"Don't mention Deanna. It makes me sick. Deanna has nothing to do with you now," Landon snapped at Lance.
The coldness around Lance intensified.
Landon's father, a shrewd man, immediately understood that the couple must have had a quarrel. He slapped Landon on the back and scolded, "How can Miss Deanna have nothing to do with Mr. Mercer? Miss Deanna is the mother of Mr. Mercer's children. You better shut up. If you say one more word, I'll send you to Orpheus to dig mines!"
Hearing this, Landon, though unwilling, became surprisingly obedient. He saw Deanna and Lance's breakup as his golden opportunity. He had missed his chance before, but now he wouldn't let it slip away again.
Unbeknownst to them, Eula, who was waiting outside, overheard their conversation. She was filled with jealousy and hatred. She knew Lance was cold to her because he hadn't forgotten that wretched Deanna. She had to do something to make Lance completely disappointed in Deanna.
As she was deep in thought, Avery's voice interrupted her. "Master, someone is coming!"
Almost immediately, Eula moved to a nearby chair and sat down. A uniformed officer appeared from around the corner. He nodded politely at Eula, a foreign guest, and then entered Lance's office. He was one of the investigators on the case.
After reviewing the street surveillance footage, the police determined that Landon had instigated the fight and that Lance had acted in self-defense. With Landon's father apologizing profusely, Lance decided not to pursue the matter further. Landon was reprimanded and allowed to leave with his father.
As they exited the office, Eula rushed to Lance with concern. "Lance, are you alright?"
"Lance, are you alright?" Landon mimicked Eula sarcastically.
Before he could finish his sentence, his father kicked him. "Behave yourself!"
Landon's father turned to Lance with a forced smile. "Mr. Mercer, please don't mind him. I'll make sure to discipline him properly when we get home."
"Yes, he needs a good lesson. Otherwise, if someone else teaches him a lesson, he might lose half his life," Lance replied before turning to Xavier. "Let's go!"
Eula watched as Lance ignored her completely and cast a dark glance at Landon. Sensing her hostile look, Landon raised his chin defiantly and glared back.
Avery stood by, watching the scene unfold with an expression that seemed to say he was looking at a dead man.
Eula snorted softly and followed Lance. She knew what mattered most now was Lance; she could deal with Deanna's admirer later.
Catching up to Lance, Eula tried to calm her breath and suggested, "Lance, Avery said there are many reporters at the police station entrance. We should leave through the back door."
Although she wanted to walk out the front door and let the reporters confirm the rumors online, she knew it wasn't realistic. It was better to earn Lance's favor by showing her thoughtfulness.
But Lance didn't appreciate her suggestion at all. He led Xavier out of the office building and headed straight for the main entrance.
The reporters outside noticed him immediately and got excited. However, they were still respectful and didn't rush forward like they would with celebrities.
"Mr. Mercer, can we have a few minutes for an interview?"
"Mr. Mercer, people are curious about your love life. Can we ask you some questions?"
"Mr. Mercer, there are rumors online that you abandoned your wife and child, which has negatively impacted Mercer Group's reputation. Would you like to clarify?"
Hearing these questions, Lance stopped walking.
The reporters' eyes lit up, sensing an opportunity for an interview. They also noticed the woman beside Lance, who was rumored online to be his mistress.
"Mr. Mercer, did you break up with Miss Deanna because of this lady?"
"Mr. Mercer, can you tell us your relationship with this lady?"
"Mr. Mercer..."
Lance's face darkened as he heard them assume he had a relationship with Eula.
The excited reporters didn't notice Lance's change in demeanor and turned their questions to Eula.
"Miss, can you tell us your relationship with Mr. Mercer?"
"Is it true what they say online about you and Mr. Mercer?"
"Mr. Mercer has two children and might have a third one soon. Are you okay being with him despite that?"
Hearing these questions, Eula felt both happy and frustrated. Couldn't these reporters ask questions without bringing up Deanna?