“Here's a piece of advice. No amount of good looks will pave your way to business success. Better check that temper, or you'll frighten everyone off."

Mitchel's visage was frosty as snow, his gaze piercing her as though he might snap her neck at any moment.

Undaunted, Raegan tilted her chin up defiantly, meeting his stare.

It was a remarkable triumph for her to leave him at a loss for words, a feeling too grand for mere Language.

Their eyes locked in a silent confrontation.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, he offered a smile, opened the door, and left without a word.

Raegan exhaled in relief, sinking onto the toilet seat, her heart pounding wildly.

She had to admit, Mitchel still had an effect on her... It was all too close to a breakdown.

He was right. Her body didn't lie.

The fact that she was stirred by Mitchel yet again, barely a month after their split, was mortifying.

Could anyone else ever influence her this way?

It wasn't something she welcomed.

Though she might appear in control for the moment, infuriating Mitchel further could prove risky.

After a moment's reflection, she shook off these tumultuous thoughts.

Right now, her focus was to work diligently and earn more in the days ahead to settle her debts. Then, she would save money to study abroad.

That way, she'd distance herself from Mitchel for good.

As she rose, pondering her exit, Mitchel's suit jacket on the hook caught her eye.

It would serve well to cover her.

Disregarding her annoyance with him, she donned the jacket and exited the hall to hail a taxi.

Only when safely inside the vehicle did she call Henley, explaining she had to return early due to unforeseen circumstances.