Flushing with embarrassment, the nanny's son assured her, “Don't worry. I'm deeply ashamed and regretful. I will write to her and urge her to choose the right course."

Nicole cherished integrity. Given that the nanny's son was cooperative, she refrained from holding the family accountable for the nanny's actions.

However, the nanny might have been too fearful of destitution. She accepted the money and kept silent.

While Nicole might consider using money to squeeze the truth out, once money was exchanged, Vicki's lawyer could use that against her.

They might argue that Nicole was attempting to bribe the defendant, which could potentially backfire.

The Hampton family, with their extensive resources, was formidable.

While Vicki might not be the sole heiress, the affair tarnished the family's reputation.

Wayne would go to great lengths to obscure the truth, compelling Nicole to navigate cautiously and avoid providing any leverage to the Hampton family's attorney. For now, pursuing the nanny appeared to be a futile strategy. She would need to explore alternative avenues.

As Ethel was still on duty, Nicole decided to leave.

Outside, Nicole observed Vicki boarding a luxurious vehicle.

Vicki halted when she noticed Nicole, her expression smug. "Nicole, did you feel victorious yesterday, believing you could topple me? Are you disillusioned today?" Vicki sneered.

Nicole shook her head. "Not at all."

Vicki's sneer deepened. "Quit the act, Nicole. Let me remind you, what's mine will stay mine. You could marry Jarrod, but what does it matter? I'm merely being gracious by letting you borrow him for now. Since you dare to lay claim to what belongs to me, I assure you, you'll regret it.”

Vicki's expression was rife with malice and a thirst for vengeance.

Despite this, Nicole maintained her composure. “I'm eager to see that.”

Her response was sincere, yet Vicki was skeptical.

Nicole had predicted Vicki would evade any immediate consequences and that direct evidence against her would be elusive.

Vicki was too cunning to be caught red-handed. Proving her involvement was a daunting task. Even with a confession from the nanny, it was unlikely the funds could be traced back to Vicki directly. The Hamptons would simply scapegoat someone else.

Nicole had prepared for this. Vicki was the focal point. She knew very well that her marriage to Jarrod was a provocation for Vicki.

Nicole wasn't fearful of Vicki's retribution. She was more concerned that Vicki might not react at all. If Vicki slipped up enough, she would ultimately face the consequences. At that point, the Hampton family would surely disown Vicki, exposing all her prior misdeeds.