Seeing no way out, Ruben dropped the business card dejectedly and followed Klein out.
Benson seethed with frustration, unable to contain himself any longer.
He stood abruptly, preparing to leave.
Across the room, Mitchel mirrored Bensonâs movement, approaching him steadily.
âI have other urgent matters to attend to, so I must bid you farewell,â Mitchel announced.
Bensonâs demeanor shifted as he noticed the shabbily dressed Amilia trailing behind Mitchel.
His initial warmth dissipated like smoke.
âVery well,â he responded curtly.
Since Mitchel had rebuffed Bensonâs intention of matching up with Raegan moments earlier, Bensonâs eagerness to engage with Mitchel had noticeably waned.
Bensonâs protective nature extended deeply to Raeganâs father, who was like a brother to him.
And Raegan held a place as precious as any family member to him.
Despite connecting with Mitchel at the art exhibition, Benson found it challenging to be cordial toward Mitchel, who had been dismissive of Raegan.
Ironically, Mitchel appeared oblivious, seated, and making no move to leave until now, further irritating Benson.
Initially, Benson held Mitchel in high regard for the latterâs charm and substantial wealth as well as capabilities, though whispers of Mitchelâs divorce had reached him.
Now, Benson had his reservation about Mitchelâs private life.
Amilia, the one Mitchel seemingly interested in, fell far short of Raeganâs caliber.
Exiting the parking lot, Raegan spotted her driver waiting patiently outside.
But as she opened the car door, a sudden wave of nausea overwhelmed her.
She couldnât hold it back and hurriedly dashed back to the restroom.
After relieving her stomach, Raegan quickly freshened up.
Looking into the mirror, she saw her face pale and drained from throwing up.
This pregnancy was vastly different from when Raegan carried Janey.
The sickness was severe this time, making it impossible for her to keep anything down.
Constant vomiting took a toll on her body, causing significant weight loss.
Annis, always attentive, had consulted a physician and crafted an herbal remedy that proved effective in easing Raeganâs relentless nausea.
Raegan kept the remedy close at hand, fearful that her pregnancy might be prematurely revealed if she couldnât control her nausea in public.
The mastermind behind Janey and Annisâ kidnapping was still at large, a looming threat that hung over their lives.
Raegan couldnât risk exposing her pregnancy, knowing it would put her and her loved ones in grave danger.
For the safety of Janey and her family, she had to remain vigilant and discreet.
Raegan recalled Janeyâs words urging her to tell Mitchel about her pregancy, but the thought felt lodged in her throat Like a fishbone.
If Mitchel discovered her pregnancy, he might insist on an abortion.
Until she knew where he stood, Raegan decided to keep her condition a secret.
Washing her hands, Raegan considered her options.
Today, she had not brought along her herbal remedy, so while she might still feel sick later, she was okay for now after emptying her stomach.
Thinking about the remedy, Raegan recalled the man who had just hugged her had a faint scent of herbal medicine on him.
That was how she deduced he wasnât Mitchel.
The manâs physique resembled Mitchelâs, but his body was cold.
From Raeganâs recollection, Mitchel was always warm, radiating heat regardless of the weather.
And the scent of cedarwood on his skin was etched in her memory.