The men's jokes, fueled by alcohol, took a dive into coarseness.

Meanwhile, Raegan felt lost, unable to pinpoint who Mitchel was rebuking. Feeling out of place, she questioned the point of this squabble. Engaging in a spat with a woman and being perceived as envious by onlookers felt utterly foolish to her.

Raegan turned to Mitchel, her heart cooling. "Mitchel, are you ready to give up without any inquiry?"

Mitchel's expression grew stern, as if he couldn't tolerate her presence here anymore.

Raegan bit her lip, fighting back her tears. “Fine by me. If it's meant to be, it'll be. It's best we don't waste our time."

Mitchel's fists clenched, a surge of distress washing over him. Not to waste time? Was Raegan implying he shouldn't squander hers?

"And about Stefan, we're just acquaintances. Our meeting was coincidental, not what you might assume." Raegan's initial confidence had ebbed away, leaving her in doubt. She wondered if Mitchel cared about her explanation.

Despite her discomfort, Raegan felt compelled to clarify her intentions for being here. She wanted to end the confusion that had lingered over the past few days.

Having said her piece, Raegan turned briskly and exited, leaving a stunned Mitchel behind.

Mitchel blinked. What did Raegan just reveal? She and Stefan were simply friends? Indeed, just friends!

The woman heavily dolled up, sighed in relief as Raegan left. She acknowledged her inability to rival Raegan. She sauntered over to Mitchel, her tone dripping with flirtation, "Mr. Dixon, now that I've removed that nuisance for you, what's my prize?"

It wasn't uncommon for a man of Mitchel's means to be surrounded by a bevy of women. The woman knew too well that rich men were always after those young and naive girls. Once boredom set in, even the most stunning beauty lost her allure. Therefore, the woman's strategy was to be accommodating, skilled, and charming to keep a man's interest.

“Mr. Dixon, would you grace me with the pleasure of a drink together?"

The woman edged closer, her scent overpowering.

Mitchel's face turned icy, and he swiftly brushed the drink off her hand.

Caught off guard, the woman tripped and landed awkwardly on the floor.

Mitchel, towering and stern, cast a scornful glance over the crowd and stated firmly, "Just so we're clear, I was the one chasing her!

I pleaded for her company!"

His words echoed, laden with significance, stunning the onlookers, particularly Mr. Ortega, who regretted his actions deeply. He had never intended to cross the woman Mitchel favored!

Mr. Ortega, who had his own requests for Mitchel, now just hoped to avoid Mitchel's ire.