Mitchel, visibly angry, pushed Erick away. "Do you think the Foster family can defeat me?"

“Perhaps the Foster family don't match the Dixon family's influence in Ardlens... But for Raegan, the Foster family will stand by her through thick and thin," Erick stated firmly, word by word.

Mitchel's gaze lingered on Raegan's receding figure.

At that moment, a profound void seemed to stretch between them.

The stark realization hit Mitchel that nothing in life was immutable.

Despite their past intimacy, there loomed a future where they might become strangers.

Right then, only the side profile of Raegan's face remained visible to Mitchel, a countenance he had yearned for day and night, now gradually slipping away from him. Eventually, her figure vanished entirely from his view.

Mitchel lowered his gaze, slipped his hand into the pocket of his trousers, and clenched his fist slightly. He silently vowed to himself that he would win her back, sooner or later.

The next day, Raegan returned from the studio and found Janey joyfully engrossed in play with Anabella.

Anabella wore a delighted expression, grinning from ear to ear. It was evident that she genuinely liked Janey.

Janey rushed over with a doll in her arms as Raegan approached.

“Mommy, look at this! These are the new dolls Anabella got for me.

There are twelve in total."

These new models of Barbie dolls wouldn't hit the market for another six months, a testament to Anabella's effort to please Janey.

With Janey in her arms, Raegan greeted Anabella graciously, "That's so kind of you, Anabella.”

Anabella stood up and handed Raegan an envelope with a bank card inside. She said gently, “Raegan, you look stunning. I could hardly recognize you."

Anabella liked Janey more with each passing glance, recognizing that Raegan's genes contributed to Janey's exceptional appearance.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Raegan put Janey down and attempted to return the envelope. "You don't have to do this, Anabella."

Anabella insisted, pushing the envelope back toward Raegan. "Don't be silly. This is just a gift for Janey. It's not a big deal."

“That's very generous of you, Anabella. Both Janey and I are truly flattered."