"I should go join Jessica to see how it's going," Hailey said, getting ready to stand up from Cole's lap.

"I appreciate your efforts, but I don't think it's going to be that easy," Cole replied.

Hailey frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Vanessa made a serious accusation against me—something the public is very curious about. I know they'll have to conduct a serious investigation. It would have been much easier if she were here to retract her statement."

"I gave her twelve hours," Hailey said, glancing at her wristwatch. "It's been over two hours, and she's not here yet."

"You didn't think she was going to come, right?"

"I put her in her place. I told her I'd expose her if she didn't come to rectify her wrong."

"I know her to be desperate and evil. She's worse than you think, Hailey. The last thing you should expect from Vanessa is turning herself in. She doesn't care if anyone threatens her. I've threatened her repeatedly to stay away from me, but she never does."

"She's strong-hearted and believes no one can bring her down."

"Well, she's wrong, because I'm not going to give up until she pays for everything she's done to us."

"But I really thought I would use all the evidence I have against her."

Cole sighed. He released a hand from her waist and intertwined his hand with hers. "I'm really grateful for your efforts, babe. There's nothing wrong with presenting the evidence you have against her, but that wouldn't help me. And the law would probably go easy on her because she's pregnant."

"Vanessa won't retract her words even if you promise to end her life. I bet she's waiting for me to apologize to her."

"Well, that's sad, because there's no way you're going anywhere near her." Hailey pouted.

A sad smile touched Cole's lips. He leaned closer and kissed her. "There's no way I'd be meeting her for anything."

"She wants to ruin us. I don't know what I've ever done to make her hate me."

"She was betrothed to marry you, but she ran away. You're mine now."

Cole smiled at her possessiveness. "You make me sound like property."

Hailey shrugged. "You're my property as much as I am yours. She just can't stand it."

"Don't worry about those thoughts. You're not the one with issues; she is. She's going to great lengths to destroy us, but the truth is she secretly admires you and wishes she had what you have."

"I don't know how long it will take, but I'll make sure she ends up where she deserves."

"Definitely, my love."

"Let me go check on them. I'll be right back."

Just before Hailey stood up, Cole cupped her face and kissed her softly.

"I love you," he whispered.

Hailey blushed and left the room. She adjusted her hair and approached Moore and Jessica. "What's going on?"

"It's tougher than we thought," Jessica answered.

"Cole's not going to be released?" The disappointment was evident in Hailey's voice and eyes.

"They have strong evidence: a video of Cole choking Vanessa."

"I can talk to them. I'll make them understand Cole isn't guilty. Vanessa caused it all. She provoked him."

"Apparently, Vanessa is the only one who can solve this by retracting her statement."

Hailey shook her head. "There's no way Cole or anyone else is going to seek her forgiveness. Cole did nothing wrong."

"Yes. Plus, I know Vanessa. She has a motive. Even if we sought forgiveness, she'd use it against us—demand Cole marry her and try to remove you."

"What else can we do? Should I do a public interview? Anything to raise awareness about Vanessa's lies?"

Jessica shook her head. "I understand you care about Cole, and this hurts you, but I don't think that's a good idea. It would put you out there, and who knows what Vanessa will do. Cole wouldn't let you do that either."

"Then what are we going to do?" Hailey sighed, fighting back tears.

"I've filed for his release; it can only be approved tomorrow. He'll be released tomorrow, but sadly, he has to spend the night here."

Hailey massaged her temples. "This is terrible. I never imagined today would end like this."

"I don't know how Vanessa can live with herself knowing she's ruined so much of my son's life. It's shocking she'd go to such lengths to make him hers," Moore said.

"It's sad, but we need to stay strong for Cole. He may seem calm, but it breaks his heart to be here. He's disappointed he can't be with his sons," Jessica said.

"Vanessa will get her due. Let's get Cole out first, then deal with Vanessa," Jessica added.

"Hi, babe," Debbie greeted Hailey.

Hailey nodded and went to the living room. Debbie locked the door and followed. Hailey dumped her bag and slumped onto the couch.

Debbie understood Hailey's foul mood. She sat beside her, took her hand, and squeezed it gently. "How did it go?"

Hailey burst into tears, pulled her hand away, and wiped her eyes. Debbie got tissues and wiped Hailey's face, then hugged her. Hailey sobbed, and Debbie caressed her back.

Finally, Hailey stopped crying. Debbie wiped her face.

"Sorry, I made a mess on your shirt," Hailey sniffled.

"It's just a shirt. Things didn't go well?" Debbie asked with concern.

Hailey shook her head.

"We did all we could, but Cole couldn't be released today. Jessica promised he'll be released tomorrow. It hurts to leave him there. I wanted to stay with him, but he was worried about the kids, and the police wouldn't let me stay."

"I know Cole's made mistakes, but he doesn't deserve this. He's a good man who wants to be with his family."

"I thought talking to Vanessa would make her retract her statement. I threatened to expose her, but it didn't work."

"Jessica said Vanessa either thinks I'm bluffing or she's relaxed because she's pregnant and thinks they won't do anything to her."

"I'm so sorry. You need to stay strong. Cole wouldn't want to see you like this."

Hailey's lips quivered. "It's hard. I miss him. We had plans for tonight. I was going to model new lingerie for him."

Debbie laughed. "So that's what you're thinking about? You miss having sex with him?"