Ms. Craig mused, “The Dixon Group didn't need to say much, did they? Their actions are broadcasting their position loud and clear."

Confused, Raegan queried, “What did you mean?"

Ms. Craig, munching on some lettuce, responded casually, “I did some digging. Turns out, any company linked with the Dixon Group is hitting snags. Our private investigations reveal it's much like the issues 'Crescent' had at the start."

Raegan leaned in and asked softly, “Could you elaborate?"

Ms. Craig replied, “Actually, the postponed delivery of products from Crescent was no biggie for companies like us because our intent wasn't to make things difficult for Crescent in the first place. We were looking for solutions. Now, it seems the companies that were toughest on Crescent at the start are the ones that are stuck. They're completely immobilized and unable to do a thing."

In a hushed tone, Ms. Craig confided, "The word is the Dixon Group's making amends for Crescent. That's why you're seeing this shift."

Raegan felt a jumble of thoughts and abruptly rose. “Excuse me, I need to make a call.”

“Of course," Ms. Craig acknowledged.

Raegan found a secluded spot upstairs to dial Matteo.

“Miss Foster, what's going on?" Matteo usually addressed Raegan more causally, but this formal address hinted at another's influence.

Setting aside her sense of disappointment, Raegan said, “Matteo, I wanted to express my gratitude for the way you handled the repercussions of the recent theft incident in my studio."

Matteo responded quickly, "Miss Foster, I didn't do anything. Are you sure there's not some misunderstanding?"

Raegan pretended to be astonished. “Isn't it you behind it? My brother mentioned it's a Dixon-led move, which calmed my clients down. If it's not you, then who else could it be..." She trailed off, implying a name left unsaid.

Matteo's voice betrayed his anxiety. "It was me, all me. Miss Foster, please, let's keep this between us. I'd be in deep trouble if Mr. Dixon learned of this."

Matteo was adamant about keeping Mitchel's name clear of the issue, fearing any association. After all, Mitchel had instructed so.

Raegan's pursed her lips and said, "I understand, Matteo. You know me. Your secret's safe."

Matteo chuckled nervously and replied, “Thank goodness."

After ending the call, Raegan felt one thing was unmistakably clear.

The shift in demeanor in her clients had something to do with the Dixon Group. Her studio hadn't entangled itself financially or legally with the Dixon Group.

There was no other plausible explanation for the Dixon Group's involvement except if Mitchel was behind it. Did he really expect her to believe it was Matteo who had helped her out? As Mitchel's longstanding aide, Matteo could take care of small matters privately, but openly using the Dixon Group's resources for her was not within protocol.