just concerned for her loved ones. Let's not be too harsh on her."

Vicki's words subtly painted Nicole as unreasonable and overly focused on her own concerns without showing any hint of respect.

Nicole, disliking such indirect manipulations, refused to engage in Vicki's games. "Vicki, may I see Kamilah?" she asked.

"You had called Jarrod earlier, right? If he hadn't granted you access, unfortunately, there's nothing I can do," Vicki responded with a show of helplessness.

Vicki had been watching Nicole from the balcony since her arrival, observing her every move, including her desperate phone call. Despite Nicole's pleas, Jarrod had not permitted her entry.

Vicki felt her position was finally solid. She was glad she hadn't heeded Doreen's advice to make things more difficult for Nicole.

Instead, she continued to cultivate her image as a devoted wife and mother, which had significantly solidified Jarrod's trust in her, diminishing any remaining influence Nicole might have held.

"Can I at least talk to Austin?" Nicole asked, her tone more subdued, almost pleading.

Given that Austin's wellbeing was now ostensibly in Vicki's control, Nicole knew she had little leverage.

Vicki's expression turned visibly self-satisfied as she denied the request. "I'm sorry, Nicole. Jarrod doesn't want you to have any contact with Austin."

Rejected once more, Nicole felt her frustration mounting, leaving her at a loss.

Vicki, seizing on Nicole's vulnerability, lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Nicole, don't say I never offered you anything. Why don't you come back to work tonight? If I'm in a good mood, I might just let you see Austin."

Nicole's head snapped up. “Really?”

“Of course," Vicki replied with a gleeful smile. “After all, when Jarrod's away, I'm in charge of the Schultz household."

Nicole was painfully aware that Vicki was right. Jarrod was too preoccupied with business matters to manage the home, relying instead on a hostess to oversee domestic affairs.

"I'll hold you to that promise, but you must let me see Austin. If you deceive me, I'll fight you with everything I've got," Nicole warned Vicki sternly.

However, Vicki barely took Nicole's threats seriously. To fight with everything she had got? With someone she considered frail and nearing their end? It seemed laughable to her.