Faced with the pleas of the two little ones, a glint flashed in Gunner's eyes.
Clearly, the two children hadn't realized that their parents' breakup was fake.
"This matter isn't something outsiders can resolve. Your dad and mom need to work out their own issues," Gunner said, pausing before adding, "But I think it will be hard for them to reconcile, especially since your dad threw out your mom's and great-grandma's belongings from the estate. That's a real slap in the face for your mom."
The children's faces darkened upon hearing this. They knew about it but had chosen to ignore it in their desire for their parents to stay together. For a moment, they didn't know what to say.
Seeing their silence, Gunner smiled slightly, ruffling their hair. "Alright, don't worry too much. These are adult matters; let the adults handle them."
The children remained silent, their faces tense.
Later, hotel staff brought breakfast. After eating with Gunner, Deanna and her children left the hotel. As soon as they stepped outside, they were surrounded by waiting reporters.
"Miss Deanna, we heard you and Mr. Mercer broke up. Can you tell us what happened?"
"Is it true that your relationship has changed?"
"Miss Deanna, can you explain why you tried to attack Mr. Mercer the other night? Did he do something to hurt you?"
"It's said that Mr. Mercer threw out many of your belongings from the estate. How do you feel about that?"
"Does taking the children with you mean that Mr. Mercer and the Mercer family don't want them anymore?"
The reporters bombarded Deanna with sharp questions, their expressions intense.
The children were momentarily frightened but quickly recovered, glaring angrily at the reporter who suggested their dad didn't want them. "Our dad would never abandon us! He and our mom won't break up! You can't say that, or we'll sue you for spreading false information!"
Almost immediately after they spoke, Deanna's stern voice cut in. "Chloe, Gregory, don't speak nonsense!"
"Mommy..." The children's eyes welled up with tears as they looked at her.
Forcing herself to be cold-hearted, Deanna said indifferently, "Your dad and I have indeed broken up. I know it's hard for you to accept right now, and I won't force you to, but you need to understand this."
She paused deliberately, her gaze sweeping over the reporters in front of her, clearly addressing them next. "As for custody of the children, I gave birth to them and raised them. Naturally, they belong with me!"
The reporters exchanged glances, taking a few seconds to realize Deanna was granting them an interview.
They became even more eager with their questions.
"Miss Deanna, can you tell us why you and Mr. Mercer broke up? Is there another reason?"
"The reason for our breakup is not something I'm willing to discuss. You can ask Lance," Deanna replied.
Another reporter asked, "Aren't you afraid the Mercer family will fight you for custody? Given your situation, you might not win against them."
Before he could finish speaking, a stern voice interrupted.
"Which newspaper are you from? Didn't you do any research before coming here? The Mercer family can try fighting my apprentice for custody if they dare!"
Gunner's imposing presence made the reporter falter.
His words caused a stir among the reporters.
Not recognizing Gunner, they cautiously asked, "May we know who you are?"
"Gunner Martinez, the head of the Martinez family. You can look it up!" Gunner announced boldly.
The reporters exchanged looks before quickly checking their phones or contacting colleagues at Mount Great.
Within moments, many of them looked at Gunner in shock.
Clearly, they had found Gunner's information.
Seeing their reactions, Gunner's patience wore thin. "It seems you've found what you needed. This interview is over. Move aside!"
No one dared to oppose him; they obediently made way for Deanna and her children to leave.
The Martinez family was a powerful clan, not someone these reporters could afford to offend. Even the news they would publish online would need careful consideration.
Meanwhile, Eula got up early to prepare herself. She admired her radiant reflection in the mirror, blew a kiss at herself, and left her room in high heels, heading to the hospital.
On the way, Avery sat beside her, updating her on Deanna's situation.
"Deanna has publicly admitted to breaking up with Lance and plans to fight for custody of the children. However, I don't think Lance or the Mercer family will give up on the kids."