She brushed off her late-night culinary activity as a mere extension of her disrupted daily routine.

"I was caught up in a meeting earlier and couldn't chat much," Erick explained.

"It's alright. I understand," Raegan replied, diving straight into her concern. “Erick, do we have any family projects that could partner with the Dixon Group?"

Erick couldn't resist a playful jab. "Oh, this desperate to help Mitchel out? Seems I might need to return and realign your priorities."

"Erick!" Raegan's voice carried a mix of amusement and exasperation, familiar with Erick's teasing nature.

Raegan had opened up to Erick on the day she chose to mend fences with Mitchel, to which Erick had fiercely responded, "If he ever hurts you, I'll make sure he regrets it."

“Okay, okay, I see you've softened toward him," Erick said, feigning a wounded heart. "Oh, how my heart suffers."

"Enough, Erick. Are you going to be able to support him or not?"

Raegan pressed, eager to cut through his theatrics.

Erick's expression turned thoughtful. “I'm willing to lend a hand."

He had already mulled over Mitchel's predicament and found it suspicious. Mitchel's stature in the business realm was well-known.

Was it plausible for him to be undermined by a few past associates and newcomers? That concern lay outside Erick's immediate purview.

Nonetheless, wishing to alleviate Raegan's worries, Erick offered, “I'll have a talk with him to understand the situation better."

Curiosity also played a part in his decision. Erick was keen on observing Mitchel's countermeasures, possibly gleaning insights for his own knowledge.

“Thank you, Erick," Raegan responded, her smile lighting up the screen between them.

Erick, charmed by her expression, remarked, “You always look your best when you're smiling."

With the conversation concluded, Raegan turned her attention back to the kitchen, busying herself with the dishes.

Unnoticed by her, Mitchel had been quietly observing for a while. The warm glow of the kitchen light, Raegan's graceful figure moving about, and the inviting aroma of the porridge painted a serene picture. It was a welcome respite from the day's treacheries, so much so that Mitchel hesitated to disturb the calm, cherishing the silent, peaceful moment.

The day had unraveled with Alexis revealing his true nature, after years of scheming against Mitchel.

In a charged confrontation at the office this afternoon, where false paternal affections were brandished, Mitchel mockingly said to Alexis, "You can drop the act now."