Old Mercer saw that Deanna's expression had calmed down and nodded in satisfaction. He then swept his gaze authoritatively over the others present, not missing the discontent on some faces. He spoke coldly, "It seems everyone has seen that my granddaughter-in-law might have acted against the company's interests because she was manipulated. Of course, I'm not saying this to absolve her of responsibility. The two leaks have caused losses to everyone, and the Mercer family will take full responsibility, but!"
At this point, Old Mercer's tone shifted, and he became more incisive.
"However, if I find out who has been plotting against my daughter-in-law, the Mercer family will not let them off!"
Hearing Old Mercer defending her warmed Deanna's heart.
Yet, what worried and unsettled her more was how she had fallen victim and been hypnotized to act in such a manner.
She also wondered if Donald, who seemed very aware of her actions, knew something about it.
After the meeting, Deanna left with a belly full of doubts, accompanied by Old Mercer and Logan.
Donald stood in the background, watching the trio leave, his expression extremely grim.
He had not achieved his goal at today's board meeting.
He had intended to use the evidence he held to have Deanna punished and then use the situation to incite other directors that Lance was unfit to continue as president of the company, and if possible, he even wanted to force a change in the board.
Unexpectedly, Old Mercer took all the blame, leaving him no room to maneuver.
Deanna was oblivious to Donald's frustration.
Back in the office, Old Mercer looked at the silent pair beside him, especially Deanna who seemed very downcast, knowing she was probably blaming herself.
"Logan, although the company's losses were caused by Anna, you've seen her situation; she must have been set up," Old Mercer started without intending to soothe Deanna right away.
He knew well that the attitude of others was crucial in such situations.
Hearing this, Logan understood his intention and immediately responded before Old Mercer could finish, "Dad, I don't blame Deanna at all, and I believe she would never do anything to hurt Lance."
After speaking, Logan looked towards Deanna, who was visibly moved, and comforted her, "Don't overthink it. Both your grandfather and I believe in you. What's important now is your health. You'll go for a check-up with your grandfather soon. Don't worry about the company."
Hearing this and seeing the genuine lack of blame on Logan and Old Mercer's faces, Deanna felt a great relief inside.
"I will cooperate with the doctor during the examination," she nodded.
Soon after, she left the company with Old Mercer.
Unbeknownst to her, just as she left, news about her leaking secrets of the Mercer Group surfaced online.
Netizens were stunned.
"Wow, I remember Deanna and the heir of the Mercer family just got engaged less than half a year ago?"
"It really seems like dramas are inspired by real life; this twist! I bet that Deanna's engagement to the heir of the Mercer family was actually a revenge plot."
"Revenge? Haha, if you ask me, Deanna really doesn't know how good she has it. She's already had two children with the heir of the Mercer family who has acknowledged her status. What more could she be dissatisfied with?"
The unfriendly online comments about Deanna worried her friends Julia and Landon when they saw them.
Deanna also found out about the online incident through calls from these two friends.
However, she wasn't panicked or scared; instead, she felt an expected sense of realization.
She reassured her friends and then saw Old Mercer angrily hanging up a phone call, knowing he must have learned about the online situation too.
Just as she was about to persuade Old Mercer not to be angry, he spoke first to comfort her: "Anna, Logan and I both believe in you. As for others, you don't need to worry about them, understand?"
"I understand."
Deanna obediently nodded.
Old Mercer saw this and nodded in satisfaction, then tried to ease her nerves further.
Shortly after, their car stopped on a familiar street.
Deanna looked out in surprise at Hughes Pharmacy; she hadn't expected Old Mercer to bring her here for a check-up.
Old Mercer noticed her surprised expression and explained gently. "Old Hughes has been treating Lance for a while. His medical skills are the best in all of Cloudmere. Plus, since you know him, I thought you wouldn't be too nervous coming here."
"Thank you, Gramp," Deanna gratefully responded.
Old Mercer said nothing more but gestured for her to follow him out of the car.
At that moment, Old Hughes received a message and came out of his clinic.
Seeing the two getting out of the car, he expressed his surprise: "Old Mercer, Anna, what brings you here at this time?"
"It's a bit complicated; I'll explain once we're inside," Old Mercer replied and led the way into the clinic.
Old Hughes and Deanna quickly followed.