"The organizers are waiting for a response from the Hall family. There's no action at the moment, but if the Hall family pursues this, your award might be temporarily canceled. It will only be reconsidered once verified, and by then, you might miss this cycle and have to wait another four years," Baird speculated.
The Hall family was the one controlling the special medication, led by Abla.
Gunner scoffed after hearing this. "Hank is always exploiting loopholes with the organizers."
Deanna and the others looked worried. If the Hall family pursued the matter, their award might end up in Hank's hands. The more they thought about it, the more unwilling they felt.
"Master, shouldn't we do something as well?" Deanna asked.
"Indeed, we should prepare in advance," Lionel agreed, nodding. They couldn't just watch as others schemed to take their award.
Gunner noticed their expressions and smiled mysteriously. "Since they've made a move, we should respond. Remember why we initially developed the special medication?"
"Yes, it was to ensure that every cancer patient in our country could access the inhibitor drug at a low cost for better treatment," Lionel answered solemnly. His words were filled with determination and resolve, inspiring Deanna and Julia.
Lance looked at Gunner, a gleam in his eye. "Mr. Martinez plans to reveal the formula for the special medication." It wasn't a question but a statement.
Gunner didn't deny it. "I had planned to announce it after receiving the award, but since someone wants to target us now, there's no need to wait. If the Hall family collaborates with Hank to undermine us, we'll release the formula."
"Will the authorities allow it?" Deanna asked worriedly. Although she had lost her memory, she knew through her master that the special medication's development was part of an agreement with the authorities.
Gunner reassured her, "I've discussed this with senior officials in Chiaz, and they support my decision."
Hearing this, Deanna felt relieved.
Soon, they arrived at the hotel. After getting out of the car, Gunner checked the time and said to Deanna and the others, "It's only noon now. Go back to your rooms and rest well. In the afternoon, you can explore the surroundings. After tonight, you won't have any free time as you'll need to meet some people and attend academic exchanges with me. Especially you, Deanna, make sure you've memorized all the materials I gave you."
He emphasized Deanna's name at the end. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, but the upcoming exchanges were not simple.
Lionel had attended a few such events before and knew about the power dynamics involved. However, it was Deanna's first time participating. Although her apprenticeship ceremony hadn't been completed, everyone in their circle knew she was Gunner's student and the next head of the Martinez family. Therefore, many forces would be watching her closely.
Deanna understood the stakes and responded seriously, "Don't worry, Master. I've gone through all the materials you gave me."
Gunner nodded and signaled for them to return to their rooms while he and Baird went outside to catch up.
In the elevator, Julia looked disappointed. "I thought this trip abroad would be like a free vacation, but it turns out Lionel and Deanna don't have any free time."
"That's okay. Once we're done with everything, if you still want to have fun, we can stay a bit longer," Lionel said gently, holding her hand.
Julia seemed tempted but then shook her head as if remembering something. "No, let's do it next time. We agreed that after this award ceremony, my family and Lionel's family would officially meet to discuss our marriage."
Hearing this, Deanna couldn't help but interject, "Aren't we supposed to have a joint wedding? Why do you need to discuss it separately?"
"Our weddings will be held together, but things like the bride price need to be discussed with my future mother-in-law," Julia explained.
Lionel knew that although he and Deanna had agreed on a joint wedding, their families hadn't formally met to discuss the details yet due to their busy schedules and some issues on his parents' side.
Deanna found it odd that Julia was already almost four months pregnant and yet their families hadn't discussed the marriage specifics.
Sensing Deanna's curious gaze, Lionel explained his plans. "I intend to buy a house here in Cloudmere and settle down with Julia."
"Settle here? Do your parents agree?" Deanna was surprised. While settling in the bride's hometown wasn't unheard of, she instinctively felt that Lionel's family wouldn't agree.