"There's no need for such formality."

"What?" Raegan uttered in surprise.

On second thought, she realized it made sense. Perhaps her excessive formality made him feel odd.

Hector cast a quick glance at her and then added, “And about Mitchel and you..."

Upon hearing Mitchel's name, Raegan felt a sudden jolt.

“I have nothing to do with him," she asserted.

Seeing her reaction, Hector sensed her unresolved feelings toward Mitchel.

“I never said there was something."

The rest of the journey passed in silence.

Raegan gazed out at the stars. The moonlight cast half of her face in a pearly glow, making her look ethereal.

Hector caught a glimpse of her and, for a moment, thought he was looking at a painting.

The sight of her face stirred uncomfortable memories within him, which made him look away.

Upon reaching her destination, Raegan exited the car and offered Hector a polite thank you. She did not want to impose further.

A moment later, she noticed Hector was still there, looking at something from a distance.

Curious, she followed his gaze, and her mouth gaped at what she saw.

Ahead, a black Maybach sat at the community intersection. Its lights were off, resembling a dormant beast.

Mitchel leaned against the car. His long legs stretched out, and a cigarette was casually held between his fingers.

As Raegan stepped out, he straightened up and approached her. Dressed in a sleek grey suit, he looked dashing.

Raegan's heart raced. Although she had not done anything wrong, for some reason, she felt a twinge of guilt.

In the faint night light, Mitchel's face appeared ghostly as he walked over to her.