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 heâd 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, âIâll pay you back once weâre off this mountain.
â
Mitchelâs outstretched hand paused midair, and in a frosty tone, he replied, âNo need.
â
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.
Mitchelâs 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.
Bryceâs disheveled blue hair made him look particularly ghastly.
Upon seeing Mitchel, Bryce pushed Eloise toward Mitchel with a sense of urgency, exclaiming, âMitchel, you are the one who is supposed to look after her.
â
If it werenât 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 Mitchelâs arm, Eloise pleaded in a sweet tone, âMitchel, Iâm tired.
Can you escort me back?â
Mitchel gave her a brief glance and offered, âIâll arrange a ride for you.
â
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Eloiseâs 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, Eloiseâs parents had implored Mitchel to at least consider Eloise a friend.
Eloise, stubborn as ever, wasnât quick to change her mind about adoring Mitchel and needed time to cool off.
Mitchel, for the sake of Eloiseâs parents, hadnât expelled Eloise but instead invited her to join the mountain trek.
Now, it seemed Mitchel was subtly declining Eloiseâs advances.
But Eloise refused to give up so easily, especially with the presence of Mitchelâs ex-wife who possibly waited for a moment alone with Mitchel.