It dawned on Nicole that Derek was out to kill her. She didn't see this coming. Based on her investigation, despite Derek's reputation among colleagues for cutting corners for personal gain, he was not known for serious wrongdoing, nor did he seem to have the courage for it.

She reasoned that even though her actions might have threatened his interests, the idea of him resorting to murder seemed too extreme.

This relentless pursuit likely stemmed from someone else's commands.

Could it be that Jarrod could no longer hold himself back and had decided to act drastically against her?

Suddenly, Nicole's phone rang. It was Raegan on the Line.

Nicole tried to ignore the call, but in her agitated state, she ended up answering.

Raegan's anxious voice pierced through. “Nicole, why didn't you tell me that bastard Jarrod is fighting against you over the custody of Austin?"

Earlier this day, Raegan had visited Rhett on a personal matter and accidentally discovered documents related to Jarrod's lawsuit. Rhett didn't stop her in time.

A single glance was all it took for Raegan to realize Jarrod was plotting to take Nicole's child legally.

Raegan had refrained from confronting Rhett, knowing Nicole had likely requested she not be informed, to spare her additional stress.

Raegan had never imagined Jarrod would brazenly attempt to take Nicole's child. Now that Nicole was in such a dire state, could he really strip her of any remaining hope?

Raegan erupted. "That scoundrel, I'll find him and give him a piece of my mind!"

Wrapped up in her rage, Raegan failed to grasp the urgency of Nicole's predicament.

Attempting to stay composed, Nicole responded, “I'm okay, Raegan. Don't go after him. It won't help. He won't listen to you. Please, don't get worked up over this."

"But I need to confront him, or I'll burst! It's been ages since I've encountered someone so vile!" Raegan insisted, resolved to face Jarrod.

Nicole felt a measure of comfort from her friend's fervor, thankful that Mitchel had shielded Raegan so effectively.

As the headlights of the pursuing car flashed in her rearview mirror, Nicole grew tense and quickly said, “Raegan, I can't talk right now. I have an urgent matter to handle. Let's talk tomorrow..."

Just as Nicole reached to hang up the phone, a loud crash echoed!

Derek's silver sedan collided with Nicole's car again, tearing the bumper clean off her car.

Nicole let out a scream, a noise that traveled straight to Raegan through the phone.