His gaze softened, the earlier coldness replaced by a concern that Raegan recognized and found comforting. It was sincere.

Feeling his genuine care, Raegan's racing heart began to calm.

Despite their history of unpleasant encounters, at this critical moment, those issues seemed insignificant. Right now, neither of them wanted to waste time explaining the complicated past.

"I..." Raegan started to reply, but her words were cut off by the chilling sound of a gun being cocked.

Both of them froze.

The man in black had stealthily approached, aiming the guns at the two and ordering, “Hands up! Don't move!"

Raegan tensely obeyed, lifting her hands. Mitchel did the same.

The man, still bitter about Raegan's earlier defensive actions, was intent on retribution. He targeted her specifically, ordering, “Let her come over here."

“No way!" Mitchel immediately protested.

Despite his raised hands, he stepped protectively in front of Raegan, asserting, "She's not going anywhere."

“You're courting death!" the man snapped, firing a shot in their direction.

“Watch out!" Raegan reacted swiftly, pulling Mitchel aside.

The two of them quickly rolled to the ground for cover. Mitchel swiftly pulled a smoke grenade from his gear and hurled it toward the elevator entrance.

Within moments, the area was enveloped in a dense cloud of smoke.

In the smoke screen, coughing could be heard. No one could see anything!

Two more gunshots pierced the haze as the man fired wildly, driven by desperation.

Mitchel had pulled Raegan into a tight embrace, finding a semblance of shelter in a corner.

As the smoke began to thin, Mitchel tapped Raegan's back and exchanged a look with her.

Mitchel then made a low crawl toward the man, swiftly grabbing the man's leg and executing a takedown.

The man hit the ground hard, his weapon clattering away from his grasp. A fierce hand-to-hand struggle ensued.