She understood Roscoe's dedication to his medical career, knowing that even if he no longer practiced, no one desired a diminished quality of life. As he aged, his mobility issues were Likely to increase.

Nicole had initially planned to be with Roscoe during his treatment after sorting out Austin's custody. However, it seemed this turn of events was a relief. She didn't know how long resolving Austin's situation might take.

Roscoe's condition was worsening, his hands growing clumsier by the day, and he couldn't afford to wait.

Nicole was confident that if she remained persisted, Roscoe would eventually return to her. She was sure that, unlike others, Roscoe would never leave her behind. He was like Austin, the nanny, and Raegan. They were never the ones to abandon her.

Three days later, the test results arrived. The tests confirmed the medication was for mental health treatment.

Thrilled with the discovery, Nicole immediately reached out to a lawyer, handed over all the details, and trusted them completely with the custody case.

During these three days, Nicole hadn't reached out to Jarrod or seen Austin. Although no sight of Austin broke her heart, knowing the nanny was there with Austin gave her some comfort. Now, it was time for a decisive battle. To win Austin's custody, she needed to be strong.

About a week later, Nicole assumed Jarrod had received the notification. Yet, unexpectedly, the lawyer she had hired returned her deposit and withdrew from the case.

The lawyer Nicole had hired was considered the top choice in Ardlens for custody battles, despite the high fee, because of their proven effectiveness.

To her surprise, even this well-regarded lawyer pulled out.

Nicole tried to confront the lawyer, but the latter avoided her. Deep down, she suspected the lawyer had been intimidated.

She then approached several other firms, but it seemed they had all been warned off. All of them refused her case as soon as_ they learned it involved Jarrod.

Left with no other options, Nicole called on Raegan for support.

At the cafe, Raegan held Nicole's hands, her concern evident. “Nicole, you look thinner."

Nicole managed a weak smile. “Actually, I've put on a bit of weight compared to before."

The weight Nicole had gained under Roscoe's meticulous care had vanished due to recent stress and the strain of not seeing her child.

Raegan shook her head. "I can see there's something you need my help with. Just tell me."

After Nicole detailed Jarrod's plan to fight for Austin's custody, Raegan's anger boiled within her, her fists tightening. “Jarrod is a real monster! He has done nothing for your child, and now he just swoops in and wants to take the child away from you, denying you access. Who does he think he is?"

However, there was not much they could do. Jarrod held the paternity test, along with Nicole's previous medical records and details of Wesson's financial troubles, including Nicole's imprisonment after being wronged. Any of these factors could cost Nicole her custody rights.

Nicole's last hope lay in Jarrod's mental health issues. If it went to court, his condition could prevent him from being a sole caregiver.