For the next two days, Deanna stayed in the study, memorizing the history and key figures of the Martinez family.
The two little ones knew their mommy was busy and sensibly did not disturb her, spending their days playing in the mountains with their grandmother.
During this time, many members of the Martinez family's extended branches came by, hoping to see Deanna and gather information. Unfortunately for them, Jagger kept them all at bay.
Jagger was John's adopted son, trained by Gunner to be an all-around butler. He was introduced to Deanna by John on her second day there, having been away on an errand the previous day.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Deanna had almost finished reading through the Martinez family materials.
On the fourth day, Gunner, who had been absent since their return, reappeared before Deanna.
"How have the past few days been? No one has bothered you, right?"
"They've been fine, no trouble at all," Deanna replied with a gentle smile. Noticing the fatigue on her master's face, she asked with concern, "Are you alright? You look very tired. Haven't you been resting well these past few days?"
Gunner waved her concern away. "I'm fine. Since you've gone through the materials, I'll start introducing you to the family stewards from tomorrow."
Deanna was momentarily at a loss for words. Over the past few days, she had sensed an urgency in her master about her taking over the Martinez family.
Frowning, she couldn't help but ask, "Master, is there something you're not telling me?"
"Why would you ask that?" Gunner looked up at her.
Deanna shared her thoughts. "I feel like you're in a hurry for me to take over the Martinez family. Given your age and energy, you could manage it for another decade or more."
Hearing this, Gunner raised an eyebrow. He deflected her question with a light-hearted response. "What, am I not allowed to retire early after working diligently for so long? Do I have to work until I'm old and frail before I can retire?"
"Uh... of course not," Deanna found herself unable to argue.
Gunner snorted lightly. "I think that's exactly what you mean."
Seeing her master seemingly upset, Deanna rubbed her nose awkwardly and then smiled sheepishly as she moved closer to massage his arm. "Master, don't be angry. I was just curious."
"What's there to be curious about? These responsibilities will eventually be yours. I'm just handing them over early so I can relax a bit sooner," Gunner said, pointing to his other arm. "Massage this side too."
Deanna quickly moved over and began massaging his other arm while nodding. "You're right, Master. I won't ask anymore. Let's get back to business."
Gunner finally looked satisfied. "That's more like it. Once you've met all the stewards, I'll gradually transfer authority to you. If you encounter any problems or have questions, you can always come to me."
"Yes, Master," Deanna replied obediently.
After discussing a few more matters, they each left the study to rest.
The next morning, after breakfast, Deanna began meeting the Martinez family stewards one by one under Gunner's arrangements.
News of this quickly spread throughout the Martinez family.
The main branch of the Martinez family was furious upon hearing this news.
"Uncle Gunner must be out of his mind! Does he really plan to hand over the Martinez family to someone without our bloodline? How can the Martinez family still be called the Martinez family after that?" Craig said, clenching his fists and pounding the table.
Brice's face was equally grim as he gritted his teeth. "No way! We need to confront Uncle Gunner now. We can't let him hand over the Martinez family to an outsider!"
He stood up to leave but paused as if he remembered something and instructed a servant nearby, "Bring Wilson here."
Soon, the three of them went to the main courtyard to seek an audience.
Both Gunner and Deanna knew why they were there. However, Gunner did not refuse to see them and had Jagger bring them in.
When Craig and his companions entered the study, they saw a Martinez family steward giving Deanna a work report.
Seeing this scene made their faces darken instantly.
"Gunner, even if you hate me, you shouldn't jeopardize the future of the Martinez family out of spite! How can you face your grandfather who entrusted you with the Martinez family?" Brice questioned angrily, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and resentment.
Unfortunately for him, Gunner was unmoved by his performance and watched him coldly.
Deanna couldn't help but wonder about the unresolved issues between her master and this elder of the Martinez family.
Sensing her curiosity, Gunner glanced at her and warned, "Don't be curious about things you shouldn't be!"