"Miss Kamila?"
Jack noticed Deanna standing still, her brows furrowed, and hesitantly called out to her.
He wondered if Miss Deanna had triggered some memory upon seeing the study.
Deanna was unaware of this. Hearing Jack's call, she snapped back to reality and apologized, "I was lost in thought just now. Did you say something, Jack?"
"I didn't say much. I was just worried when I saw you standing still."
Jack shook his head and explained, then curiously asked, "What were you thinking about, Miss Kamila?"
"I was wondering how to turn on this computer. Do you know how to, Jack?"
Deanna didn't tell the truth and pointed at the gaming chair in front of her.
Jack noticed her evasion but didn't expose it. He replied, "According to Mr. Poole, this computer is different from the ones we usually use. I've seen Mr. Poole use it, but I don't know how he turns it on. Maybe you should call Mr. Poole and ask?"
Hearing this, Deanna dismissed the idea of going online. Dayton had warned her not to use the computer before he left, and she doubted he would agree if she called him now.
Seeing this, Jack subtly smirked. Yes, he had deliberately shifted the responsibility to Dayton.
Unaware of this, Deanna sent Jack away and picked up a novel, settling into the chaise lounge in the study to read.
While she was leisurely reading, chaos reigned on Lance's side.
Half a month had passed with no news of Deanna. Many subordinates feared that their Missus might have met a grim fate.
Unfortunately for them, Lance overheard these comments and exploded.
"Who allowed you to spout nonsense here?"
Lance's face was dark with anger. He glared at his subordinates and coldly ordered, "If you're so idle, go swim ten kilometers in the sea right now!"
The subordinates' faces changed at his words. Seeing their stunned expressions, Lance barked again, "Didn't you hear me? Go swim now!"
Frightened by their master's fury, the subordinates jumped into the sea and started swimming.
Gunner and Xavier rushed over upon hearing that Lance was angry on the deck. After half a month of treatment, Lance's body had begun to recover, but they needed to avoid any incidents, especially emotional outbursts that could disrupt his fragile balance.
Thus, they were particularly anxious about Lance.
"I told you to keep your temper in check. Do you want to live or not?" Gunner scolded as soon as he saw Lance.
Lance pressed his lips together and remained silent, seemingly unwilling to argue.
Gunner became even more frustrated seeing Lance's attitude. "If you don't want to live, just tell me sooner so I don't waste my precious herbs."
Xavier, having learned what happened, quickly defended Mr. Mercer. "Mr. Martinez, don't be mad. Mr. Mercer had a reason to be angry. It's not his fault; those subordinates were gossiping about the Missus, saying she might be dead."
As he spoke, Xavier carefully observed Lance's expression. Lance's face darkened with anger again at his words.
Gunner sighed deeply upon seeing the sorrowful man before him. "We must find her alive or dead. As long as there's no bad news, it's good news."
"I think so too. I don't believe Deanna would leave me and Gregory and Chloe," Lance said hoarsely.
Gunner nodded and then seemed to think of something. "Do you think it's possible that Deanna was rescued and taken out of this area? That's why we haven't found any clues after searching for half a month."
His words gave Xavier an idea, and his face suddenly turned grim. "Could it be that the person behind all this captured the Missus and created these false leads to mislead us?"
Gunner and Lance's expressions grew serious at once. This possibility couldn't be ruled out since it had happened before.
Thinking of this, Lance questioned Xavier, "Is Bella still refusing to reveal who is behind this?"
"She's still holding out," Xavier confirmed.
Lance's eyes filled with icy resolve. "Fine. Target the Cody family. Let's see how long she can keep her mouth shut!"
Almost immediately after this order was given, the Cody Group faced intense pressure from the Mercer Group.
Despite half a year of recovery and support from their in-laws, the Harris family, the Cody family struggled against the relentless assault from the Mercer Group.