Bella lowered her eyes, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"So...," she began.
Samantha's face fell with regret.
She sighed and said, "Bella went out of her way to cook dinner for you, but you don't appreciate her kindness!"
Samantha had hoped to use this opportunity to foster some feelings between them.
But Lance remained unmoved.
His expression remained cold as he replied, "Next time, Miss Cody, there's no need to trouble yourself. I have a dedicated chef at home."
His implication was clear - she was not fit for cooking for him.
Instantly, Bella's expression darkened even more, crestfallen.
She squeezed her hands tightly, biting her lip.
Samantha, displeased, remarked, "What kind of words are these, my child!"
"Can't you see Bella came specifically to cook for you? Yet you say such things, really heartless! I don't even know who influenced you to speak like this."
With that, Samantha reached out and patted Bella's shoulder, consoling her.
"Bella, it's okay, don't take it to heart."
Bella nodded, forcing a smile.
"Samantha, I'm fine."
"Now that Lance has eaten, let's just leave it at that."
Samantha looked at her, increasingly satisfied, and said with a smile, "You are such a sensible child. If only Lance could be as sweet as you!"
Bella smiled and engaged in conversation with Samantha.
Though sitting together, their eyes occasionally glanced towards Lance.
Truth be told, Bella was feeling disappointed.
She believed she and Lance were perfectly matched, whether in appearance, family background, or ability. Without a doubt, she was the one most suitable for Lance.
Yet, no matter what she did, no matter how she tried, Lance didn't have feelings for her.
Thinking about it made her bitter inside.
"Bella, where was that shop your mom mentioned last time?"
Suddenly, Samantha's voice broke the silence again.
Bella chuckled lightly, "Samantha, it's on the north side of the city. Whenever you're free, I'll take you there myself."
"How nice! Bella, you're really kind."
"It's something I should do."
The two chatted happily with each other.
Not long after, Bella checked the time and bid farewell.
"Samantha, it's getting late now. Let's call it a day. I'll come visit you another time when I have the chance."
Seeing Bella's polite demeanor, Samantha grew even more satisfied.
She nodded, "Alright, take care on your way back."
She had intended to have Lance escort Bella, but one glance at her son's sour face made her change her mind instantly.
After Bella left, Samantha's expression darkened, looking rather unpleasant.
"What kind of girl do you like after all?"
"Are your standards too high? Bella is so outstanding, yet you ignore her like this, making her so embarrassed."
Lance's voice was cold as he focused on the documents in his hand, not lifting his head.
"If you know I'm not interested in her, then stop meddling."
"I did all this for your sake!"
"Over these years, I haven't seen you like anyone. I've helped you choose so many, yet you don't like any of them. Do you really want to focus on work and stay single forever?"
With that, Samantha became even more frustrated.
Lance raised his eyes, "Mom, don't bother with this. I have my own plans."
He rubbed his forehead and resumed his work.
"Mom, I still have work here. You should rest first."
Seeing this, Samantha could only give up in helplessness.
"Fine, I'll go. No matter how busy you are, you still need to take care of yourself."
With these words, she got up and left directly.
She understood her son's personality better than anyone else.
When Lance made up his mind about something, no one could change it.
With his mother gone, Lance finally found some peace.
He took the documents and headed to the study to continue working.
Time passed quickly, and it wasn't until midnight that Lance finally finished.
The sound of rain outside filled the room.
Lance drew the curtains and returned to his room to rest.
...
At three in the morning, the rain outside grew heavier.
Deanna was in a daze as she slept, turning over and feeling a burning sensation in her hand.
This scalding feeling instantly woke her up.
She looked up and saw Gregory beside her, his little face flushed.
Deanna got up, quickly reached out, and touched the boy's forehead.
Sure enough, he had a fever!
Deanna's heart skipped a beat as she glanced outside.
With such heavy rain, there was no way to go to the hospital.
She pursed her lips and pulled out the emergency fever-reducing medicine prepared at home, then carefully fed it to Gregory.
"Gregory, be good, take your medicine."
Gregory leaned against Deanna's chest, his temperature rising steadily.