"Do you really think this is the end? Did you believe you could continue in your self-righteous smugness?" Nicole advanced toward Vicki, her steps measured and ominous. "I know my health is failing, but I still have enough fight left in me to seek some retribution before I pass. You shouldn't have harmed my child. He is more precious to me than my own life. You dared to harm him, and I won't let that go unpunished."

A deep, inexplicable chill ran down Vicki's spine. The fear that Nicole's words induced was overwhelming, and Nicole's expression, showing no concern for her own safety, was downright terrifying.

After gathering her composure, Vicki responded, "What more can you do? Don't underestimate my family. Jarrod and our family are still intertwined in business dealings. He won't let our family be ruined."

Unaffected by Vicki's words, Nicole responded calmly, “Mark my words, Vicki. This is far from over!"

A chill settled over Vicki. She couldn't shake the suspicion that Nicole was concealing another strategy. Yet, how could that be? The Hampton family was a force to be reckoned with. Their attorney was a titan in the legal field. Surely, Nicole was just posturing to unnerve her. Yes, it had to be this.

"Don't be ridiculous. Jarrod is your sole supporter. Do you honestly believe he would betray the Hamptons for you?" Vicki's confidence was rooted in her knowledge of Jarrod as a calculating businessman who always put financial interests first. She was convinced he would not act against his own business imperatives.

Vicki continued, "If he were to do so, he would pull the Schultz Group, which he has carefully restored, back into turmoil. He would be labeled a traitor and a liability. Remember, the Hamptons were there for him in his lowest moments. He might disagree with us on some issues now, but to commit an outright betrayal against the Hampton family? That would be an egregious act of treachery.”

The consequences of such an act would be disastrous, potentially ruining the Schultz Group. Who would willingly risk such a downfall?

Surely, only someone who had lost all reason.

Vicki couldn't restrain herself from expressing her doubts aloud, "Unless Jarrod had lost his mind!"

Nicole's smile widened as she noticed Vicki's distress. "Vicki, I'm not sure about Jarrod's mental state, but I can assure you, I myself am quite unhinged. Why would I need anyone else?"

"Jarrod won't allow this to happen," Vicki declared, convinced that Jarrod would intervene before Nicole could disrupt their family dynamics. If Jarrod ignored this and allowed Nicole to wreak havoc within the Hampton family, then he might indeed be as unhinged as Nicole.

Nicole chuckled dismissively. "Whether he approves or not doesn't concern me. I do as I please, and nobody can hold me back."

"You truly are unhinged!" Vicki finally saw the worst parts of Nicole's temperament. She realized she had antagonized someone genuinely dangerous, someone who could potentially ruin her.

"Why do you think I've kept you engaged in conversation for so long?"

Without warning, Nicole stepped closer, locking eyes with Vicki.

“What are you planning to do?" Vicki staggered back, unsettled by Nicole's intense stare, anxious about her next unpredictable move.

“Who's that over there?" Nicole diverted her attention, pointing at a police car that had just pulled up nearby.

Vicki turned and saw her brother, Lowe, being escorted from the car while being handcuffed.

"Lowe..." Vicki gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. How could this have happened?