As soon as she said those words, Deanna regretted it. She had hit a sore spot, forgetting that the past was a wound in her master's heart.
"Um, Master, just pretend I didn't say anything. I'll go check on my friends."
She tried to laugh it off and cover up her previous words. At that moment, she heard her master chuckle softly. "Why are you running away? Do you think your master can't face the past?"
Deanna paused and turned to look at her master, who had a gentle expression on his face. She smiled foolishly. "It's just that I've never heard you mention the past."
"I don't talk about it because it's already in the past. There's nothing worth mentioning," Gunner said calmly.
Deanna couldn't help but be curious and moved closer. "So, Master, have you let it go?"
Seeing her inquisitive eyes, Gunner decided not to continue the conversation out of mischief. "Didn't you say you were going to see your friends? Why aren't you going?"
Deanna was at a loss for words and eventually left. Whether her master had truly let go or was just pretending to be magnanimous, as a disciple, she had no right to make him reopen old wounds to satisfy her curiosity.
A few minutes later, she returned to her small courtyard and heard lively sounds inside. The air was filled with the aroma of barbecue. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw people enjoying an outdoor barbecue.
"Smells so good."
"Mommy, you're back!"
Two little ones with greasy faces ran towards Deanna. Behind them, Julia was flipping skewers and called out, "Deanna, come try my cooking. I think I've improved a lot!"
Hearing this, Deanna followed the two little ones towards the group. "Samantha, Logan, Old Hughes, Old Walsh, Mr. Grant, I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up today. My master also apologizes for not being able to host you properly and has sent some exclusive tea from the Martinez family as a token of apology."
She greeted each person and handed over the gifts from her master. Her words made Samantha and the others feel very comfortable.
Samantha smiled and said, "We're all family; there's no need for apologies. Besides, we know you're busy. Tomorrow is your apprenticeship ceremony, and you have many guests to entertain today. We understand."
"Exactly, we're all family; no need for formalities," others chimed in.
Despite their reassurances, Deanna insisted on giving them the tea, saying it was her master's request.
After some small talk, Deanna joined the barbecue team. While helping with the grilling, she curiously asked, "What made you decide to have a barbecue?"
"It was my idea. I don't know why; I just suddenly craved it," Julia said, scratching her head sheepishly.
Hearing this, Deanna looked at her thoughtfully but decided it wasn't the right time to talk. She planned to give Julia a check-up later.
As the evening wore on and the elders had eaten their fill, they excused themselves, leaving the space for the younger ones.
With their departure, Julia let loose and sidled up to Deanna with a regretful expression. "I heard from Gregory and Chloe that you were amazing a few days ago and intimidated the rest of the Martinez family!"
"It wasn't that dramatic; I just had reason on my side," Deanna said with a smile.
Julia didn't mind and clung to her friend's arm playfully. "Regardless of whether it's exaggerated or not, you can't deny that you're now a big shot with an unknown net worth. From now on, you have to protect me and not let anyone bully me. I want to live off you."
"Pfft..."
Deanna couldn't help but laugh at her friend's antics. But she nodded and said, "Alright, you can live off me from now on."
"Hehe, I knew you were the best and loved me the most," Julia said excitedly as she hugged Deanna.
However, she didn't notice Lionel and Lance's strange expressions nearby. Especially Lance, who watched Julia clinging to his fiancee for too long with a dark expression. He stepped forward and pulled them apart, then stood beside Deanna possessively. "If you want to live off someone, find your man. No one else gets to live off Deanna but me!"
Julia was stunned for a moment but then burst into laughter. "Haha... Mr. Mercer, you're too cute! You're even jealous of this."
She laughed so hard she couldn't stand straight. The two little ones also covered their mouths and giggled.
Julia continued to tease Lance while laughing. "Deanna promised me just now, so your objection is invalid."
Lance was at a loss for words and looked at Deanna with a dark expression.
Deanna met his gaze and thought she saw a hint of grievance in his eyes. Suppressing her laughter, she said, "Ahem, I was just joking with Julia. She has Mr. Grant; she doesn't need me to support her."