The following morning, the sun graced the horizon with its presence.

Alec hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Schultz, you must be suffering from a hangover after all that drinking. Perhaps some medication will help you feel better."

In truth, Alec suspected that Jarrod might have had a hallucination during his binge drinking. After all, Nicole had been gone for five long years.

Jarrod sat in the rear seat, his black shirt smudged with mud, his handsome countenance overtaken by an unmistakable disappointment.

Gazing at the bloody stain on the back of his hand, he insisted, "I'm certain she's returned."

Hearing those words, Alec continued to harbor doubts about Jarrod's perception. If Nicole were truly alive, then who was the lifeless body resting in Jarrod's residence?

Alec didn't dare to delve any further into that unsettling line of thought. The more he pondered, the more chilling it became.

Raegan was on her way to the studio.

Upon entering the car, Raegan was surprised to find Erick in the driver's seat. “Erick, what brings you here? Aren't you swamped with work today?"

“Well, I thought I'd give you a ride to the studio."

Erick appeared to be in a somber mood, and a small cut marred his Lips.

Noticing the injury, Raegan inquired with curiosity, “What happened, Erick? Did Janey accidentally scratch you?"

"No big deal. I just had a little accident," Erick replied.

Raegan, still concerned, asked, "How could you be so careless?"

Erick gingerly touched his face, still feeling the sting in the corner of his mouth. He regretted indulging in that glass of wine the previous night.

However, Erick swiftly brushed aside that thought and turned his attention to Raegan. “How's everything been with that man lately? Has he been causing you any trouble?"

Understanding that Erick was referring to Mitchel, Raegan nodded and replied, “I'm doing fine. Don't worry."

Dealing with Mitchel wasn't much of a challenge for Raegan, aside from the occasional moodiness. In any case, a month would pass by swiftly, and she didn't think Mitchel would take back his promise.

After one month, once the divorce was finalized, she'd have no further dealings with him.

Recalling the resolute look on Mitchel's face, Erick couldn't help but worry for Raegan. He vividly remembered the scene when Raegan lay lifeless in the hospital bed. Erick didn't want Raegan to have frequent contact with Mitchel.