A sudden recollection struck Nicole. Roscoe had pledged to stand by her side during significant events. Yet here he was, a mere spectator on the opposing side of her struggle.

Nicole's heart ached with a pang of betrayal, yet she knew she had no right to blame Roscoe. He was innocent, enduring unjust treatment due to the conflict between her and Jarrod. It was her fault, entirely.

Nicole's look of anguish clouded Roscoe's features once more, a sight he had grown accustomed to over time. He couldn't comprehend why Nicole always regarded him with that mix of sorrow and empathy, as though she pitied him for some reason.

Standing by Roscoe's side, Doreen grew increasingly agitated, observing Nicole's deliberate disregard for her presence, which only stoked her fury. She had come to court today seeking entertainment, hoping to revel in Nicole's discomfort.

"Nicole, heard you've run off with Jarrod's child," Doreen jeered, unaware of Nicole and Roscoe's past elopement. Jarrod had enforced a strict code of silence, and gossip was unthinkable.

Logically speaking, Jarrod wouldn't want the woman who had left him to be with another man, so who would dare spread such rumors?

"You're quite the piece of work, cuckolding Jarrod!" Doreen delighted in Nicole's provoking Jarrod's wrath, relishing the prospect of Nicole's future misery.

With a sneer, Doreen continued, “You have no shame, daring to challenge Jarrod for custody. He could have had you and your lover killed together. Consider yourself lucky he showed you mercy. Shameless adulteress Like you deserves to be torn apart!"

Doreen spat out her words venomously, ensuring Roscoe heard every damning accusation against Nicole. To her, Nicole was nothing but a promiscuous harlot who had bedded countless men.

Outside the courthouse, a place always buzzing with conflict, many people walked by or paused to observe.

It wasn't rare for arguments with mistresses to happen, so nobody was really shocked.

“Nicole, if I were you, I'd play it smart by getting down on your knees and asking for forgiveness. Jarrod isn't too fond of that rebellious streak you have. I bet he's just as rude as you..."

Doreen kept talking, seemingly unable to hold back.

Suddenly, Nicole lifted her hand and slapped Doreen.

"Slap!" The crisp sound made Doreen's ear tingle painfully. It took her a moment to respond before she touched her numb face, shock evident on her features.

"You... You've lost your mind!" Doreen had never thought Nicole would actually strike her. She saw Nicole as frail and meek, someone easily intimidated, the type to yield under a man's pressure.

Doreen was sorely mistaken.

Nicole had always been resilient and determined, from her earlier days to the present. She would have crumbled under the pressure if she weren't emotionally strong. She refused to yield to Jarrod's plans.

From the start, Nicole was intent on proving Jarrod was wrong.

"Miss Schultz, that slap was payback for you," Nicole declared. "My child isn't unruly. If you have problems with the things between Jarrod and me, you should hear them from Jarrod before accusing me. I won't take your advice, but if there are any slaps..."