Raegan chuckled to herself quietly.
This wasnât her concern, after all.
Mitchel hadnât even bothered to say hello, and perhaps some questions were better left unanswered.
Maybe it was better if they remained strangers.
âMitchel.
â A womanâs slim arm linked with Mitchelâs.
âThe dishes are ready.
Letâs eat together.
â
The atmosphere froze for a moment.
Raeganâs steps halted abruptly.
Mitchel didnât particularly like the dishes in this restaurant, but here he was with Katie, likely creating fodder for tomorrowâs gossip columns with their public display of affection.
Katie sensed a coldness coming from Mitchel, chilling her to the bone, but she maintained her grip effortlessly.
She doubted Mitchel would reject her in Raeganâs presence.
As Katie expected, Mitchel didnât pull away.
Instead, he replied in an even tone, âAlright.
â
Mitchel then began to walk away.
Katie wasnât ready to let the moment end.
She paused, pretending to just notice Raegan nearby.
âMiss Foster?â Katieâs voice carried a tone of feigned surprise as she stepped forward.
âAre you dining here? Why not join us?â
Though Katieâs invitation was bubbly, Raegan wasnât deceived.
When latching onto Mitchelâs arm, Katie had spotted her already.
This invitation was clearly a show.
What really shocked Raegan was Katieâs current appearance.
Although not breathtaking, the previous Katie was far from plain.
Typically dressed in designer clothes, Katie usually presented herself as a refined and dignified socialite.
Now, it might have been her pregnancy, but her face looked pale and drawn.
Her makeup was peeling, unable to hide the dark spots underneath.
This was a sharp contrast to Katieâs flawless image that the news often showed.
She was likely enhanced because the Dixon Group, which first reported on her, would naturally want the CEOâs wife to look good.
Pregnancy really changed Katie.
Raegan wasnât interested in watching their affectionate display.
She responded indifferently, âThanks, but Iâm here with a friend.
â
The shock in Raeganâs eyes didnât escape Katieâs notice.
Her grip on Mitchelâs hand tightened without her realizing.
If looks could kill, Katieâs stare right then was lethal, particularly after she saw Raeganâs face, smooth and delicate Like a fragile eggshell.
Jealousy and resentment bubbled up from within Katie.
Why did her pregnancy have to make her look so unattractive? She cursed the baby inside her for draining her beauty.
Yet, here was Raegan, stunning as ever with eyes full of emotion, seemingly trying to charm on purpose.
Katie was fuming.
But Raegan didnât pay heed to Katie, oblivious to the latterâs vicious thoughts.
Seeing Mitchell not pushing Katie away, with their arms intertwined, Raegan felt a surge of nausea and disgust wash over her.
Erick had brought up the stagnant investigation into the kidnapping case involving Janey and Annis.
They had finally tracked down a thug linked to the kidnappers, but just as they were about to question the thug, a lawyer stepped in, and the thug disappeared.
They later found out the lawyer was connected to the Dixon Group.
Raegan had long harbored suspicions about Katieâs role in the kidnappings.
How else would Luciana have known where the kidnappers were? It had to be from the information Luciana got in return for meeting Katieâs demands.
Now, with Luciana being unavailable and the death of those kidnappers, the fact that the mastermind stood unharmed seemed to be solely due to Mitchel.
If he decided to shield someone, they were untouchable.
Feeling more and more uncomfortable, Raegan tried to leave but was halted by Katieâs extended hand.
âMiss Foster, about the dress you designed for me, I approved the draft earlier today.
Have you seen it?â
Raegan was taken aback by the abrupt change of topic.
Initially, Katieâs deposit appeared to be merely an attempt to embarrass her, and there hadnât been any follow-up or confirmation since then, leaving the issue hanging.
Now, intent on turning the embarrassment into reality, Katie wasnât letting it slide.
She purposefully said, âI got my wedding dress made last year.
Could you just make a couple of casual outfits for me to wear on the honeymoon, and maybe two suits for my husband too?â