Erick was pleased with the firmness in Mitchel's eyes, knowing Mitchel meant his words.

Erick had investigated Raegan and Mitchel's shared past, knowing most of the misunderstanding was Lauren's doing. Despite Mitchel's once being lenient toward Lauren out of the supposedly life-saving favor, he later realized his mistake and amended his wrongs by punishing Lauren.

Erick found Mitchel's actions of sending Lauren to a mental hospital and forcing the doctored drink down her throat satisfactory.

However, this didn't mean Erick had forgiven what pain and suffering Mitchel had unwittingly put Raegan through.

Had it not been for Mitchel being Janey's biological father, Erick would not have given Mitchel any chance to remedy at all. Thus, Erick had given Mitchel's character and feelings for Raegan a long-term test. He wouldn't be at ease until he was sure no harm would come Raegan's way.

With things to attend to, Erick had to leave. Still concerned, he asked Mitchel, "Is Lauren really dead?"

"I've asked someone to verify the body," Mitchel replied.

"Good. I'll be away on a business trip for half a month," Erick said.

"Understood." Mitchel nodded.

As the two men exchanged glances, Mitchel discerned Erick's silent request to watch over Raegan in his absence.

When Mitchel was about to leave, Erick suddenly stopped him. “Is Lauren from the Murray family of Swynborough, known for their chain hotels?"

"Yes. Erick, are you acquainted with the Murrays?"

“My father knows Mr. Murray," Erick replied. “You mentioned Miss Murray saved you. Can I ask what exactly she did for you?"

Instead of responding, Mitchel maintained a prolonged silence. His mind drifted to that fateful day. It seemed to be quite a coincidence since it happened on Lauren's birthday when she saved his life.

At that time, the Murray family held a birthday party for Lauren in Swynborough.

It was during the celebration when Mitchel accidentally walked into the storeroom of the villa and stumbled upon the disconcerting scene of his father having an affair with a maid. Catching them in the dirty act had filled him with disgust.

Walking away absent-minded, Mitchel had fallen into a frozen lake. It was Lauren who spotted him under the ice and smashed through it with a hammer to rescue him. He vividly remembered her words of encouragement in his ear, urging him not to give up and extending her hand to him.

Back then, Lauren exuded innocence, kindness, and charm. Mitchel could never have foreseen that Lauren would one day end up like this.

Even though Mitchel had granted Lauren numerous chances to redeem herself, Lauren chose again and again to inflict harm on others, ultimately harming herself.

Observing the pensive look on Mitchel's face, Erick sensed his reluctance to discuss the matter. His eyes abruptly turned cold. "Mr. Dixon, it's perfectly fine if you'd rather not delve into it. It's late now. Please head back."