Suddenly, Harold seized her hand, refusing to release his grip. With an impassive expression, he stared directly into her eyes and declared, "I can give you whatever he gives you, and even those he can't!"

In that moment, his wounded pride compelled him to rise above Waylen.

He even contemplated the notion that if Rena were to become his mistress, perhaps he would divorce Cecilia in a few years and marry her.

Rena's repulsion was palpable.

In a hushed tone, she warned, “Let go of me or I shall cry out for help! Surely you wouldn't want your engagement to be tarnished, would you?"