Even though the child lacked certain organs, its features bore an eerie resemblance to the late Abel, intensifying Katie's disgust.

A resigned Katie lifted her hand, determined to hide the nightmarish child once more under the black cloth. She thought that if it wasn't seen, it was as good as not here.

Since Abel had been willing to sacrifice himself to protect this child, then Katie had no qualms about sending it to join Abel in the underworld. This way, they could stay together forever in the afterlife. A twisted logic settled in Katie's mind. She felt she had done a good deed.

Despite the child's worthlessness, Katie, ever the opportunist, was not about to abandon her investment. Any suffering she had endured would be reimbursed, with interest.

In Katie's mind, if she couldn't get her retribution now, she'd make sure the Maxwell family wiped out Raegan's entire family after the wedding. She wanted to see if Mitchel's feeble body could withstand the might of the illustrious Maxwell family, given his determination to protect Raegan. Sending Raegan into exile, did Mitchel truly believe that was enough to shield her from the consequences?

Ironically, the Maxwells held greater sway in foreign lands than in Ardlens. Katie assumed she could have Raegan minced into a million pieces with a mere snap of her fingers!

After returning from the hospital, Raegan immediately collapsed into a deep sleep, too exhausted to do anything but rest.

Erick, hearing of her ordeal, came to check on her, but seeing her asleep, he did not wish to wake her and instead took to the couch to wait. He slept peacefully until the early hours of the morning when she woke up.

Upon seeing Erick sleeping on the couch, Raegan carefully laid a blanket over him, stirring him from his slumber.

In a reflexive motion, Erick clasped Raegan's hand, exclaiming, “Raegan!" His eyes were full of worry and panic.

Raegan's comforting pat soothed Erick's worries like a cool breeze.

Only then did he fully wake up, relieved to see Raegan right before him. He couldn't help but scrutinize her, still a bit anxious, and asked, “Are you sure you're okay?"

Raegan nodded, assuring him, "I'm fine." A small but genuine smile graced her lips.

Erick's anger flared like a raging inferno at the thought of Katie's repeated schemes against Raegan. “I won't let her get away with this,” he vowed, his voice thick with resolve.

Raegan placed a comforting hand on Erick's shoulder. “Hey, please don't confront them. Ardlens isn't our turf, and it would be better to avoid conflict. Let's just go back home. Our dad is not getting any younger, and we certainly don't want him to be caught in the middle of this. Why don't we put an end to this?"

"Erick, we've been out too long. I want to go back to our dad,"

Raegan pleaded, her voice tinged with concern.

Erick affectionately ran his fingers through her hair, struck by her resilience and compassion, which reminded him of their mother. He'd promised to safeguard Raegan, always putting her wishes first. With a nod, he replied, “Okay, I'll listen to you."

The following day, Raegan took care of some pressing company affairs, fully aware of Mitchel's ultimatum.

Elin, Raegan's trusted friend, offered to handle the studio, granting Raegan to come back to her father's side without worries. Raegan gratefully accepted Elin's help.