Erick, with his towering frame and long strides, swiftly spotted the man still kneeling on the cobblestone ground.
He halted in front of Mitchel, extending a hand to help him up.
Though the murderous intent against Raegan had something to do with Mitchel, Erick knew Mitchel never wanted so, nor had Mitchel anticipated Raeganâs presence at the hotel at that time.
Considering how Mitchel had risked his life to save Raegan, Erick wouldnât make things overly difficult for him.
However, this didnât imply Erick had forgiven Mitchel.
Understanding anotherâs hardships was a challenge unless one had personally endured similar trials.
Erick himself couldnât comprehend the pain of having to push away the woman he loved due to circumstances.
Of course, he wouldnât go to the extent of endangering his own life either.
While Mitchel bore responsibility, his actions under life-threatening circumstances could be somewhat justifiable.
Yet, Erick felt it was too risky for Mitchel and Raegan to be together.
It was better for each to resolve their own issues and leave future matters to fate.
Mitchel declined Erickâs hand, opting to hoist himself up from the ground, albeit with difficulty.
He merely needed a moment to regain his composure before rising to his feet.
In Raeganâs presence, he refrained from using coercion to sway her decision.
His voice hoarse, he addressed Erick, âErick.
â
This tone gave Erick a pause before he responded, âItâs best for you to return.
â
Mitchel stayed silent.
Erick reasoned, âWhat can you achieve by staying here? Raegan was caught off guard and taken away by you within the mansion.
Do you truly believe you can get out?â
He reminded Mitchel of the unforgiving nature of this place, cautioning, âIn Aurora, you canât outmatch the Clifford family in a kidnapping.
â
Mitchel retorted, âItâs not that I canât outmatch them.
â
It was Raeganâs feelings Mitchel was uncertain of.
If her heart truly belonged to him, he believed he could safely navigate any peril to bring her back.
Erickâs expression soured slightly.
âIf you behave recklessly, I wonât be polite.
â
To Erick, Mitchel posed a greater threat than the individual responsible for Caseyâs disappearance.
Fearing Mitchelâs potential to lose control and whisk Raegan away, Erick issued a stern warning, âIâll arrange for someone to take you out, but if you come back here, Iâll leave it to the Clifford family to deal with, and I wonât be part of it.
â
Mitchel lowered his gaze.
âErick, thereâs no need for you to worry about me.
â
Erick fell silent.
Fearing Mitchel might exacerbate the situation, Erick felt compelled to be stern.
âIâm not sure whatâs on your mind right now, but if itâs because you love Raegan, then you should respect her choices, whether she decides to marry Stefan or be with you.
Weâve never meddled in her decisions.
Itâs always been Raeganâs choice.
I hope you wonât do anything that goes against her wishes.
You canât break up and then reconcile on your whim.
Have you thought about whether Raegan can handle it?â
Erick displayed a photo on his phone, stating, âTake a good look at how much she suffered after you regained consciousness.
â
The photo depicted Raeganâs emotional distress scores, nearing 26 on the HAMD scale, almost reaching severe depression levels.
Initially, Victor, concerned about Raeganâs persistent despondency and lack of interest, feared Raegan might jeopardize her health, so she alerted Erick.
Upon reviewing Raeganâs medical records, Erick discovered signs of depression.
However, Raegan kept it to herself, fearing others would fret.