“Of course I was hurt," Raegan freely acknowledged. Even now, thinking back on those past few weeks when Mitchel was icy toward her, her heart still felt the pain.

But after Matteo explained everything, Raegan found it impossible to hold onto her anger. Understanding his poor health and the extent of his scheming against a large group, all just to make things easier for her. He even revoked the will and added more favorable conditions for her.

Mitchel's dealing with Alexis and Henley had all been about securing advantages for her and the children. He had even endangered himself to set up a trap to catch the notorious Lorenzo. The purpose behind his actions was unmistakable... It was all for her.

That time in the car, hearing the altered voice of Lorenzo, Raegan understood that until they caught this villain and held him accountable, she would never have a peaceful day. Lorenzo was a threat to many, and at any moment, he could target her.

Thus, Mitchel's final act was to try to capture Lorenzo himself. The reason he held a wedding with Katie was to catch Lorenzo off guard, making Lorenzo think she was no longer significant to Mitchel.

All of this was what Matteo had said to Raegan on the phone before, and by connecting the dots, Raegan was sure this was precisely Mitchel's plan.

Raegan looked up at the puzzled Henley and said, "Although I can't accept the methods he thought were in my best interest, I can understand them. He didn't selfishly manipulate me into choosing him by using love as moral blackmail. There are deeds he's done that I might never even learn about, yet he carried them out without wanting anything in return... What he wanted was merely my safety as well as my children's, to ease his own worries. Any one of the acts I've said is sufficient reason for me to do this."

In his final moments, as a man, Mitchel sacrificed his own well-being, pouring all his efforts into protecting the woman and child he cherished. Raegan was sure that he had fulfilled the roles of both a partner and a father. With his sickly body, he had already done enough. Now, it was her turn to act on his behalf.

Henley's face seemed as if it had turned to stone. At that moment, he felt like a misfit clown, trying too hard to fit into their world, only to be pushed aside.

He had never felt so keenly that he was on the verge of losing Raegan. No, it was more precise to say that he had never truly had what he was now about to lose.

His heart felt empty, filled with dissatisfaction, yet he had to accept it. The things she had mentioned, he truly appeared unable to accomplish. Because in his view, the concept of "selfless dedication" simply didn't exist.

Henley acknowledged that Raegan had a point. He was a refined egoist, and he only gave if the return was significant and enticing. In a situation where the effort outweighed the reward, he knew what to do.

Shrouded in darkness, Henley murmured, “Raegan, I truly wish for you to live."

With that, he turned away without hesitation, just as he had when his mother took her last breaths. Was he not fazed? He wasn't. Yet, he could suppress his feelings, a trait that set him apart.

Unseen by anyone, a tear from Henley's eyes fell silently onto the carpet.

Raegan regained her composure, her resolve hardened. Her hand, steady now, reached for the yellow fuse wire.

Inside the hall, Katie's wedding dress was marred with stains. Her overly thick makeup cracked, distorting her features. Usually meticulous, now she disregarded such concerns.

Having secured her safety from Lorenzo's threat, triumph lit her face.

Confronting Mitchel's intense gaze, Katie taunted, “Mitchel, are you worried now?"

Katie smirked, adding, “Ah, I wonder what Lorenzo will do to Raegan once he finds her. Oh..."