In the vast conference room, the senior executives of Mercer Group were seated.
When they saw Logan enter with Deanna, they exchanged glances.
Though puzzled, they greeted respectfully, "Good day, Chairman. Good day, Missus."
Logan scanned the room and spoke in a deep voice, "Since everyone here is already acquainted with Deanna, I won't introduce her. Deanna, please take that seat over there."
After he spoke, he pointed to an empty seat nearby.
Deanna nodded and walked towards the designated spot with her notebook in hand.
The executives speculated about Logan's arrangement, and their guess was soon confirmed.
Once Logan was seated, he got straight to the point, "Today's meeting is not only to assign some tasks but also to announce that starting today, Deanna will join the company and take over the project department. She will be responsible for all its planning. Does anyone have objections?"
This announcement led to exchanged looks among the attendees.
Some appeared displeased but remained silent.
They understood why the chairman made such a decision. Although the previous head of the project team had not been definitively found at fault, he was unreliable, and with recent leaks still unresolved, the chairman naturally couldn't trust this critical department to an outsider.
Deanna was different; as the Mercer family-approved missus, the chairman trusted her implicitly.
About an hour and a half later, the meeting concluded.
Deanna, with her notebook full of notes, prepared to leave the conference room with the others when Logan called out to her.
"Mr. Mercer, may I help you with anything?"
Deanna respectfully addressed him, clearly maintaining professionalism.
Seeing this, Logan grew even more satisfied and appreciative of her demeanor.
He softened his voice and advised, "You're parachuting in as head of the project department. Although no one voiced opposition just now, some are indeed unhappy and might cause trouble in your work. If you encounter any excessive difficulties or issues you can't handle, feel free to reach out to me."
"I understand, thank you, Mr. Mercer."
Deanna knew Logan did this to help her establish a firm footing quickly; she felt deeply moved.
Logan smiled and said, "You're here to look after the company for Lance. I can't let you be mistreated under my watch; otherwise, Lance would have endless issues with me when he returns. Now, head over to the project department."
With that, he gestured for Deanna to leave.
Thinking of the tasks awaiting her at the project department, Deanna nodded and exited the conference room.
The following day was hectic; she barely had a moment to rest.
As Logan predicted, her sudden appointment caused unrest within the project department, making many tasks challenging to initiate.
Consequently, on her first day at Mercer Group, Deanna had to stay late for overtime.
Hours passed in busyness.
By the time Deanna finished reviewing the last proposal on her desk and stretched, she realized she was the only one left in the planning department.
Glancing at her watch and seeing it was nearly midnight, she quickly packed up and left.
Once home, the house was quiet. Not wanting to disturb anyone, Deanna tiptoed back to her room and finally relaxed.
After resting for a while, she remembered she hadn't heard from Xavier all day and couldn't resist calling him.
"Missus, it's so late; haven't you rested yet?"
"I just got back from the company. What's been happening on your end? Has there been any word from Lance?"
Deanna asked with concern.
Xavier paused for a few seconds before replying in a low voice, "Mr. Mercer... there's still no news. However, Randall and I have decided not to limit our search near the international waters but to check nearby islands instead. Mr. Mercer might have drifted to a deserted island, which is why he can't contact us."
Hearing this, Deanna couldn't help but feel an unstoppable sense of loss and worry.
If it were as Xavier suggested, and Lance had been washed ashore on a deserted island, he would indeed be suffering.
Little did she know that her worries were unnecessary.
Lance had not only avoided being stranded on a deserted island but had already reunited with Xavier and Randall.
After reassuring his missus over the phone, Xavier returned to Lance's side with a hesitant expression.
He felt keeping this secret from the missus might lead to trouble.
Lance noticed his unease and frowned, "What's wrong? Did something happen with Deanna?"
"Missus is fine. It's just that I feel keeping this from Missus might upset her later," Xavier shared his concerns.
Before Xavier could continue, Randall interjected with displeasure, "Why should she be angry? Lance is doing all this for her. Besides, if Lance told her his plans, brainless as she is, she would have exposed our plan long ago. Then Lance would truly be in danger!"