"Do you know how much the Mercer Group lost today because of the rumors about you and Lance? Millions evaporated in the stock market, not to mention other company projects!"
"If you truly love Lance, you should stay away from him now."
Hearing Eula's self-righteous words, Deanna laughed mockingly.
She looked at Eula with disdain, her eyes filled with icy shards. "You just said I was scheming, and now I return those words to you. Your ultimate goal with all that talk was to get me to leave Lance so you could take advantage of the situation and get close to him, right?"
Eula, seeing her intentions exposed, no longer hid them and admitted with a raised eyebrow.
"So what if I am? Being with Lance brings him nothing but endless trouble, whereas I can offer him support as I manage the top hundred-ranked Maturin family."
"Unfortunately, even if you're willing, Lance isn't. Even if you throw yourself at him, he won't spare you a glance. So the problem isn't with me," Deanna coldly retorted.
Ignoring Eula's darkening expression, she continued, "Also, I'm a jealous person. If I hear you calling my fiance so intimately again, the punishment won't be as simple as itching powder!"
Before Eula could react, she suddenly felt an unbearable itch.
Resisting the urge to scratch, she gritted her teeth and glared at Deanna. "What did you do to me?"
"Just itching powder. It will wear off in an hour," Deanna said as she stood up and looked down at Eula, warning her again. "Remember, don't let me see you bothering my fiance again. I have a bad temper."
With that, she turned and left.
Eula watched her retreating figure, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
But soon, her anger was overshadowed by her physical discomfort.
"Damn it, why is it so itchy?!"
She cursed while scratching herself.
Avery noticed something was wrong and immediately approached with concern. "Mistress, what's wrong?"
Eula gripped his hand tightly, gritting her teeth. "That bitch Deanna dared to drug me. I won't let her get away with this! Take me back now!"
Meanwhile, after leaving, Deanna was in a foul mood.
Although she hadn't been polite to Eula, she still felt a sense of frustration.
Especially since a similar scene kept replaying in her mind-someone telling her she was a burden to Lance.
Shannon and Nightingale noticed Deanna's mood and exchanged glances.
"Missus, you shouldn't take that woman's words to heart."
"She's just sour grapes."
They tried to console Deanna.
But being usually aloof, their attempts at comfort were awkward and stiff.
Deanna appreciated their efforts nonetheless and smiled faintly at them. "I know. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine soon."
Despite her words, she couldn't shake off the incident even after returning home, washing up, and lying in bed.
It bothered her even more.
If it had only been Eula saying it, she wouldn't have cared as much.
But the fact that someone else had said it before made it impossible for her to ignore.
Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she called Lance.
The phone was quickly answered by Lance's gentle voice.
"Home already?"
Deanna was silent for a few seconds before responding with a soft "yes."
Lance immediately sensed something was wrong. "Why do you sound so down? Are you still angry?"
Deanna didn't deny it.
She took a deep breath and asked directly, "Someone said I'm a burden to you. That being with me means you're always cleaning up my messes or on your way to do so. I've betrayed you before and even hurt you now. Do you... regret being with me?"
"No regrets!" Lance's firm voice came through the phone.
Even though she had expected this answer, Deanna couldn't help but feel uplifted.
She needed further reassurance. "Really? You don't regret it?"
"Really. I could never regret it. Being with you is the best decision I've ever made," Lance replied in a deep, affectionate tone.
Deanna felt her heart melt at his words, a smile spreading across her face.
Wanting to hear more, she coaxed Lance into saying more sweet words. "Really? They say I'm your burden and only bring you misfortune."
"Of course not. You're my blessing. Because of you, I understand the meaning of family and the responsibilities of being a father. And because of you, I have two smart and adorable children. You are not my burden; you are very outstanding."