With resolve, Raegan unscrewed the cap, tilting her head back to drink without her lips grazing the bottle.

She dared only a few sips from the half-full bottle.

No sooner had Raegan set the bottle down than she noticed Mitchel, who returned and stood before her, eyes narrowed and arms folded.

His expression was like she was a pervert for taking the mineral water he'd been sipping.

A sudden coughing fit overtook Raegan, her cheeks flushing with red.

Mitchel extended a hand, prompting Raegan to clutch the bottle defensively to her chest, hastily asserting, "I'll pay you back once we're off this mountain."

Mitchel's outstretched hand paused midair, and in a frosty tone, he replied, "No need."

His darkening expression led Raegan to surmise he desired no further dealings with her.

The sentiment was mutual. Besides, to a CEO, one bottle of water was trivial.

Mitchel's gaze darkened as he watched Raegan cautiously stow away half a bottle of water in her bag.

The tension in the air was palpable when Bryce and Eloise approached.

Bryce's disheveled blue hair made him look particularly ghastly.

Upon seeing Mitchel, Bryce pushed Eloise toward Mitchel with a sense of urgency, exclaiming, “Mitchel, you are the one who is supposed to look after her."

If it weren't for Eloise who had clung to his arm and dragged him along, Bryce would have ascended earlier.

Eloise was disheartened. Had she known how exhausting the day would be, she would never have accompanied Mitchel here to take a trek.

Clinging to Mitchel's arm, Eloise pleaded in a sweet tone, "Mitchel, I'm tired. Can you escort me back?"

Mitchel gave her a brief glance and offered, "I'll arrange a ride for you."

Eloise's expression soured instantly, interpreting his words as an intention to send her back alone.

Previously, Mitchel had expressed a desire not to see her, which had left Eloise weeping all night, her eyes puffy with tears.

With no alternative, Eloise's parents had implored Mitchel to at least consider Eloise a friend.