Nicole's smile widened, exuding quiet confidence. "Vicki, mark my words. You'll come to regret this."

“Regret?” Vicki scoffed, her tone laced with scorn. “I think you're the one who'll be doing the regretting. You're missing out on the chance to see your son."

Deciding it was futile to engage in further argument at the doorstep, Vicki swiftly pressed the panic button on the door, summoning the security guards. "Where are the security guards? Hurry up and remove this woman from the premises," she commanded, arms crossed in anticipation of the unfolding drama.

The security guards arrived promptly, but their demeanor toward Nicole was markedly different. “Miss Lawrence, how may we assist you?" they inquired respectfully.

Word had spread among the villa's staff that Nicole was to be the new lady of the house, and they treated her with the deference befitting her new role.

Vicki had been permitted to visit the villa to see Austin previously, but staying overnight was never an option. Even on rainy days, Jarrod insisted on Vicki's departure, instructing the driver to escort her back.

Vicki's frustration simmered as she confronted the unfamiliar security guards. They had addressed Nicole with due respect, leaving her wondering whether they had mistaken Nicole for her.

“Hey, I'm here. Are you blind or what?" Vicki snapped, her discontent palpable. She felt these guards were incompetent, failing even to fix the broken access control and mistaking Nicole for her.

With this thought, Vicki pondered the inexplicable hiring decision of the Schultz family, and couldn't help but feel a surge of indignation.

Why was the Schultz family employing such incompetent individuals?

Vicki asserted firmly, "You can escort her out. We don't need Mr. Schultz returning to find a disturbance."

The security guard remained stoic, refusing to acknowledge Vicki's presence.

Frustration boiled within Vicki, prompting a sharp retort, “Are you deaf? Do you even want to keep your job?"

“Who doesn't want to keep their job?" A new voice intervened, breaking the tension.

Vicki turned to find Jarrod, a sight that brought her a wave of relief. "Jarrod, Miss Lawrence wanted to see Austin. However, Austin isn't feeling well today, so I declined her visit. Then, Miss Lawrence caused a scene and even threatened me. I've asked the security to escort Miss Lawrence off the premises," she explained, her voice tinged with indignation.

Seeking solace, Vicki reached out to hold Jarrod's arm, but he withdrew it, leaving her feeling rejected.

Vicki was stunned, a mix of hurt and anger flashing in her eyes.

Determination set in. She vowed to teach Nicole a lesson.

“What? She threatened you?" Jarrod's tone turned frosty.

Unaware of the unfolding tension, Vicki persisted in charade, "Yes, she not only threatened me, but also insisted on seeing Austin whenever she pleased. She even claimed you couldn't stop her, let alone me."