"Release me!" Accustomed to throwing tantrums at Ardlens with no repercussions, Katie mistook the interference as another person she could intimidate.

She snapped, “Do you have any idea who I am? Trying to stop me.."

Her threat cut off mid-sentence as her gaze fell on the limited edition diamond watch clasping her wrist.

“Mitchel... In a fluster, Katie stammered, "I was just... The plant looked off. I was just about to fix it."

Mitchel remained silent, his grip on her wrist unyielding. The pressure from his fingers increased until a soft crack echoed.

"Ah!" Katie's cry of pain filled the air.

The potted plant tumbled from Katie's grip, crashing onto her foot with a resounding thud.

Instantly, a sharp pain surged up Katie's leg, causing her to break into a sweat and nearly scream in torment.

Yet, Mitchel's icy stare silenced Katie mid-cry. She even pressed her lips together to stifle any sounds that might draw unwanted attention.

With his attire a stark black, Mitchel loomed above her, his expression impassive and imposing.

Overcome with fear, Katie shivered, her words faltering. "Mitch... Mitchel... It was an accident.."

Mitchel descended the steps with an unhurried grace, his fingers delicately holding her hand aloft. "Katie, you have such soft hands.”

His tone was gentle, but his eyes conveyed a stern warning. He was capable of snapping her wrist without effort.

Teeth clacking in terror, Katie hurriedly said, “Mitchel, I was trying to help you."

With a slight lift of his eyebrows, Mitchel kept his silence.

Gathering courage, Katie asserted, “You're planning to distance yourself from that woman, aren't you? I could double your efforts, couldn't I?"

Mitchel's lips twitched into a subtle smile. "Is that stew you sent her part of your strategy to assist me?"

Katie pressed her lips together, her face the picture of distress.

“Yes, Mitchel, she's beyond shameless. I'm the only one who can really help you..."

She was cut off by the soft sound of his laughter. “Katie, you had a choice and you chose. It's on you."