Taking Katie's cue, Luciana said to Mitchel, "Mitchel, I want a word with you."

“Sure, go ahead," Mitchel said.

Luciana hesitated and suggested, "Perhaps Miss Foster wouldn't mind stepping outside for a moment?"

Raegan understood this meant they wanted to discuss something she shouldn't overhear.

Trying to seem generous yet with a challenging gaze, Katie said to Raegan, “Miss Foster, perhaps you'd enjoy a tour of the garden by the housekeeper. Flowers are blossoming. I think you'd really appreciate them."

Katie's voice was gentle, but her eyes were daring, her words having delivered the message that Raegan was merely an outsider in this household.

"That's kind of you to say so, Miss Glyn. Well, if anyone's going to show Raegan around, it ought to be me. I know this place better than anyone, after all," Mitchel stated, chuckling icily.

Mitchel's unwavering defense of Raegan was evident to all. Each utterance carried the weight of a relentless assault, leaving Katie reeling.

In a heartbeat, Katie's confidence shattered. She felt the sting of being labeled as an outsider from Mitchel's words.

Luciana promptly intervened, assuming the role of mediator. "Mitchel, what prompts you to say so? Katie treats me like her own mother, and this establishment is just like her home."

Katie's rigid countenance eased a bit at Luciana's words. With effort, she mustered a strained smile and offered, "Mitchel, I didn't mean anything..."

Mitchel remained resolute, showing no inclination to engage further.

Redirecting his attention to Luciana, he stated, “If you have something to say, speak up. There's no need to exclude Raegan."

His protective stance toward Raegan was unmistakable in his words.

Left with no alternative, Luciana voiced her concerns, "Mitchel, your decision to sever ties with the Glyn family has resulted in their stocks plummeting, practically pushing them toward bankruptcy. Isn't this excessive? Remember, Katie is carrying your child. Even if nothing else matters to you, think about the child in her belly..."

Mitchel's response was cold and decisive. "Mom, I have shown mercy for the sake of her father. Besides, considering Katie's collaboration with Alexis for personal gain, my Legal team could have pursued legal action against her."

Katie's complexion drained of color as she interjected, “Mitchel, you've misunderstood. It was Alexis who approached me first, claiming it was your intention. I've already explained this to your mom."

Luciana stood in defense of Katie. "Yeah. Mitchel, I can vouch for Katie's unwavering loyalty to you. Please, think about the child in her belly..."

“The child?" Mitchel's voice dripped with disdain. “I've repeated it endlessly. The child Katie purports to carry is not mine. You can't force me to recognize a child who is irrelevant to me."

“Mitchel, I'm carrying your child. That's the truth!" Katie's visage betrayed her anguish. “Regardless of your opinion, I will bring this child into the world. If you refuse to accept it, I will raise it alone!"