Mitchel had been contemplating this for a while.

Lauren broke into tears. She felt she was plummeting into an abyss.

“No, Mitchel! I can't live without you!" she shouted hysterically with tears all over her face.

"This isn't up for debate, Lauren." Mitchel lowered his head and added, "If you agree to Live in Swynborough, the business cooperation with the Murray Group will continue. But if you insist on staying in Ardlens, I'll sever all business ties."

Lauren felt trapped in a corner.

The choice was a no-brainer. Her family would force her to abide by Mitchel's terms.

"Why, Mitchel? Why are you doing this to me?" Lauren wailed.

"I asked you earlier if there's anything else you're not telling me,"

Mitchel said while looking straight into her eyes.

"Do you really think I haven't found out anything?"

Lauren's heart raced in sheer panic.

Mitchel found out what she had done? No, no fucking way! She had been so careful. Mitchel couldn't have found out. He must only be fishing for information right now.

At this moment, Lauren managed to cool herself down, shaking her head vehemently, and cried, “Mitchel, I never hide anything from you. You know me well. How could I ever lie to you? Why can't you trust me?"

As she remained in denial, Mitchel coldly retorted, "That time I came back from Tenassie, the director of the hospital that examined Raegan is an old friend of your father. And those anonymous photos I received... Want to know who sent those to me? Need I say more?"

Lauren went as white as a sheet. She never expected Mitchel would dig so deep. However, she could never admit it. If she did, that would be the end of everything.

With tears streaming down her face, she clung to Mitchel's arm and feigned innocence.

“I have no idea what you're talking about. None of this is my doing. You've got to trust me. I would never lie to you."

Mitchel pulled his arm back and backed away from her.

As he listened to Matteo report all of this, Mitchel felt his own disbelief was in no way less than Lauren's current expression.

Was this the same girl who had fought to save him years ago, lifted his spirits when they were stranded in the water, and urged him to keep going because the world was beautiful?