Hearing Craig's questioning, Brent was about to respond when Craig's voice rang out again.
"I know, he must have turned Uncle Gunner's men against him and infiltrated the family, waiting for the right moment to act."
Brent looked speechlessly at Craig, who lay on the bed with a smug expression as if he had figured everything out.
Indeed, Craig was foolish beyond measure, no wonder Gunner had abandoned him.
Perhaps sensing the disdain in Brent's eyes, Brice frowned and scolded his son, "Shut up."
After speaking, he looked up at Brent and asked, "What do you mean by what you just said?"
"Just what it sounds like. Does Master Brice want to cooperate? I can make Deanna disappear and help your son gain the heir's position," Brent tempted Brice.
Brice was tempted but rational enough not to agree immediately.
After all, a lesson learned twenty years ago had taught him deeply. Brent had betrayed Gunner and the Martinez family. He wanted to scheme against Gunner but didn't want to risk the Martinez family.
Thinking this, he cautiously questioned, "And you? What are your conditions?"
As if anticipating Brice's distrust, Brent revealed his prepared excuse.
"My condition is that once you're in power, revoke my wanted notice."
The Martinez family's wanted notice was almost as powerful as an international one. If Brent hadn't prepared in advance, he would have been caught by Gunner long ago.
Brice was surprised by this. She looked at Brent with suspicion and asked again, "Your condition is that simple?"
"Yes, just that simple. If Master Brice doesn't believe me, there's nothing I can do," Brent said, spreading his hands and meeting her gaze calmly.
Brice thought deeply, feeling that Brent's motives couldn't be so simple.
Brent didn't mind his silence and suddenly chuckled, "I know you're very suspicious of me, but let me remind you of one thing. Once Master Craig 'wakes up,' you and Master Craig will be separated from the Martinez family. Although you will still be part of the family, you will have no connection with it."
"I agree!" Almost as soon as Brent finished speaking, Craig nodded in agreement to their deal.
He knew Brent must have other plans, but given his current disadvantageous situation, he had no choice but to agree.
Brice hadn't thought so far ahead. Seeing her son agree, she disapproved and shouted, "Craig, don't speak without understanding!"
"Dad, we have no choice now," Craig replied solemnly.
For the next three days, Deanna and her family of five followed Jagger around Mount Great, taking many photos.
On the fourth day, they ended their outing because Deanna needed to accompany Gunner in receiving guests who came to witness the ceremony.
These guests were families allied with the Martinez family, business partners, and senior management from affiliated companies. Gunner kept Deanna by his side to show his regard for her and to introduce her to these people, making it easier for her to take over the Martinez family in the future.
By the end of the day, Deanna's face was almost stiff from smiling. However, she gained a lot from it. At least she now had a general understanding of the Martinez family's external network.
After settling the last batch of guests, Gunner noticed Deanna's tired face and finally told her to rest.
"Alright, there are no more people left. Go rest and spend time with your friends and future parents-in-law. Especially your future parents-in-law. I've already asked Jagger to prepare gifts for them. Take them over so they won't be displeased that you didn't pick them up today."
"Thank you, Master. But Samantha and Logan aren't petty people. They won't mind it." Deanna said, defending Logan and Samantha despite knowing her master was looking out for her.
Gunner smiled at his gentle disciple and said, "They may not be petty people, but we must observe proper etiquette."
He paused for a second before changing the subject abruptly, "Do you know what the most difficult relationship in the world is?"
"Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law?" Deanna ventured cautiously.
She had seen this answer while browsing her phone earlier.
Seeing her uncertain expression, Gunner smiled and nodded. "It seems you know. The most difficult relationship is indeed between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Don't underestimate this matter. Sometimes mishandling it can bring crises to your family. Regardless of the other person's character, your attitude and manners must be impeccable. At least let them see your sincerity and feel comfortable. Remember, many conflicts arise from small issues."
"I understand," Deanna nodded earnestly before looking playfully at Gunner and teasingly asking, "Master, you know so much; did this relationship trouble you a lot back then?"