The two little ones naturally did not refuse Deanna's words. Just as they were about to ask when they would go back, there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Lance said as he got up to open the door.
When he opened the door, he saw Julia and Lionel standing outside and was a bit surprised. "What brings you here?"
"I have something to ask of Deanna. May we come in?" Julia, though anxious, remained polite and did not enter without permission, even though she and Deanna were very close.
By this time, Deanna had already heard the noise and walked out of the bedroom. She was as surprised as Lance. "Julia, what brings you here?"
After all, they had just parted ways not long ago.
Julia, who couldn't keep things to herself, immediately said, "I came to ask you for a favor."
"What is it?" Deanna asked instinctively.
Julia said, "I want to ask you to assign a few people to protect Lionel closely. Is that possible?"
By the end of her request, she looked at Deanna with pleading eyes, ready to resort to any means if Deanna refused.
Of course, Deanna would not refuse. "Of course, Lionel is also an important member of our team. We can't just ignore him."
"I knew you were the best, Deanna. My child's future depends on you. Please make sure nothing happens to him," Julia said as she hugged Deanna in a playful manner.
Deanna, both amused and exasperated, let her hug her but was determined not to let anything happen to Lionel.
At this moment, an unhappy voice sounded in the room. "So Mommy lied to us again! There's something you're hiding from us!"
The two little ones glared at Deanna angrily.
Seeing their angry faces, Deanna knew she was in trouble. How could she have forgotten that Gregory and Chloe were still here?
"Hehe, I was just afraid you'd worry," Deanna said with an awkward smile, rubbing her nose and signaling Lance for help.
Julia realized that she might have ruined her friend's plan and smiled apologetically at her.
Gregory saw all the adults' little actions and snorted discontentedly. "If you were really afraid we'd worry, you shouldn't hide things from us. We're not little kids anymore; we're almost seven years old and have the right to be involved in everything at home."
"That's right. We're little adults now. Daddy and Mommy can't just lie to us; it hurts our young hearts," Chloe protested seriously, imitating her brother.
Seeing their deliberately serious expressions, the adults found them incredibly cute and endearing.
Deanna and Lance also began to reflect more deeply. They thought about what Gregory had just said and realized they might have been too overbearing.
The two children were right; they were also part of the family. Hiding things from them might be well-intentioned lies, but it was still deceitful to the children.
With this in mind, Deanna's eyes showed a hint of guilt. "Mommy and Daddy didn't think it through. We thought not telling you was for your own good but forgot how smart you are. You'd guess the truth and worry even more. From now on, Mommy and Daddy won't do this anymore. We'll tell you everything that happens at home."
"Really?" The two little ones looked over in surprise.
Clearly, they wanted to be involved in family matters rather than being treated like little kids who were kept in the dark about everything.
Deanna and Lance realized this too and felt guilty for not noticing such a small thing.
They promised the two little ones, "Of course it's true."
Hearing this, the two little ones finally showed sweet smiles.
Seeing this, Julia decided not to disturb their family time and quietly left the room with Lionel.
Even so, Lance noticed their departing figures but didn't say anything. He quickly turned his attention back to his wife and children with a gentle look.
Deanna didn't notice her friend's departure. Under the persistent questioning of the two little ones, she finally explained why they had to go back.
After hearing it, the two little ones were full of worry.
"Mommy, will you really be okay? How about we go back together and skip that award ceremony?" Gregory suddenly tugged at Deanna's sleeve, his eyes full of pleading.
Chloe was also extremely worried. She hugged Deanna's arm and her eyes started to redden. "I don't want anything to happen to Mommy."
Seeing this, Deanna's heart melted.
Lance pretended to be jealous on the side. "What? You only care about your Mommy? What about Daddy?"
"Of course not!"
"Daddy always goes wherever Mommy goes."
The two little ones spoke in unison.
Hearing this, Lance finally showed a satisfied smile. He raised his hand to ruffle their hair and then promised, "As long as Daddy is with Mommy, nothing will happen to her. So you two just go back without worrying about us. We'll be back in three or four days at most."