Mitchel loomed into view, tapping Eloise's back to wake her up.

But Eloise, disoriented from her abrupt awakening, lashed out with a slap across Raegan's face.

Eloise had hardly applied any force, yet Raegan's delicate skin couldn't withstand even that mild slap.

In the brief silence that followed, realization dawned upon Eloise.

Eloise observed Raegan's reddened cheek, then her own palm, and understood the cause.

Attracted by the noise, Bryce confronted Eloise with a fury akin to a lion's, “Eloise, have you lost your mind? How could you hit her like that?

Although Bryce bore no fondness for Raegan, he still defended Raegan.

After all, he was the one who brought Raegan here with him. If any reprimand was aimed at Raegan, it should come from him, not others.

Eloise had intended to apologize to Raegan. She was frank but never malicious.

But as soon as she heard those questioning from Bryce who was younger than her, she retorted immediately, "Why the outrage? It was unintentional."

"Then offer her your apologies," Bryce insisted.

Bryce's anger seemed to eclipse Eloise's, and he looked poised to force an apology by grabbing Eloise's collar.

Terrified, Eloise sought refuge behind Mitchel, clutching at Mitchel's garment in her anxiety.

Mitchel intercepted Bryce's hand with a scowl, his voice icy.

"Calm yourself. It was an accident."

Bryce winced at the pain in his hand, incredulous.

"Mitchel, you're taking her side?"

"Yes, is that an issue?"

Mitchel's gaze grew frostier.

"Are we proceeding with our hike or not?"