However, the intense contractions made it difficult to project her voice. Her neighbor, Victor, probably in a deep slumber at this hour, was unlikely to hear her faint calls.

For safety, Raegan crawled across the carpet. Fearful of standing and potentially falling, she remained low.

Upon reaching the door, she faced another challenge. She couldn't stand up. She knocked on the door.

She continued knocking, unsure if anyone could hear her. Slowly, the pain drained her energy. After lifting her hand for one final knock, she let it drop weakly and closed her eyes.

In the dead of night, the heavy oak door of the Clifford family's manor was rudely knocked.

After receiving a nod of approval from Erick, the servant cautiously opened the door.

Outside, the rain poured relentlessly, accompanied by harsh cold winds.

A figure cloaked in a black and gray wool overcoat limped into the foyer, leaning heavily on a black crutch, raindrops clinging to his form.

Erick, his gait hindered by an old injury, met the newcomer's gaze with a furrowed brow. “What brings you here at this late hour, Mitchel?"

"Is Raegan still awake?" Mitchel's voice was tense, betraying an underlying urgency.

Perplexed, Erick shook his head. “It's well past bedtime. She's likely retired for the night."

Mitchel's eyes narrowed. "Alone?"

Erick hesitated, momentarily caught off guard as he realized the situation. "Of course not," he assured, recovering quickly.

Even Hector was in the dark about Raegan's sham marriage. Naturally, the fewer the people knew about it, the better. Keeping the circle tight was crucial to preventing any potential fallout for the sake of Raegan's safety.

Mitchel's face darkened. "Would you mind checking on her?"

Erick's brow furrowed in disbelief. “At this hour? She's sound asleep. What could possibly be wrong?"

"I detected movement in her phone signal, but then it vanished."

“What phone signal?" Erick's eyes widened. “You've been monitoring her phone?" he exclaimed, a mix of shock and anger coloring his face.

Mitchel was quick to defend himself. "I'm merely ensuring her safety, especially in her delicate condition. I'm only tracking her location, nothing more."

"You had no right!" The admission only fueled Erick's anger. He couldn't believe it! How could Mitchel invade Raegan's privacy in such a manner? What ate him is that he didn't even notice when Mitchel did it.