As he stepped into, he saw the chaos. Luciana, with tears streaming down her face, huddled by the bed. Alexis stood by and, for some reason, was averting his gaze from Luciana.

Mitchel's heart ached at the sight. Such a strong woman, now so vulnerable. He approached Luciana to comfort her while also casting a chilly glance at Alexis.

"You've just come back today. Shouldn't you be resting instead?"

His words hinted at Alexis being the cause of trouble.

Alexis' expression hardened, and he sneered, "I'm your father. Show some respect!"

"Then act like one," Mitchel shot back.

"Am I the one arguing? I haven't said anything. She's the one smashing things. I don't even want to be here!"

Luciana sprang to her feet and argued, "You think I enjoy talking to you? If not for Kyler, I'd have divorced you a long time ago!"

“Don't flatter yourself. I didn't come back for you," Alexis retorted, clearly annoyed.

He then gestured to Mitchel and added, “Come with me."

With that, Alexis headed to the study.

Once inside, Alexis flung a photograph at Mitchel and went straight to the point.

"You're divorced, I know. Tomorrow, I want you to meet Eloise, the only daughter of the Benton family."

“What do you mean?" Mitchel asked, puzzled.

Alexis looked at Mitchel sharply and replied, "What do I mean? You've been messing around for two years. It's time for you to settle down for a marriage of convenience."

"I decline a marriage of convenience," Mitchel stated firmly.

As if he had not heard what his son said, Alexis lit a cigar and pressed on, "The Benton family's new energy projects could boost our foreign market share by 70 percent. I'm quite pleased with it. The blind date is just a formality. You're marrying her whether you like it or not."

Mitchel walked to the window, flung it open to air out the cigar smoke, and replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Well, if you're so pleased about it, why don't you marry her yourself? Did any of your mistresses have actually benefited the Dixon family?

"You..." Alexis choked in anger and coughed violently. Once he recovered, he slammed his fist on the table and asserted, “Mitchel, this isn't up for discussion. If you refuse to comply, you're no longer part of this family."

Mitchel shot Alexis a steely gaze.