Chapter 520
Chapter 520 Did You Just Show Concern For Me (Part One) Raegan's mind was in turmoil, her thoughts a chaotic whirl. Repeatedly, she reminded herself that Mitchel had his reasons, and she shouldn't overthink it before the fight had even started.® "Miss Foster," a woman called out, pulling Raegan back to the present.
It was the client Raegan was meant to meet, who had just happened to run into her right here.
Raegan forced a smile, though it was strained. "Ms. Craig." The woman, the head of the media department, was direct and easy for
Raegan to talk to.
Noticing Raegan's ashen complexion, Ms. Craig expressed her concern, "You're not moving. Are you feeling unwell?" Raegan hesitated. Even a stranger could tell she looked unwell. Surely, Mitchel would have noticed. It was hard to believe he hadn't.
Mitchel was usually so observant. He must have noticed how distressed she looked just now. His decision to disregard it must have been because he didn't want to express his concern.
Ms. Craig offered, "Maybe we should postpone our meeting? Would you like to visit a hospital first?" Snapping out of her daze, Raegan smiled weakly. "No, I'm okay. Let's continue."
Ba eT A SE SER LARD REA I GF SR RL "What should we have for lunch?" "Seafood stew," Raegan replied.
They arrived at a popular restaurant, which still had a line. It wasn't yet the busiest time, so the crowd was manageable.
When they reached the front, the waitress asked what they would like.
Raegan replied, "Seafood stew." She had been eager to try the seafood stew Katie claimed was delicious.
The waitress apologized, "I'm sorry, but we've run out of the seafood stew for today." Ms. Craig, always enthusiastic and thoughtful, noticed Raegan's disappointment and tried to uplift her spirits. She gestured toward a large pot being delivered to another table. "Do
you think those two can finish that entire pot on their own? Maybe we could ask them to share? We'll pay full price." Ms. Craig would not have made such a suggestion if the dish had not just been served, untouched.
Raegan looked over and to her surprise, it was Mitchel and Katie. She was stunned that he would dine with Katie.
As their eyes met, Katie glanced back.
She didn't need to say anything. Her presence next to Mitchel felt like a declaration of triumph.
Raegan felt her heart sink gradually.
Only last night, she was whispering self-encouragements to keep fighting.
Yet now, not even a full day later, her grip on hope was slipping.
Raegan stopped Ms. Craig with a shake of her head. "Let's not bother them. We can come back another time." Ms. Craig realized it was somewhat awkward to ask others to share their meal, so she dropped the idea.
They ordered some other dishes instead and began chatting.
Suddenly, a waitress arrived at Raegan's table with a steaming pot of seafood stew and smiled. "Ladies, this is from the lady over there. Please enjoy. It was portioned out before being served, so it's perfectly hygienic." Ms. Craig, taken aback, said, "Would you thank the lady for us?" The waitress nodded and moved away.
Unable to see Katie's face, Ms. Craig
turned around and smiled in gratitude, "People are kind these days, yet we shouldn't accept food from others so freely," Ms. Craig said, nudging the stew aside without wanting to seem dismissive.
Raegan gave the stew a try, spooning a taste into her mouth. The flavors burst, usually a sign of exquisite cooking, but all Raegan tasted was a bitterness. It didn't taste good, not good at all.
Raegan glanced up to see Katie's beaming face, which only added to her irritation.
Ms. Craig mused, "The Dixon Group didn't need to say much, did they? Their actions are broadcasting their position loud and clear." Confused, Raegan queried, "What did you mean?"
Ms. Craig, munching on some lettuce, responded casually, "I did some digging. Turns out, any company linked with the Dixon Group is hitting snags.
Our private investigations reveal it's much like the issues 'Crescent' had at the start." Raegan leaned in and asked softly, "Could you elaborate?" Ms. Craig replied, "Actually, the postponed delivery of products from Crescent was no biggie for companies like us because our intent wasn't to make things difficult for Crescent in the first place. We were looking for solutions. Now, it seems the companies that were toughest on Crescent at the start are the ones that are stuck. They're completely immobilized and unable to do a thing." In a hushed tone, Ms. Craig confided,
"The word is the Dixon Group's making amends for Crescent. That's why you're seeing this shift." Raegan felt a jumble of thoughts and abruptly rose. "Excuse me, I need to make a call." "Of course," Ms. Craig acknowledged. Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Raegan found a secluded spot upstairs to dial Matteo.
"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, Gi 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.