Stefan's perception of Mitchel shifted. Considering that Mitchel was just trying to show his love for the children, it felt silly to dwell on his demeanor.

Plus, Mitchel's worries over Raegan's children made Stefan feel a tad uneasy and anxious.

Raegan felt upset, and she signaled for Stefan to leave with her.

Stefan understood that her gesture was meant for Mitchel to see, and after hesitating briefly, he took her hand. He gave Mitchel a nod, and then they began to walk away.

Mitchel appeared conflicted, his feelings mixed, and suddenly reached for Raegan's hand.

Raegan quickly pulled her hand away, causing him to stagger backward, unsteady on his feet.

With a slight frown, Raegan composed herself and stated firmly, “Mitchel, they are my children. Don't even think about taking them, or I'll disappear with the children somewhere you'll never find us.”

Mitchel stopped in his tracks. Raegan's declaration clearly had a powerful effect. "I didn't mean..." he began.

"You'd better not have," Raegan interrupted him, not wanting to argue more, throwing his own warning back at him.

This confrontation hit Mitchel deeply. He tightened his hand into a fist until his knuckles turned white.

Raegan didn't Linger to observe his reaction. She simply felt a tightness in her chest. It was no mere suspicion. Mitchel's behavior suggested he might be preparing for a custody battle. She said he could visit their children, but she never said yes to him taking the children away.

Without saying another word, Raegan turned and left, with Stefan behind her. Glancing back, Stefan noticed Mitchel kneeling to gather the fallen pieces of ice cream, carefully wrapping them in a handkerchief.

Even when a bodyguard offered assistance, Mitchel declined. He stayed kneeling, gazing at the dropped ice cream, lost in his thoughts for quite a while.

Back in the car, Raegan was still upset, her expression stern. She appeared visibly distressed.

Stefan drove quietly, allowing her some space to settle her thoughts.

After some time, Raegan broke the silence, asking, "Stefan, do you think he wants to take away my children?"

Raegan voiced this concern with a look of fear. If Mitchel intended to fight for custody later, she doubted her ability to prevail. The mere thought was excruciating.

"Why would you think that?" Stefan asked.

“I don't know." Raegan shook her head, her brow furrowed. “I just have this feeling he's trying to take my children.”

She then declared, "I won't let him take my children away."