"I'll eat," she declared. Gripping her fork tightly, she began stuffing her mouth with the broth-soaked vegetables and meat, eager to finish quickly and get away. Mitchel's domineering presence almost suffocated her.

Halfway through the meal, Mitchel's voice cut through the tension.

“Don't worry about the dress. It's already taken care of."

At his words, Katie choked, coughing violently. The red broth smeared her lips, blending with her sweat-damp makeup, leaving her looking dreadful.

At that moment, Katie wasn't concerned about the dress. She just hoped nothing would go wrong before the wedding. She grumbled under her breath, "Damn you, Raegan! I'll handle you after the wedding."

To Katie, ending someone's life, whether they were marked or not, made no difference. Furthermore, their agreement on removing Raegan from the hit list was only effective overseas. Raegan was now in Ardlens. When she decided she wanted Raegan gone, she wouldn't hesitate!

“Okay, I got it," Katie conceded, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Meanwhile, Raegan and Elin had just finished their meal.

The earlier incident had dampened Raegan's appetite, but she managed to eat something.

At the door, they noticed a discreet black SUV pull up. The driver got out, and to their surprise, it was Stefan, whom they hadn't seen for some time.

Raegan was shocked. "Stefan, what are you doing here?"

Stefan came over with a friendly smile. "I just got back from Aurora last night. Erick sent me to drive you home," he said in a playful tone.

Raegan understood that Stefan's relationship with Erick wasn't based on orders, but on mutual respect. That was why he cared so much for her.

Elin, overhearing this, tensed up, wishing she had offered to drive Raegan home instead.

Then, Stefan turned to Elin and said kindly, "Elin, Erick mentioned you haven't responded to his message. He wants to speak with you."

Elin's cheeks turned red at once. Erick was always so infuriating.

The way Stefan looked at her made it clear he thought there was something between her and Erick.

Raegan raised an eyebrow at this news. Seeing Elin's reluctance, she tried to Lighten the mood. “It's so late. What could Erick possibly want to discuss with Elin at this hour?"

"I'm not sure," Stefan replied.

Turning back to Elin, who had regained her composure, Raegan asked, "What's going on?"