Vicki's composure wavered as Jarrod's silence persisted, leaving her defenseless. "You envy me, don't you? That's why you've orchestrated these malicious falsehoods through your son!"

Despite its absurdity, the accusation resonated with Vicki, presenting a disturbing plausibility. How could Austin, so young and innocent, orchestrate such calculated malice without Nicole's influence? What motive could Nicole have, if not to reclaim Austin?

Maybe even for Jarrod?

A surge of panic overwhelmed Vicki as the notion gripped her. The nerve of Nicole wanting to take Jarrod away from her! She was poised to become Jarrod's lawful wife, and once Austin was eliminated and she bestowed Jarrod with her child, he would be hers, unequivocally.

She refused to let anyone dismantle the painstakingly crafted perfection of her Life.

Nicole's response dripped with sardonic amusement. "What reason would I have to envy you, Vicki? Your ruthless demeanor?"

"You've discovered my upcoming wedding with Jarrod and now you intend to steal him from me, correct? I'm warning you, it won't happen!"

Vicki was fixated on the notion that Nicole aimed to usurp Jarrod and lost control. “Don't even contemplate taking my husband, you brazen woman."

"Hahaha..." Nicole couldn't suppress her laughter. "Vicki, aren't you calling Jarrod your husband too early? When did Jarrod obtain a marriage certificate with you? Why was this kept secret?"

Vicki was certain she would become Jarrod's rightful spouse and responded calmly, "I will be Mrs. Schultz soon. Jarrod assured me it will happen next week..."

"You won't be by next week." Nicole interrupted swiftly.

“Why? Do you think you can prevent me from becoming his wife just by saying so? Do you still intend to take him from me? Ha-ha, your intentions are transparent!" Vicki's hysterical behavior was utterly ridiculous.

"I registered our marriage with him today," Nicole blurted out the truth.

Vicki felt momentarily paralyzed as if lightning had struck her. It seemed surreal, like hearing the most absurd joke imaginable. Surely, Nicole hadn't married Jarrod, correct? She must have misunderstood.

Despite her skepticism, Vicki clenched her fingers, heart pounding.

Observing Vicki's ashen face, Nicole experienced an indescribable sense of relief. After all the hardship, she finally felt a small measure of vindication. This debt, she would ensure Vicki repaid gradually.

Nicole continued, "Therefore, your suggestion for me to become a home wrecker is unacceptable, as my spouse likely wouldn't approve."

Nicole's words struck Vicki like a sudden torrent of ice water. She shook uncontrollably, struggling to grasp the reality... "You're lying!" Vicki shrieked in a frenzy.

Vicki seized Jarrod's arm and pleaded, "Jarrod, say it's not true. Nicole must be deceiving me, isn't she? Jarrod's silence deepened the chill in Vicki's heart. The undeniable truth loomed before her. Jarrod's gaze, void of any emotion, said, “Yes, we are legally married."

It was like a bolt of revelation to Vicki. Tears began to pool in her eyes. "Jarrod, this must be a joke?" She clung to his arm, shaking it desperately. "You're joking, aren't you?"