And you should cease all contact with him."

Raegan bristled at Mitchel's authoritarian stance. To him, anyone he disliked was deemed no good.

She sneered, "Well, isn't that just perfect? You're the only virtuous soul on this planet, and the rest of us can't match."

Her sarcasm implied allegiance with Henley, casting Mitchel as the enemy.

Uncomfortably, Mitchel conceded, “Anyway, steer clear from this man.

Raegan, incensed, shot back, "Mr. Dixon, by what right do you dictate my life?"

"I'm Looking out for your own good," Mitchel insisted.

Her patience worn thin, Raegan countered, “How gracious. But perhaps, Mr. Dixon, you should tend to your own affairs?"

Their bickering escalated. To onlookers, they resembled a quarreling couple rather than two who had parted ways.

A chill flickered in Henley's gaze as he seized Raegan's wrist, stating firmly, “We're leaving, Raegan."

“Stay, Raegan," Mitchel intervened, clutching her other hand with an icy tone.

"Let me take you home. Ignore him."

Raegan decisively freed herself from Mitchel's grasp, replying simply, "No, thank you."

Mitchel's expression darkened at her swift rejection.

"Do you actually believe he's decent? Are you aware of his vileness?"

Before Raegan could respond, Henley interjected, "Mr. Dixon, any misunderstandings aside, I refrained from disclosing my feelings to Raegan while she was married. Now that she's single, I intend to pursue her."

Raegan stood, astounded by the revelation. Henley wanted to pursue her?

Mitchel's temper flared instantly.

“You want to pursue her? How dare you!"

Yet Henley remained unflustered, a smile playing on his lips “Pursuing someone as stunning and capable as Raegan is daunting, but.