Chapter 1721: Chapter 1726

“Miss Foster, what’s going on?” Matteo usually addressed Raegan more causally, but this formal address hinted at another’s influence.

Setting aside her sense of disappointment, Raegan said, “Matteo, I wanted to express my gratitude for the way you handled the repercussions of the recent theft incident in my studio.

”

Matteo responded quickly, “Miss Foster, I didn’t do anything.

Are you sure there’s not some misunderstanding?”

Raegan pretended to be astonished.

“Isn’t it you behind it? My brother mentioned it’s a Dixon-led move, which calmed my clients down.

If it’s not you, then who else could it be…” She trailed off, implying a name left unsaid.

Matteo’s voice betrayed his anxiety.

“It was me, all me.

Miss Foster, please, let’s keep this between us.

I’d be in deep trouble if Mr.

Dixon learned of this.

”

Matteo was adamant about keeping Mitchel’s name clear of the issue, fearing any association.

After all, Mitchel had instructed so.

Raegan’s pursed her lips and said, “I understand, Matteo.

You know me.

Your secret’s safe.

”

Matteo chuckled nervously and replied, “Thank goodness.

”

After ending the call, Raegan felt one thing was unmistakably clear.

The shift in demeanor in her clients had something to do with the Dixon Group.

Her studio hadn’t entangled itself financially or legally with the Dixon Group.

There was no other plausible explanation for the Dixon Group’s involvement except if Mitchel was behind it.

Did he really expect her to believe it was Matteo who had helped her out? As Mitchel’s longstanding aide, Matteo could take care of small matters privately, but openly using the Dixon Group’s resources for her was not within protocol.

Such an oversight wouldn’t be expected from Matteo, nor was it something Raegan would take at face value.

The cause of the incident was nearly clear.

As Raegan collected herself, she turned to find Mitchel silently observing her from behind.

This unexpected sight made her jump.

Mitchel smirked and asked, “Thinking of jumping down from here?”

Raegan turned her head and noticed the balcony railing was under repair.

She had been so absorbed in her phone call that she had missed the warning signs and had wandered into a perilous spot.

A single misstep could have sent her plummeting from the mall’s sixth floor.

Yet, Mitchel dropped that comment and strolled off as if her safety meant nothing to him.

Raegan refused to accept that notion.

“Mitchel.

” She quickened her pace to catch up with him.

When Mitchel didn’t stop, Raegan extended her hand to stop him.

Sensing her movement, Mitchel dodged just in time, causing Raegan nearly lost her balance.

She managed to clutch onto a nearby pillar.

Raegan withdrew her hand and, facing his detached look, forced a small smile.

“Did you just show concern for me?”

Pointing at the compromised railing, she asked, “Were you worried I might fall?”

Mitchel shot Raegan a derisive look.

Before he could part his Lips to speak, Raegan placed her hand over his mouth.

“Don’t speak,” she insisted firmly.

“I know you still care about me.

With a blank stare, Mitchel asked, “Did you wash your hands?”

Raegan almost lost her cool at his words.