Mitchel meticulously orchestrated everything, timing his moves perfectly. When Lorenzo appeared at the International Banquet Center, Mitchel had called in the special forces, ready to assist in apprehending Lorenzo, even at the risk of his own life.

Yet, Lorenzo's resources and insanity was shocking, having managed to secretly plant explosives throughout the building.

Fortunately, Mitchel had foreseen this possibility. He had arranged for everyone in the building to be evacuated before Lorenzo's arrival.

Now, the building stood empty except for Mitchel and Katie.

Mitchel was prepared for the worst. If Lorenzo discovered the trap and attempted to escape, Mitchel was ready to confront him. They would both perish in the explosion.

"Mitchel, have you gone mad?" Katie exclaimed, her face turning deathly pale.

Katie pieced together Mitchel's plan and knew Lorenzo well enough to predict his reactions. If Lorenzo believed that Mitchel had harmed his beloved, he would see her as the next target, tortured her to death. By then, that madman wouldn't spare her, regardless of the truth.

Katie regretted the story she had fabricated in Lorenzo's presence, now exacerbated by Mitchel's ongoing declaration of their "romance."

Lorenzo would surely think she was the woman Mitchel loved. No explanation would change Lorenzo's mind, given his vindictive nature.

He was the type to err on the side of excess rather than risk a mistake.

After a torrent of emotions, Katie's expression settled into one that was as gray and lifeless as ashes.

Exhausted, Katie slumped against the wall, repeating under her breath, "Mitchel, you are absolutely insane!"

"Katie, this is the price you have to pay," Mitchel taunted her without mercy.

Katie felt as though her world had crumbled. Everything was finished, completely finished. She wasn't ready to die, yet the idea that she wouldn't be alone in death brought her a strange comfort. "Mitchel, do you really think you've won?"

Katie scoffed. "You haven't. You've shown everyone that I'm the woman you love most. You've completely shattered Raegan's heart!"

Her words transformed Mitchel's usually expressionless face into a frosty visage. His face turned stone-cold as he declared, "You might want to think about what's coming for you!"

“I don't care anymore," Katie said faintly. Just moments ago, she was trembling with fear. Her sudden shift in demeanor seemed fishy.

“Having you die with me makes it all less scary. Even if we die, being known as tragic lovers isn't the worst fate, is it?" Katie taunted.

Disgust washed over Mitchel, his lips curling in disdain. “Katie, who said I was letting you die?"

Confusion crossed Katie's face.