Raegan was stunned, her mind reeling with astonishment. "You'd be willing to be the ‘other man'?"

Mitchel gazed deeply at her. “As long as you don't despise me, we can be together."

His heart raced with emotion as he spoke these words. Sweat dampened his palms, feeling as if he stood at a crossroads of being chosen for the first time in his life. He feared Raegan might reject him now.

But he was desperate to resolve this issue. Each crisis, that suffocating sensation akin to his heart halting, underscored the truth that life offered no promises of a "later," only the immediacy of the “now.”

Mitchel grasped a man was supposed to hold tightly to the one he treasured with actions. Never should he release his hold on the one he cherished, for it would only invite regret.

Raegan felt overwhelmed by these sentiments. She didn't comprehend why he was suddenly pouring out his feelings to her, catching her off guard.

Swiftly, she pulled the blanket over her head, muttering, "I'm a bit tired. Let's discuss this another time."

Despite knowing she was trying to evade the conversation, Mitchel felt helpless. His gaze dimmed as he softly uttered, "Get some good rest."

With that, he quietly closed the door behind him and departed.

Raegan lifted the blanket once she heard the door click shut, her gaze fixed on the stark white ceiling, lost in contemplation. She hadn't made up her mind about rekindling things with Mitchel.

Suddenly, a wave of fear surged within her, and she longed to flee.

The darkness of the prior night's solitude had resurrected that familiar sensation of abandonment. She was gripped by fear...

Raegan recuperated just in time for her babies' celebration.

Considering the imminent event, Erick contemplated involving Mitchel in the plan.

By then, when the times came, he would lead a team and break into Davey's villa, but he fretted over Raegan's safety at the celebration, uncertain if Stefan could adequately protect her. Having Mitchel for extra security would undoubtedly be advantageous.

However, Raegan hesitated. Mitchel's mobility issues could potentially complicate matters and raise Davey's suspicions.

Erick's apprehensions were not unfounded. The plan wasn't without its risks. Whether it was the attendees of the celebration or those tasked with sneaking into Davey's villa, the situation seemed fraught with uncertainty.

With time ticking away and insufficient time to coordinate personnel, the rescue for Casey couldn't wait. After all, Davey was scheduled to sign the company transfer contract the day after tomorrow. Once he departed, the chances of ascertaining Casey's whereabouts were slim.

Mitchel grasped the significance of the babies' celebration, as Erick had elucidated, aimed at aiding Stefan. According to an unspoken decree of the Clifford family, following the baby's celebration, Stefan would assume the formal role of independent household head and could relocate his registration from the family home.

Although Mitchel felt a pang of jealousy, he suppressed it, acknowledging that while Stefan held affections for Raegan, Stefan competed fairly without resorting to deceitful tactics. A truly commendable rival in love.