Erick then looked earnestly at Mitchel, his tone heavy with a mix of disappointment and resolve. "Mitchel, I think you're not capable of protecting her."

"I'm sorry," Mitchel sincerely apologized. He knew he was at fault.

If not for his oversight, Raegan would never have suffered such an ordeal. His self-disgust was so profound that he hoped Erick would hit him so he could feel some relief from his guilt.

At that moment, Matteo dropped to his knees with a heavy thud. He confessed to Erick, "This is on me, sir. I was the one who invited Miss Foster to come see Mr. Dixon."

Matteo was consumed by guilt. His actions had inadvertently led to Raegan being locked in Mitchel's office. He was the one who extended the invitation, but failed to make sure that she left safely. This was a clear neglect of his responsibilities.

Matteo thought to himself that even if Mitchel banished him to Tanzania for a decade, he would accept it.

Erick was fully aware of the whole story after investigation.

Initially, Raegan had reached out to Matteo, who then suggested she meet with Mitchel.

Erick was convinced that Raegan would have sought Mitchel out even without Matteo's suggestion. It wasn't Matteo who influenced her decision. She simply needed an excuse, and Matteo had unintentionally provided one.

Erick was a fair man. He placed the blame squarely on those at fault without misdirecting his anger. He helped Matteo to his feet and declared firmly, "Get up. This is mot your fault. Raegan chose to visit on her own."

Mitchel's face drained of color upon hearing this.

Erick looked at Mitchel and remarked, “Raegan isn't the type to be swayed easily by others. If she sought you out, it was because she couldn't let go."

Erick paused, and with a hint of disbelief, he added, "Mitchel, I refuse to believe you don't really understand her."

“If that's the case..." Erick was forthright. "You should keep your distance from her for now. Take some time to reflect until your thoughts are clear."

Honestly, Erick felt let down by Mitchel's actions. He had believed Mitchel was capable of protecting Raegan, but this serious blunder had happened.

As Erick turned to walk away, Mitchel abruptly seized his arm and said with a trembling voice, “Erick, I don't want to..."

Mitchel lowered his head, conceding defeat. Even if Raegan's feelings for him were merely out of pity, he was willing to accept them. He simply couldn't bear to be apart from her...

Erick glanced back, wanted to pull away but found himself unable to.

After all, Mitchel had risked his life by donating a significant amount of blood to Raegan for the sake of her well-being.

Yet, the thought of Raegan in pain was unbearable for Erick. He was deeply conflicted!