Hallie, more insightful, harbored a dislike for both Nicole and Vicki, finding all of Jarrod's associates difficult to handle.

"Vicki has never wronged me. She understands my situation better than anyone," Doreen asserted, convinced of Vicki's empathy toward her anguish over Roscoe's indifference, which fueled her resentment toward Nicole.

Doreen truly believed Vicki was on her side, offering outlets for her frustrations.

Exasperated and disappointed, Hallie tapped Doreen on the forehead.

"You're so naive. You'd be exploited and wouldn't even notice you were helping them benefit!"

Doreen countered defiantly, "Vicki hasn't betrayed me. Enough. I know what I'm doing."

Hallie, frustrated, retorted sharply, “You don't understand anything. I'm warning you. While I try to negotiate with Jarrod, don't stir up any more trouble. Understand?"

Doreen offered a superficial nod, masking the bubbling resentment she harbored toward Nicole.

But Doreen was at a loss, lacking the wits to concoct a scheme against Nicole. She knew she needed advice, and Vicki was the only one she could turn to.

Hallie never expected Doreen's foolishness could extend to the point of unwittingly reducing herself to a pawn in Vicki's schemes again even after having suffered in the detention for half a month. It was like Doreen had a death wish, only satisfied if she met her demise at Vicki's hands.

Meanwhile, in the Schultz family's villa, Nicole hadn't anticipated that Jarrod wouldn't return for quite some time after that night. She kept track of the days, realizing it had been roughly ten days.

This was an incredibly uncommon occurrence.

Although Nicole dreaded facing Jarrod, her unease deepened with each passing hour he failed to return. This was because she was disconnected from the outside world.

Though confined to the mansion, Nicole found solace in her interactions with Austin. Together, they killed time by engaging in chess matches and reading books. Life seemed to have taken on an unsettling silence.

Nicole was gripped by anxiety since she had no clue when Jarrod planned to release her from this captivity. She felt a pressing need to establish contact with the outside world.

Lost in thought, Nicole was interrupted by a message from Jarrod's new assistant.

“Madam, Mr. Schultz wants you to get dressed and join him for dinner," the assistant said, handing her a shimmering silver-sequined fishtail dress.

Nicole hesitated, not keen on donning something so flashy, but the assistant continued, "Mr. Schultz said if you don't wear this dress, you won't be able to go out."

Realizing she couldn't afford to miss the opportunity, Nicole agreed and swiftly slipped into the dress.

The dress hugged Nicole's curves, accentuating her waist and exuding an undeniable allure that seemed tailor-made for her.