After leaving the cemetery, Lance didn't take Deanna home immediately but instead went to the cinema.
"Why are we here?" Deanna asked, looking up at Lance in surprise.
Lance looked back at her gently and said, "It's been a long time since our last date. Gregory and Chloe aren't around today, so no one will disturb us. We can have a proper date."
With that, he took Deanna's hand and led her towards the entrance of the cinema.
Meanwhile, Avery was meeting with Bella.
Bella looked at the foreign man sitting across from her and frowned slightly. She spoke coldly, "Who are you working for?"
"Have you ever heard of the four hidden families?" Avery asked, deliberately misleading her.
Bella raised an eyebrow and replied playfully, "Of course I know about the hidden families. But as far as I know, a month ago, the four hidden families merged into one-the Martinez family."
Although the Cody family had been driven out of Cloudmere by Lance two years ago, its foundation, combined with Old Cody's return to manage the family and support from allied families, quickly restored it to a top-tier family within a year.
"Indeed, now only the Martinez family remains among the hidden families. But that doesn't mean the other families are willing to bow to them. Besides, if it weren't for Lance's interference, the outcome of this power struggle might have been different. So we share a common enemy. Miss Cody, are you interested in joining us against Lance?" Avery extended his invitation.
Bella was tempted by his words. She hated Lance and Deanna with a passion.
However, she remained cautious and didn't agree immediately. "Even if your three families have been taken down by the Martinez family and Lance, you're still more capable than I am. I don't understand why you want me to join you."
"It's simple. While we do have the ability to confront Lance and the Martinez family, they are also wary of us. If we act, the outcome might not be desirable. But Miss Cody, you're different. Lance isn't wary of you. By now, Lance has probably forgotten about you. With us distracting Lance and the Martinez family, it will be easy for you to target Deanna. Moreover..."
"Wait, did you just say you want me to target who?" Bella interrupted Avery in surprise upon hearing Deanna's name.
Avery smiled cunningly and replied, "Our plan is for Miss Cody to target Deanna. Lance cares deeply about her, and she is also the heir to the Martinez family. If something happens to her, it will throw Lance and the Martinez family into chaos, giving us our chance to strike."
"Can I kill Deanna?" Bella asked through gritted teeth.
If she hated Lance, her hatred for Deanna was even more intense.
Avery sensed the murderous intent emanating from Bella and nodded. "Of course. Deanna will be your captive. You can do whatever you want with her."
Hearing this, Bella immediately agreed to cooperate. "Fine, I'll help you capture Deanna. But I need manpower and a way to send Deanna abroad."
"Why send her abroad?" Avery asked instinctively.
Bella sneered, "That woman stole my man and got my family kicked out of Cloudmere. Just killing her would be too easy. I want her to suffer a fate worse than death. I've heard there's an underground trading city abroad. I want to send Deanna there."
It was said that this trading city was the dirtiest and darkest place in the world.
She wanted Deanna to suffer endless torment and humiliation there, making Lance feel unbearable pain!
Avery raised an eyebrow, surprised at how ruthless Bella was.
"In that case, I have something that might be useful to you," Avery said.
"What is it?" Bella asked eagerly.
Avery smiled faintly and explained, "Miss Cody, you may not know this, but Deanna is under my master's hypnosis. Only my master can break it. When my master sent me here, he gave me a command recording. With this command, you can make Deanna do anything."
"That's perfect! Do you have it with you now?" Bella asked excitedly, eager to get her hands on the recording and seek revenge on Deanna.
Seeing Bella's impatience, Avery apologized, "I don't have it with me right now. I'll prepare the manpower you need later and deliver both the recording and the people to you. Also, if you're planning to act, it's best to inform me in advance so I can coordinate and support your actions."