The next morning, Old Ashley was pleased to learn that Deanna was going to pay respects to her daughter and helped prepare the necessary items.
The two little ones were disappointed they couldn't go along but didn't forget to ask Deanna to convey their messages to their grandmother.
"Mommy, tell Grandma that we'll visit her during our vacation."
"I'll bring her favorite sunflowers," Chloe chimed in.
Deanna nodded with a smile, promising to deliver their messages.
Later, after the family finished their meal and sent the children to school, Deanna and Lance headed to the cemetery.
Eula didn't join them for breakfast but was aware of what transpired at the table. She stood on the balcony, watching Deanna and the others leave, then turned back to her room to prepare for breakfast.
During this period, she deliberately reduced her appearances in front of Lance, fearing he might send her back to her country if he saw her. If she were sent back, she would be powerless to stop Lance and Deanna's wedding.
As Eula pondered various ways to prevent their marriage, her phone rang. It was Avery, her trusted confidant.
"Madam, we've identified the person you're looking for. She has an irreconcilable hatred for Deanna," Avery reported.
Eula was uninterested in the details. "Hatred is enough. Contact her. I can lend her my influence. She must get rid of Deanna. If she can't kill her, she must at least drive her away."
After a pause, she added, "Send over Duncan's recording. Make sure Lance doesn't suspect us."
"Rest assured, Madam. I know what to do," Avery replied, understanding Eula's intentions before hanging up.
Unaware of these machinations, Deanna arrived at her mother's grave and laid out the offerings prepared by her grandmother while chatting casually.
"Grandma knew I was coming to see you and prepared all your favorite dishes early this morning. Don't blame her for not visiting you herself. Since falling ill, her health hasn't been as good as before. Although she looks spirited every day, her body is weakening daily. The wind on this mountain is strong, and I'm afraid she'll catch a cold if she comes here. So I stopped her from coming. When the weather gets warmer, I'll bring her to see you."
"I also wanted to tell you that the Jones family is gone. Although I didn't do it myself, I had a part in it. It's like avenging you. It's their karma. You wouldn't believe it; Mia died at Garrett's hands, and Emily at Raphael's. They never imagined they'd die at the hands of their loved ones after scheming against us."
Deanna's face was full of irony as she spoke. Then she composed herself and smiled again. "Anyway, let's not talk about those unpleasant people. I have good news for you today. In less than a month, Lance and I will be married. If only you were here... But Grandma said she'd stand in for you at my wedding, so don't worry. I'll be very happy."
Seeing Deanna start to cry as she spoke, Lance could no longer remain silent. He walked over and held her in his arms.
"This is a happy occasion. Don't cry, or Mom will worry about you," he gently patted her back, comforting her with a soft voice.
Deanna nodded but couldn't stop her tears.
After a while, she finally calmed down and wiped away her tears as she stepped back from Lance's embrace. She noticed that his waist was wet from her tears and felt a bit embarrassed.
Lance also noticed the damp spot on his clothes and chuckled. "It's okay; it'll dry soon. Are you feeling better?"
Deanna felt warm inside at his concern. "Much better. Let's pack up and head down the mountain."
She smiled sweetly at Lance and began to gather their things.
But Lance stopped her. "Wait a moment; I have something to say to Mom too."
"What do you want to say?" Deanna asked in surprise, forgetting his choice of words.
Lance didn't answer her but turned seriously towards Olivia's tombstone and promised, "Mom, don't worry. On Deanna's wedding day, I'll bring her here so you can witness her happiness."
Hearing this, Deanna understood Lance's plan and couldn't help but cry again.
She felt incredibly grateful for Lance's kindness. After all, who visits a cemetery on their wedding day just to fulfill a wish?
On the way back, Deanna clung tightly to Lance, unable to calm her emotions.
"Thank you, Lance," she said, hugging his waist tightly. She had many things she wanted to say but didn't know how to express them, so she settled for the simplest words.