Her smile pierced his heart like a sharp knife. It didn't hurt, but the taste was as bitter as gall.

Suddenly, he pulled her into his arms with some strength. His voice trembled when he said domineeringly, "You're not allowed to leave me."

Raegan struggled, but she couldn't break free. She was about to kick him when a gentle man's voice sounded behind her.

“Raegan..."

The voice distracted Mitchel. Raegan took advantage of this opportunity and broke free from his embrace. The person who came was Henley. Henley pulled Raegan behind him as if to protect her.

Mitchel's expression darkened in an instant.

Yet, Henley remained indifferent to Mitchel's growing anger. He scrutinized Raegan, asking with evident concern, "Are you okay?"

Raegan simply nodded.

Fury built up inside Mitchel to the brink of eruption, his longstanding resentment toward Henley mounting.

With his tongue pressed to his teeth, Mitchel hissed, “I've truly had it with you, Henley Brooks!"

Their eyes locked in a silent standoff, neither willing to back down.

"Mr. Dixon, you must be kidding."

While Mitchel seethed, Henley maintained his calm.

In an unaffected tone, Henley stated, "As adults, it's perfectly normal for Raegan and me to spend time together. Perhaps it's your conduct that requires scrutiny, Mr. Dixon. After all, it's clear Raegan doesn't enjoy your company."

Mitchel glossed over Henley's final remark, fixating instead on the implication that he and Raegan were a couple.

What did Henley mean by them spending time together?

Abruptly, Mitchel seized Henley's collar, teeth clenched, and spat out, "You think you're worthy?"

Raegan's expression shifted. Fearing Mitchel might strike Henley again, she reached out to intervene, snapping, “Mitchel, let him go."

Initially, Mitchel resisted releasing Henley, but the wariness in Raegan's gaze wounded him.

He relaxed his hold, retorting icily, "I've warned you. He's no good.