Mitchel's embrace tightened, his voice rich and soothing, and said, “Just let me hold you for a bit.”

The tenderness in his tone was almost too much to bear. With her cheeks heating up, Raegan remained still.

"Raegan," he uttered her name, his tone filled with an unexpected melancholy. "I was somewhat upset today."

Raegan sensed Mitchel's irritation but couldn't pinpoint the cause.

She gently asked, "What's making you upset?"

Mitchel let out a laugh, a mix of amusement and frustration. She hadn't grasped the reason for his mood! He said, “You keep pulling away from me!"

Raegan grasped the situation a bit. “Is it because I returned the five million to you?"

"Yes. We were a couple, and I don't think you should return those five million to me. I willingly helped your uncle by giving him the money."

Hearing this, Raegan was at a loss for words.

Mitchel took a moment to gaze at Raegan, his feelings laid bare in his Look.

“I thought I could at least endure not seeing you until tomorrow.

Yet, even before the sunset, the longing is unbearable. I've hit my breaking point by making it to the end of the meeting. I'm far weaker than I ever admitted to myself." Mitchel's soft laughter betrayed a hint of self-deprecation.

Raegan felt her heart flutter at his admission. She was at a loss for words, unable to articulate the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

Confronted with Mitchel's mix of tenderness and assertiveness, Raegan found herself unsure of how to respond. After a brief pause, she finally said, "Thank you for everything tonight." Mitchel's intervention had led to his injury, making her gratitude feel Like the least she could offer.

Mitchel's sharp gaze softened as he looked down at her. “And how will you repay me?"

"What?"

Mitchel fixed her with a look full of emotion and said, "You just thanked me."

Feeling her heart race under his intense scrutiny, Raegan faltered.

“What are you suggesting?"

Mitchel gazed at her, his eyes burning with intensity.