She appeared not to be bothered by his presence with another woman alone. Her indifference spoke volumes.

With a gesture, Jarrod prepared to depart.

Vicki was caught off guard by Nicole's swift action in contacting the police. The Hampton family's standing had already suffered due to Lowe's incident. If she were implicated in another scandal, the Hampton family's reputation would be irreparably damaged, much to her father's dismay.

Facing the prospect of police involvement was something Vicki couldn't afford. Should such an event occur, her fate would be sealed.

Revelations of Jarrod's dumping her would leave her reputation in tatters, rendering her a pariah in Ardlens.

In a state of panic, Vicki dropped to her knees before Jarrod, beseeching him, “Jarrod, you cannot allow her to ruin me. The Hampton family cannot withstand a scandal."

Jarrod's countenance remained impassive.

"Please, Jarrod..." Vicki implored. "Think of the countless occasions my father aided you. We're allies, are we not? Our enterprises have joined forces in numerous endeavors. You cannot disregard all that, can you?"

Jarrod retorted icily, "I wouldn't have created a spectacle if the individual responsible for harming my son hadn't been punished."

"I swear, Jarrod, it wasn't me! You have to believe me!" Vicki's voice trembled with urgency, still refusing to acknowledge her own wrongdoings. If she were found guilty of causing harm to Austin, it would effectively extinguish any hope of salvaging her relationship with Jarrod.

The depth of Jarrod's love and concern for Austin was something Vicki understood all too well. She had witnessed firsthand the lengths to which Jarrod was willing to go for Austin's well-being, even contemplating the possibility of undergoing ligation. Such devotion was anything but ordinary.

"Then let the police handle this and clear your name." Jarrod lifted his foot, preparing to go in.

"As for the cooperation with the Hampton family, your father's taken a piece of the action, accounting for 80% of the profits. I've already settled our debts with the Hamptons, delivering a hefty profit of a hundred billion. Won't that be enough?" Jarrod remarked and then walked away without waiting for an answer.

Vicki tried to go after Jarrod, but her path was blocked by the stern security guard stationed at the door.

Yet, rather than permitting Vicki's exit, the guard remained vigilant, ensuring she didn't slip away, awaiting the imminent arrival of the police.

Seated helplessly on the ground, Vicki pondered the abrupt and drastic turn of events that had unfolded in just one fateful night.

How could Nicole end up becoming Jarrod's wife? That was her spot!

In frustration, Vicki dug her nails into the earth, shattering her meticulously manicured nails without registering the pain. Determined to reclaim what she assumed was rightfully hers, she harbored an unwavering resolve.

And then, a surge of rage pulsed through Vicki, fueling her determination to make Nicole and Austin regret the day they were born.

With Austin's guidance, Nicole swiftly located the humble abode where Kamilah was being held captive.