Lauren steadfastly refused to confess. In her mind, if she didn't acknowledge it, it had nothing to do with her.

Nicole, unwilling to waste more time, pocketed her recorder, giving Lauren a pointed Look.

"I'm not here to argue, but consider this a warning. If you torment my friend again, I'll ensure your spiteful words go viral. Everyone in Ardlens will hear this recording and know you as the shameless mistress. Prepare to be despised by everyone!"

“How dare you!" Lauren fumed. With tears in her eyes, she turned to Mitchel and pleaded, “Mitchel, she's defaming me. I can't let her take this recording away."

"Just admit you're scared. Stop playing the victim," Nicole retorted with a look of contempt.

"Stay away from Raegan and this recording won't see the light of day."

Nicole realized that, with the Dixon Group's influence, the recording might never go public even if she spent a fortune.

But just possessing it could serve as a deterrent, keeping Lauren from harassing Raegan.

"Don't worry. Raegan has no interest in Mitchel," Nicole added, her lips curling into a smile.

"A man who lets his wife lose their child to save his ex-girlfriend? Raegan will never want him back."

These words visibly unsettled Mitchel's previously indifferent demeanor.

Nicole felt a surge of satisfaction.

"You two go on. I hope you two assholes stay together forever."

With that, Nicole turned to leave.

Whether or not Mitchel believed her words was irrelevant. She had little expectation for a blind man to suddenly see the truth.

It was better if Lauren stuck to Mitchel, leaving Raegan in peace.

Before Nicole had taken more than a few steps, a chilling voice called out from behind her.

“Miss Lawrence." Mitchel's icy words followed.

“I expect you to act appropriately around Raegan. If not, I'll have Jarrod spend more time dealing with you Fury ignited within Nicole. Mitchel, so cunning, had pinpointed her vulnerability.

No wonder Mitchel and Jarrod were friends. They were all bastards.