Though the surrounding discussions were not loud, Deanna and Lance could still hear some of it.
They ignored it and walked inside with their two children.
Soon, the family of four arrived at an old apartment building.
As they approached, they heard various noises coming from upstairs.
The environment around them was quite poor. The ground was uneven, with some areas having unidentified water stains.
At the base of the building's walls, there were piles of discarded cardboard and packed empty bottles. Bicycles and electric scooters were parked haphazardly around.
Lance discreetly observed the surroundings. Just from the environment, he could tell how tough those years had been for Deanna and the children.
Deanna, unaware of his guilt, saw his furrowed brow and thought he couldn't stand the place. Considering his background, it was understandable that he had never been to such a place.
"Why don't you wait in the car?" she suggested.
Hearing this, Lance looked down at her, easily reading her thoughts, and a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes. "What nonsense are you thinking? I'm not disgusted by this place; I'm just heartbroken by the hard times you all endured." He said, taking her hand and solemnly promising, "I won't let you and the kids suffer any more hardships."
Deanna looked at the serious man, feeling as if her heart was filled with sweetness.
The two children, seeing their parents showing affection again, exchanged a glance and decided not to wait for them.
They ran towards the building first. "Lexi, Lexi," they called out as they ran.
Since the building's soundproofing was poor, Lexi heard the familiar voices from the kitchen and quickly walked to the door.
Just as the children were about to knock, the door opened from the inside. They beamed at the woman standing there, "Lexi, we came with Mommy and Daddy to see you."
"You... are Gregory and Chloe?" Lexi hesitated for a moment before recognizing them in surprise.
The children nodded adorably, "Yes, it's us! Did you miss us, Lexi?"
Upon hearing their playful tone, Lexi's heart melted. "Miss you? Of course! Where's your mommy?"
She looked behind them and saw a handsome man and beautiful woman approaching, followed by Xavier holding gifts. She was stunned and could hardly believe it. "Deanna?"
Deanna smiled softly, "Lexi, long time no see."
"Yes, it's been a long time," Lexi responded awkwardly. The Deanna before her seemed completely different from the one she remembered, almost unattainably so.
Deanna noticed her discomfort but pretended not to see it. She introduced Lance with a smile, "This is Gregory and Chloe's daddy. This is Lexi; she helped us a lot when it was just me and the kids." These last words were directed at Lance.
Lexi was not surprised but deeply shocked. She had seen the news about the children being recognized by their father but never expected Deanna to bring the president of Mercer Group to her door. Lance looked at the middle-aged woman in front of him without any impatience and extended his hand warmly, "Hello, thank you for looking after Deanna and the kids during those years."
"Oh, Mr. Mercer, you're too kind. We were neighbors; it's normal to help each other out," Lexi said, flattered but hesitant to shake his hand with her own work-worn one.
Lance noticed her hesitation and felt a genuine fondness for such a simple woman. Deanna also saw Lexi's awkwardness and playfully said, "Lexi, we rarely visit; aren't you going to invite us in?"
"Oh, look at me," Lexi said, slapping her forehead in frustration before stepping back to let them in. "The place is a bit messy; I hope you don't mind."
Deanna assured her it was fine and led Lance inside. Xavier followed with the gift boxes after politely nodding at Lexi.
As Lexi was about to close the door, a nosy voice came from across the hall. "Lexi, was that really Deanna and her kids? And that tall man-is he really the president of Mercer Group? What are they doing here?"
"I don't know," Lexi replied flatly before shutting the door.
The neighbor clicked her tongue in annoyance and muttered under her breath as she looked at the closed door, "You won't tell me? I'll just eavesdrop then."