When they got home, the two little ones couldn't wait to tell Old Ashley about their summer vacation plans. They also didn't forget to include Logan and Samantha. Deanna watched them and their grandmother's happy faces, feeling glad she hadn't stopped them earlier. Lance was there too, finding the scene incredibly heartwarming.
The family chatted and laughed all the way through dinner without a break. However, leisure time always seemed short-lived. The institute called as soon as they knew Deanna was back, summoning her immediately. Lionel's serious tone on the phone made Deanna prepare for the worst.
"I might not come back tonight. Please keep an eye on things at home," she said.
"Do you need me to bring you some supper?" Lance asked with concern. He knew that if Deanna had to rush to the institute at night, it must be something serious in her research, and he couldn't help much with that, so he offered support in other ways.
Deanna smiled warmly, "No need, the institute has a 24-hour cafeteria. If I get hungry, I'll ask my master to make me something." She reminded the two little ones to behave and let their grandmother rest early before heading to the institute.
The issue at the institute was indeed severe. The special medicine they were developing had mutated into a toxic substance during the research process. Since the research data had been translated by the institute, they had to find a solution together. The researchers had tried self-improvement, but the results were unsatisfactory. To save time, the leadership decided to have both sides work on the problem together.
In the lab, after hearing Lionel's explanation, Deanna frowned deeply. "Where are we in our research progress?" she asked Lionel, as she was not up-to-date after being away for a few days.
Lionel replied frankly, "Our progress is not as advanced as theirs; we've just completed the embryo of the fermented drug."
"Then let it ferment and compare the results with theirs. Also, let's set up another experiment table to improve on the issues they've encountered. Does this arrangement sound reasonable to you, Master?" Deanna finally looked at Gunner.
Gunner adjusted his glasses and said inscrutably, "I told you before, this institute is under your management now. You are the highest authority here; do as you see fit without considering me."
As he spoke, he seemed to recall something and his expression turned serious.
"Master, what's wrong?" Deanna immediately noticed his change in demeanor.
Gunner glanced at her and said, "There is something I didn't tell you because of the previous urgency and my lack of suspicion. The data for the special medicine was bought from Abla Institute at a high price. If following their data still results in toxicity, there might be an issue with the formula itself, and you'll need to figure it out on your own."
Hearing this, both Deanna and Lionel's expressions became grave. They knew very well that if the formula they had cracked was fake, all their previous efforts would be in vain. Worse still, it would give a bad impression to their superiors, making them seem extremely irresponsible.
Despite this, neither of them backed down. "Figuring it out ourselves is just a matter of spending more time and effort," they said in unison, their expressions resolute.
Gunner looked at them with satisfaction and smiled, "Since you are determined, then go for it. I will be here to help you."
Hearing this, Deanna and Lionel smiled lightly and then got into their work mode.
Meanwhile, Eula had been waiting outside all day and finally returned to the manor around midnight. She had known early on that Lance had brought Deanna back but held off to avoid Lance discovering she had people tracking their movements.
She also knew Deanna wouldn't be home tonight, which made her thoughts even harder to suppress. But reason told her it wasn't the right time yet. Even so, she wouldn't miss such a good opportunity.
About half an hour later, Eula appeared at the study door in a cool and seductive nightgown. Holding a bottle of red wine in one hand and two wine glasses in the other, she pushed open the ajar door with her foot and leaned against the door frame seductively. "I heard you were back. Want to have a drink with me?" she asked with a smile.
Lance looked over with dark eyes that were hard to read. After a few seconds, he didn't refuse and stood up. "Let's drink in the downstairs living room," he said.
"Actually, I prefer the garden," Eula raised an eyebrow and smiled, imagining how beautiful it would be under the moonlight.
Unfortunately, Lance didn't agree. "It's windy outside. I promised Deanna I'd take care of myself," he said.
Hearing this expected refusal, Eula pouted but eventually compromised.