Mitchel feared Raegan might take matters into her own hands if she didn't hear any updates regarding Nicole soon, adding to his concern.

Raegan burst into tears, her voice trembling with concern. "Nicole, could she... Could she be in danger?"

"Don't worry. I've informed Jarrod. I'm confident we'll locate her soon," Mitchel reassured her.

"What?" Raegan exclaimed in disbelief. "You informed Jarrod? He must be the murderer! Who else in Ardlens would have a motive to harm Nicole? When her father's company went under, she borrowed money to settle the employees. No one but Jarrod would hold a grudge against her. It must be him orchestrating this!"

"It's not him," Mitchel responded calmly. "Raegan, trust me. Nicole is the mother of his child. He wouldn't hurt her, and right now, he might be the only one who can find her."

Every passing minute heightened the danger. Mitchel chose not to share this with Raegan. He didn't want to exacerbate her anxiety.

“Do you truly believe Jarrod would view Austin as simply his child?"

Raegan questioned skeptically.

Jarrod had consistently demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice anything for his own gain, and given his history of extreme actions, Raegan doubted he would spare Nicole just because Nicole was Austin's mother.

“Raegan, trust me. I wouldn't make this assertion lightly. He wouldn't harm Austin or allow anyone to harm Nicole," Mitchel remarked.

There were numerous pieces of advice Mitchel could offer to Jarrod, but he recognized the limitations in directly intervening since Austin was Jarrod's child, and it wasn't his position to interfere.

However, Jarrod's recent inquiry about cardiologists for Austin's sake indicated he wasn't as indifferent as he appeared.

In fact, Jarrod and Mitchel's lack of interaction for an extended period stemmed from the close relationship between Nicole and Raegan.

Plus, their prolonged absence from each other's lives wasn't solely due to ideological disparities but also stemmed from Mitchel's dedication to his spouse and the care of his young children.

Sometimes, adults didn't need to vocalize everything. Maintaining a respectful distance could be the most dignified approach.

Mitchel believed Jarrod understood this unspoken understanding, which explained their lack of contact until now. Yet, Jarrod's inquiry for Austin's well-being suggested he still held his child in high regard.

Mitchel felt Raegan's fretfulness proved unnecessary.

"I've already arranged to fly back tonight. Matteo and his team are searching. Please, refrain from going out. Stay home and await updates. Wait for my return, alright?" Mitchel directed.

At that moment, Raegan felt helpless. While she had indeed contemplated venturing out to search for Nicole herself, she understood her abilities couldn't match those of Matteo's professional team. Venturing out might not only contribute to disorder but also divert resources if she encounters trouble. Thus, she resolved to follow Mitchel's counsel and await news at home.

"Your project is at a critical juncture. Won't your return affect it?"