Vicki appeared visibly flustered, realizing she was facing a situation totally different from the one she encountered the previous night. Jarrod's residence was under constant surveillance, leaving her with no room for the same level of comfort she enjoyed elsewhere.

Conscious of the cameras and informants scattered throughout the property, Vicki knew she had to tread carefully.

Attempting to maintain her composure, Vicki retorted, "What are you insinuating? I care for Austin as if he were my own son. Don't try to falsely accuse me."

Nicole scoffed at Vicki's feeble attempt to deflect blame and proceeded to enter Jarrod's house without dignifying her response with further acknowledgment.

"Hey, stop!" Vicki persisted, unwilling to let Nicole pass without further confrontation.

Ignoring Vicki's protests, Nicole continued walking until she reached the access control panel. With a decisive press, the electric door slid open smoothly.

Stunned by this unexpected turn of events, Vicki stammered, “How... How did you manage to get in?"

Turning back to face Vicki, Nicole replied calmly, "Times have changed, Miss Hampton."

“What... What do you mean?" Confounded by Nicole's cryptic response, Vicki's mind raced with a myriad of unsettling possibilities, but she pushed them aside. How could this be happening? She prided herself on her meticulous cover-ups and flawless facade.

“Listen up, Vicki." Nicole's voice cut through the tension like a sharpened blade. “If so much as a hair on Austin or his nanny is harmed, you'll wish you never crossed paths with me."

Observing Nicole's resolute demeanor, Vicki couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease.

Vicki's malice knew no bounds. She possessed a determination that bordered on ferocity for her own objectives.

Nicole understood all too well that individuals like Vicki would stop at nothing to achieve their goals, even if it meant resorting to unspeakable acts of cruelty.

Vicki's astonishment morphed into disbelief, wondering what Nicole had up her sleeve. The nerve of Nicole being so cocky in front of Jarrod's mansion, her future husband's home baffled her.

Vicki's disdain for Nicole swelled. "Who do you think you are, making such claims? You can't even fend for yourself."

Vicki's derisive snort punctuated the air. “Quit your boasting. Aren't you afraid of choking on your own words?"

Nicole's enigmatic response only added to Vicki's bewilderment.

“We'll see," she commented cryptically.

“What are you trying to say?" Vicki demanded, her confusion deepening.

Nicole's words were shrouded in mystery, leaving Vicki utterly perplexed.