Left with no other options, Nicole called on Raegan for support.
At the cafe, Raegan held Nicoleâs hands, her concern evident.
âNicole, you look thinner.
â
Nicole managed a weak smile.
âActually, Iâve put on a bit of weight compared to before.
â
The weight Nicole had gained under Roscoeâs meticulous care had vanished due to recent stress and the strain of not seeing her child.
Raegan shook her head.
âI can see thereâs something you need my help with.
Just tell me.
â
After Nicole detailed Jarrodâs plan to fight for Austinâs custody, Raeganâs anger boiled within her, her fists tightening.
âJarrod is a real monster! He has done nothing for your child, and now he just swoops in and wants to take the child away from you, denying you access.
Who does he think he is?â
However, there was not much they could do.
Jarrod held the paternity test, along with Nicoleâs previous medical records and details of Wessonâs financial troubles, including Nicoleâs imprisonment after being wronged.
Any of these factors could cost Nicole her custody rights.
Nicoleâs last hope lay in Jarrodâs mental health issues.
If it went to court, his condition could prevent him from being a sole caregiver.
âI get it.
You need a lawyer, correct?â Raegan asked.
âExactly.
I need someone who wonât be intimidated by Jarrod and is experienced in custody cases.
â
âI know just the person.
â Raegan produced a contact, quickly explaining the situation.
The lawyer agreed without hesitation.
Nicole remained concerned, recalling how even the well-known, affluent lawyer she initially hired had eventually backed out.
Raegan reassured her, âIâve forwarded your details to him.
Heâll be ready to assist with the legal process by next week.
Donât worry about his qualifications.
He was formerly a legal advisor for the Dixon Group but left to study abroad for various reasons.
His expertise is beyond doubt.
â
Knowing that the lawyer was from the Dixon Groupâs undefeated legal team gave Nicole some comfort.
And with Raeganâs endorsement, it seemed unlikely he would be swayed by Jarrod.
Nicole gripped Raeganâs hand, expressing her gratitude, ââRaegan, I really appreciate your help with this.
â
Though Mitchel and Jarrod were once close friends, their professional paths had split years ago as they pursued different career paths.
However, in their personal lives, there were still some common threads between them.
When Mitchelâs previous legal counsel faced off against Jarrod in court, it was bound to affect their relationship in some way.
âDonât worry about it.
Austinâs my godson,â Raegan said earnestly, smiling at Nicole.
âMitchel values justice over personal relationships.
He probably wonât mind.
He might even try to talk some sense into Jarrod.
â
Nicole let out a breath of relief.
âThank you, Raegan.
â
Raegan gave Nicoleâs hand a comforting squeeze.
âDonât stress.
I sort of know Jarrod.
I definitely wouldnât want Austin in his care.
â
Soon after, the lawyer Raegan recommended get in touch with Nicole.
âMiss Lawrence, hello, Iâm Rhett Bates.
Please, just call me Rhett.
â
Rhett was straightforward and professional, avoiding the usual flattery like other lawyers.
He quickly got to the point.
âMiss Lawrence, Iâve reviewed your case thoroughly.
Right now, your only advantage is the childâs fatherâs mental health issue.
Without that, winning this case would be nearly impossible.
â