Erick was Left momentarily speechless. After a few moments of silence, he nodded. “Return to the waiting room. Stefan's been trying to find you. I'll tell him to get someone to touch up your makeup."

"Alright," Raegan replied, lifting her dress as she headed back.

Victor had arrived early to fetch Raegan. Victor had been momentarily called away to oversee the preparation of the favors, leaving Raegan vulnerable to abduction.

Now, Victor trailed closely behind Raegan, not daring to stray.

Erick, with his towering frame and long strides, swiftly spotted the man still kneeling on the cobblestone ground. He halted in front of Mitchel, extending a hand to help him up.

Though the murderous intent against Raegan had something to do with Mitchel, Erick knew Mitchel never wanted so, nor had Mitchel anticipated Raegan's presence at the hotel at that time.

Considering how Mitchel had risked his life to save Raegan, Erick wouldn't make things overly difficult for him.

However, this didn't imply Erick had forgiven Mitchel. Understanding another's hardships was a challenge unless one had personally endured similar trials.

Erick himself couldn't comprehend the pain of having to push away the woman he loved due to circumstances. Of course, he wouldn't go to the extent of endangering his own life either.

While Mitchel bore responsibility, his actions under life-threatening circumstances could be somewhat justifiable.

Yet, Erick felt it was too risky for Mitchel and Raegan to be together. It was better for each to resolve their own issues and leave future matters to fate.

Mitchel declined Erick's hand, opting to hoist himself up from the ground, albeit with difficulty. He merely needed a moment to regain his composure before rising to his feet. In Raegan's presence, he refrained from using coercion to sway her decision. His voice hoarse, he addressed Erick, "Erick."

This tone gave Erick a pause before he responded, "It's best for you to return."

Mitchel stayed silent.

Erick reasoned, “What can you achieve by staying here? Raegan was caught off guard and taken away by you within the mansion. Do you truly believe you can get out?"

He reminded Mitchel of the unforgiving nature of this place, cautioning, "In Aurora, you can't outmatch the Clifford family in a kidnapping."

Mitchel retorted, "It's not that I can't outmatch them."

It was Raegan's feelings Mitchel was uncertain of. If her heart truly belonged to him, he believed he could safely navigate any peril to bring her back.

Erick's expression soured slightly. "If you behave recklessly, I won't be polite."

To Erick, Mitchel posed a greater threat than the individual responsible for Casey's disappearance.