As the days go by, Nicola starts paying closer attention to Tom’s behavior, looking for any signs that might confirm her suspicions. Although Tom has managed to charm several people in the village with his outwardly calm and collected demeanor, Nicola’s gut feeling tells her that there’s something off about him. She notices moments when Tom’s mask slips, revealing hints of aggression or a controlling side that he usually keeps well-hidden. These fleeting glimpses are enough to convince her that Tom may not be the person he pretends to be, and she begins to question whether he poses a real threat to her family.

Nicola’s protectiveness over Carl deepens as she reflects on the history of the King family. The memory of Tom’s father, Carl King, who was notoriously dangerous and unpredictable, is still fresh in her mind. Nicola worries that Tom may be following in his father’s footsteps, and the idea of Carl being caught up in the same toxic family dynamics alarms her. With Carl refusing to speak out, Nicola is left feeling both frustrated and helpless. She knows that if she’s going to get to the truth, she’ll have to take matters into her own hands.

Nicola decides to start investigating Tom on her own. She begins asking subtle questions around the village, trying to piece together any information she can find about Tom’s recent activities. Though her inquiries are met with vague responses and few solid leads, Nicola remains undeterred. Her persistence pays off when she starts to hear whispers about Tom’s involvement in suspicious dealings. These rumors, combined with Carl’s fearful reaction, only strengthen her resolve to uncover what Tom is hiding.