Close enough to see her own anxious face mirrored in Mitchel's eyes, Katie took in his increasingly frosty demeanor.

"It appears I might have to pick someone more compliant," Mitchel said.

"No!" Katie's plea was desperate. "Please, Mitchel, I'll do anything you say. I'll be completely compliant.”

"Then remember not to provoke her," Mitchel directed, eyes briefly dropping to Katie's rounded stomach with an unnerving intensity.

“Follow my instructions and the Dixon family will ensure the welfare of your unborn child."

"I understand, Mitchel. I promise I won't do it again." Katie resolved to stop aggravating Mitchel, fearing his further wrath.

Why was Katie so intent on having the Dixon family recognize her child? It was because she had bragged about it for so long. She could not stand the thought of humiliating herself. Regardless of the child's true parentage, if it were accepted into the Dixon family, her efforts would not have been wasted.

In Katie's view, Mitchel's use of her was a partnership from which both benefited.

Why was Katie still unharmed after orchestrating so much? It was because she managed everything meticulously, leaving no traces behind, including the incidents involving instigating Lauren as well as drugging and harming Luciana. What did it matter if others were suspicious of her? Who had proof that she was responsible?

Even if Luciana regained consciousness now, Katie was sure no evidence could tie her to the event. As long as there was no proof, she remained innocent. No one could bring her to justice.

After Mitchel departed, Katie nonchalantly dusted off her hands and resumed her haughty stance. Yet, as she walked, a sharp pain in her toes nearly made her shout in pain.

In the following two days, Raegan had nearly wrapped up her work.

With Mitchel's return, previously challenging situations were now easily handled.

Soon, Raegan caught wind of Luciana's having woken up. Though Luciana could not yet speak, regaining consciousness was a significant hurdle cleared.

Raegan wished to visit Luciana, but Mitchel had forbidden anyone from doing so.

Raegan chose not to make a fuss over this. Mitchel must have had his reasons for the restriction.

However, since their encounter at the restaurant, Raegan had heard nothing from Mitchel, leading her to believe it was time to act.

Now that Mitchel had made it clear he wanted to keep his distance, he was unlikely to reach out first. Raegan, however, did not wish to remain passive. After all, happiness had to be secured through effort.

Raegan was delighted to receive an invitation to a banquet where Mitchel was scheduled to attend as well.

Raegan intentionally selected a dress featuring lotus leaf accents, with the high-waisted design concealing her true waistline. In truth, her concerns were not needed as she was only in the early stages of pregnancy, and her belly remained flat and unnoticeable.