The meal, though it started unpleasantly, went smoothly overall.
At the end, Cristal held Julia's hand warmly, reluctant to let go. "Come visit me when you have time," she said gently.
"I will, Cristal. Goodbye," Julia replied with a forced smile, quickly withdrawing her hand and waving goodbye.
Lionel also said goodbye to his parents. "I'll take Julia home first and come back later."
"It's okay if you don't come back. Maybe Julia should move back in tomorrow. You have to work at the research institute, and Julia's parents aren't around. It would be better for her to stay with us so we can take care of her," Tristan said eagerly, looking at Julia with some nervousness, afraid she might refuse.
After all, they were the ones who had kicked her out before.
Hearing these grandiose words, Julia almost laughed out loud. Previously, they hadn't spoken like this. Now that they saw potential benefits in her, they were trying to cozy up to her. Did they think she was a fool?
Despite her displeasure, Julia maintained a faint smile. "It's not necessary. My parents will be back in a few days. Besides, it's not proper for an unmarried man and woman to live together; it wouldn't be good for our reputations."
The Grants' expressions turned awkward at her words.
Lionel's face also showed discomfort.
Julia pretended not to notice and said to Lionel, "You don't need to take me home. I'm planning to stay at Deanna's tonight. You have guests at home; you should help your parents entertain them."
Hearing her distant tone, Lionel knew Julia was very upset about tonight's events. By letting him stay, she was giving him a chance to handle these family matters, so he didn't argue and nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll come see you tomorrow."
He implied that he would give her an explanation the next day.
Julia understood but said nothing because she knew with Deanna and Mr. Mercer supporting her, the Grants couldn't oppose her relationship with Lionel anymore. However, she still felt uneasy. Without Deanna and Mr. Mercer, the Grant family probably wouldn't have valued her background.
On the way back, Julia was very silent.
Deanna knew she was affected by the dinner and didn't know how to comfort her.
As the car was about to turn at an intersection, Julia suddenly spoke up. "Mr. Nelson, please stop the car by the roadside. I'll get off here."
Then she turned to Deanna in the back seat and forced a smile. "I said that because I didn't want to see Lionel. I won't bother your family tonight."
"Nonsense about bothering us. I don't care why you said it; since you did, I'll take it seriously. Xavier, keep driving," Deanna insisted, unwilling to let Julia go back alone.
Having experienced similar feelings herself, Deanna understood Julia's unease. If Lance hadn't given her confidence back then, allowing her to reclaim what belonged to her and her mother, she might have felt unworthy of Lance under the Mercer family's pressure.
Thinking of this, Deanna continued, "Besides, the paperwork for the stock transfer will be ready tomorrow. It'll be convenient for you to sign it at home."
Julia was shocked by this. "Are you serious?"
She looked at Deanna in disbelief.
Deanna raised an eyebrow. "Of course I'm serious. I've already said it, and I promised that when I had money, I'd support you for life and make you a carefree little rich lady."
"Ah! Deanna, I love you!" Julia screamed excitedly and made as if to hug Deanna.
Lance and Deanna were startled by her actions and quickly stopped her. "Julia, calm down! Don't be impulsive; be careful of the baby!"
"I can't calm down! I never thought I'd have a day where I could win through my best friend. This is too wonderful! Deanna, becoming your friend is the best thing I've ever done!"
Julia looked at Deanna with eyes full of excitement.
Deanna couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.
Lance stood by with a helpless expression.
After some thought, he decided not to mention his own plans for transferring shares; he would let Julia sign everything tomorrow instead. Otherwise, given her reaction now, she might really lose control if he told her, causing trouble for his Deanna.
Unaware of this, Julia calmed down after her excitement and tried to refuse Deanna's kindness. "I know you're doing this for my good, but I can't accept those shares."
"I said they're yours, so they're yours. Don't be polite with me. Besides, Lionel's parents don't seem easy to get along with. I wouldn't feel comfortable letting you marry into their family without some security."
Deanna's eyes were full of concern as she spoke.
Julia's face darkened as she pouted. "If they're hard to get along with, I just won't marry him. I'm quite disappointed in Lionel anyway."