In the following days, as expected, Deanna was placed under house arrest. It was unclear what methods Dayton used, but Mr. and Mrs. Poole did not appear again.
Deanna considered escaping but dismissed the idea due to her physical condition. Meanwhile, Lance had no idea that Deanna was just 200 kilometers away in Sunhull.
He stayed by Old Ashley's bedside for three days until she finally woke up. The first thing Old Ashley did upon seeing Lance was to ask about Deanna's whereabouts. Lance, afraid of worsening her condition, lied and said there was news.
Despite this, Old Ashley could tell Lance wasn't telling the truth but pretended not to know and focused on her treatment. This brought a sense of relief to Lance, Logan, and Samantha.
One day, while Lance was with Old Ashley, Eula walked in with flowers for the patient. "Lance, Old Ashley," she greeted them with a smile.
Lance and Old Ashley's expressions changed instantly. The children also glared at Eula with hostility.
Although the adults never told them who had taken their mother, they had gathered from bits and pieces that it was likely this woman.
"Bad person, give me back my mommy!" Chloe shouted impulsively and charged at Eula. Lance tried to stop her but couldn't catch her in time.
Eula did not expect the little girl to attack her and stumbled backward, nearly falling. She quickly regained her balance, her eyes flashing with malice.
She wanted to throw the little brat out but restrained herself, knowing that any violent action in front of Lance would ruin her chances of ever marrying him.
Lance watched Eula closely, ready to intervene if she made a move. Fortunately, his concern proved unnecessary.
"Chloe, come back," Lance called sternly. Reluctantly, Chloe returned to his side. Lance pulled her close and said to Eula, "Chloe was just emotional. She's small and weak; she couldn't have hurt you."
His words seemed to defend Chloe without saying much. Eula felt aggrieved but had to endure it. "I'm fine. I understand their feelings. But Lance, didn't you tell them that their mother's disappearance has nothing to do with me?"
"I forgot; I've been busy since I got back," Lance replied nonchalantly before changing the subject. "Why are you here?"
Eula knew what he meant and smiled. "I'm planning to set up several branches in Chiaz and have submitted my proposal to the relevant departments. I'll be staying here for a while. I heard Deanna's grandmother was ill and thought I'd visit."
She turned to Old Ashley. "How are you feeling?"
"Not dead yet. You're not welcome here; please leave," Old Ashley responded coldly.
Eula's smile faltered. Before she could say anything, Lance stood up. "Since Grandma doesn't welcome you, you should go."
"Lance..." Eula looked at him pitifully.
Lance remained unmoved. "Don't make me call someone to escort you out."
With no other option, Eula left. After she was gone, Old Ashley asked Lance, "How can this woman still show up?"
"Mr. Martinez and I suspected she took Deanna but had no evidence, so we had to let her go for now," Lance explained.
Old Ashley couldn't help but worry. "And now? Still no evidence?"
"Daddy, we hate that woman," the children chimed in, tugging at Lance's clothes.
Lance patted their heads reassuringly. "Don't worry; I won't let her bother you again."
He narrowed his eyes dangerously, thinking it was time to take stronger action.
Meanwhile, Eula left the hospital in a foul mood. "That old hag dared to disrespect me! No wonder she's related to Deanna; they're both disgusting!"
Avery watched her fume and asked in confusion, "Master, if you knew they wouldn't welcome you, why did you go see them?"
Eula was stumped by the question. She couldn't very well say it was because she was stubborn.