Annis, always attentive, had consulted a physician and crafted an herbal remedy that proved effective in easing Raegan's relentless nausea.

Raegan kept the remedy close at hand, fearful that her pregnancy might be prematurely revealed if she couldn't control her nausea in public.

The mastermind behind Janey and Annis' kidnapping was still at large, a looming threat that hung over their lives. Raegan couldn't risk exposing her pregnancy, knowing it would put her and her loved ones in grave danger. For the safety of Janey and her family, she had to remain vigilant and discreet.

Raegan recalled Janey's words urging her to tell Mitchel about her pregancy, but the thought felt lodged in her throat Like a fishbone.

If Mitchel discovered her pregnancy, he might insist on an abortion.

Until she knew where he stood, Raegan decided to keep her condition a secret.

Washing her hands, Raegan considered her options. Today, she had not brought along her herbal remedy, so while she might still feel sick later, she was okay for now after emptying her stomach.

Thinking about the remedy, Raegan recalled the man who had just hugged her had a faint scent of herbal medicine on him. That was how she deduced he wasn't Mitchel.

The man's physique resembled Mitchel's, but his body was cold. From Raegan's recollection, Mitchel was always warm, radiating heat regardless of the weather. And the scent of cedarwood on his skin was etched in her memory.

The unsettling realization that a stranger had hugged her sparked a wave of nausea. As Raegan stepped out of the restroom, a familiar voice reached her ears.

"You fool, why did you have to touch that woman? Now you've entangled me in this predicament!" Ruben complained.

"How was I to anticipate her reaction?" Klein retorted. "She's divorced. Shouldn't she be eager for young men like us? Instead, she was rigid, nothing like a woman's caress. And she carries herself so arrogantly."

Raegan recognized the speakers as the two affluent sons Benson had just introduced her to.

"Who embraced me from behind just now?" Ruben questioned.

“What? Someone embraced you?" Klein raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, and I felt a circular pendant or something. It felt like it was pressing into me. It certainly didn't feel like a woman's touch. I wonder which man thought he could exploit me."

“A round necklace?" Klein's expression shifted, and he promptly embraced Ruben from behind.

"You pervert! What's this about? I prefer women!" Ruben exclaimed.

Klein remained composed and queried, "Like this?"

Ruben felt Klein's hug, sensing something oddly familiar.