Emily dragged her heavy body back to the Jones family.
She entered the house and collapsed on the sofa.
Tears streamed down uncontrollably.
"Emily, you're back? What's wrong with you?"
Mia heard the voice and came out of the kitchen.
Emily didn't say a word, her shoulders shaking heavily.
Mia heard her sobbing and guessed most of it.
Mia sighed, sat beside her, and patted her back.
"Is it something about work?"
Emily sat up, wiping away her tears.
She hadn't put on makeup, and her complexion was poor.
She wanted to say something, but choked up.
"I..."
Tears fell in strings, blocking her words.
Mia felt a pang of heartache and didn't mention her sadness anymore.
She hugged her daughter and comforted her softly, "Emily, everything will pass. Have something to eat. Mom made dishes that you love."
Emily shook her head, her voice nasal as she spoke.
"I can't eat."
How could she have the mood to eat now?
"You can't skip meals. Listen to Mom."
Mia's tone became more serious.
Emily pouted, intermittently saying, "All of my... TV resources, movie resources, and endorsements have been terminated repeatedly. If this continues, I'm finished!"
After saying that, she hugged Mia and burst into tears.
"What's wrong?"
Garrett heard her crying and came out of the bedroom.
Mia, feeling sorry for her daughter, quickly urged him to help her.
"Emily has lost many of her resources. Garrett, you must find a solution quickly!"
Only father, only father could save her now.
Emily wiped her tears, let go of Mia, and begged Garrett, "Dad, I'm begging you! No matter what, you have to make Deanna bury this matter."
Garrett sat down in silence, turned his head away, and sighed.
Mia helplessly looked at her daughter and said, "Emily, she won't help us. It's her, who made you like this."
Emily shook her head, tears in her eyes as she said, "The Mercer family's position can't be shaken by anyone. Deanna has the support of the Mercer Group, Mr. Mercer is doing this to me because of her. Only she can handle this matter."
Mia's face turned pale, her lips pressed together, full of worry.
How could Deanna possibly help Emily?
Garrett suddenly slapped his thigh, angrily cursing, "This wicked girl! Why did I have such a daughter?!"
Then he comforted Emily, "Don't worry, I'll handle this. I'll go see her later."
Emily nodded, and Mia touched her hair.
Meanwhile, Deanna was having dinner with Lance at the table.
There were five dishes and one soup on the table, very sumptuous.
Scotty's craftsmanship was excellent, coupled with Deanna's cooking skills, the dishes were delicious in color, fragrance, and taste.
Deanna and Lance sat facing each other, while Sam stood aside serving.
Sam brought out a bottle of brandy to pour for her.
"Dr. Deanna, let me fill your glass. This is a fine brandy, the young master's favorite."
Before pouring, she moved her glass aside.
She smiled and declined, "No need, Sam, I don't drink."
Sam chuckled, "Okay, then, young master, I'll pour for you."
Deanna instructed Lance, "With your condition, you should avoid alcohol. Drink less unless it's necessary."
Lance nodded, instructing Sam, "Sam, put the alcohol away."
Sam complied and took the alcohol away.
"Eat, don't be polite, eat whatever you like."
After Lance spoke, Deanna nodded and started to eat with her chopsticks.
Both of them were not very talkative, so the dinner table was quiet.
Deanna looked at the large and spacious house and hesitated for a moment before asking, "Mr. Mercer, where are your family members? Don't you live with your family?"
Lance nodded, his expression calm and serene.
"I moved out. My parents don't like me disturbing their two-person world."
She chuckled upon hearing that, finding it amusing.
She had heard that the chairman of the Mercer Group adored his wife, and it seemed true.
She smiled and said, "Then you must be quite lonely, just by yourself."
Thinking of him coming back alone to the empty house every evening, it seemed a bit desolate if she were him.
Lance, however, remained indifferent and replied, "It's fine, I'm used to it. I like the quiet."
She smirked, thinking it made sense.
With his personality, he indeed seemed to dislike noise.
"Your house is quite peaceful. Unlike mine, with two kids and two cats, it's always noisy."
She remarked casually while eating.
When she mentioned the two children, he inexplicably raised the corner of his mouth, speaking softly.
"Your twins are very likable. A little liveliness is not bad."
If it were that kind of liveliness, he didn't mind.
The two chatted until the meal was finished.
Deanna wiped her mouth and said goodbye, "Mr. Mercer, I've finished eating, I'll leave first."
With that, she stood up, picked up her bag, and was about to leave.
"Dr. Deanna, it's late. It's not safe for you to be alone. I'll have Xavier drive you."
Lance stood up and said to her.
She didn't refuse, thinking it was reasonable.
Before leaving, Lance gave her two boxes of pastries.
"These were made by Scotty, for the two little ones to enjoy."
She quickly declined, "Mr. Mercer, how can I accept this?"
But Lance insisted, his tone not allowing refusal, "These are for the kids. Take them."
She smiled helplessly and accepted.
"Thank you, Mr. Mercer."
Deanna got into Xavier's car.