"Excellent. As long as we can verify Mr. Schultz's mental health condition, I'm confident we can win this case," Rhett assured her.

His impressive record at the Dixon Group was testimony to his capabilities. His decision to resign and study abroad was driven by a desire to enhance his skills and contribute more effectively to his country.

Nicole felt a surge of reassurance at Rhett's words, boosting her confidence.

The legal proceedings were slow to progress. By the time everything was set in motion, more than a month had elapsed.

During this time, Nicole's thoughts often drifted to Roscoe, wondering about his ongoing treatment.

One evening, after leaving a restaurant with Rhett, Nicole stood by the roadside waiting for her ride.

Suddenly, she noticed a familiar face. It was Doreen.

Nicole initially intended to ignore Doreen, but Doreen had already seen her.

"You're..." Doreen paused, trying to remember.

Nicole kept her eyes on her phone, waiting for her ride.

"You're the woman who used to follow around my uncle..." Doreen exclaimed loudly.

Her tone was sharp, especially with many people around at the restaurant's entrance. It seemed like she was hinting that Nicole was kept as a mistress.

As expected, the bystanders' glances at Nicole were filled with curiosity and scorn.

Doreen's intent was obvious. She despised Nicole and seized this moment to humiliate her.

Nicole responded firmly, "I have no relationship with Mr. Schultz, not now, not ever." If there was ever any relationship, it was only because they were Austin's biological parents.

"The official partner of Jarrod has always been from the Hampton family," Doreen sneered. “I'm just being polite by saying you followed after him. In reality, you were nothing more than his mistress."

Nicole's expression chilled instantly.

Doreen, seemingly oblivious, stared at Nicole's striking appearance and refused to ease her attack. "Don't parade as virtuous. You were nothing but my uncle's mistress, using your allure to gain the Lawrence family's favors. Unfortunately, they're too weak to be of any use..."

These words deeply wounded Nicole. She muttered in her heart, "If Doreen only knew the truth, she wouldn't dare speak such foolishness. It was Jarrod's unyielding demands that had truly undermined the Lawrence family."

Doreen misinterpreted Nicole's darken face as a sign of defeat, which only fueled her satisfaction. She crossed her arms and sneered, “Like father, like daughter. It seems your parents taught you Little about morality, which explains why you meddle in others’ relationships."