Bella stood not far away, observing their interaction.
She frowned, her face full of confusion.
What was the relationship between Lance and that woman?
Why did they seem so close?
Doubt and curiosity filled Bella's mind.
After a few drinks, Deanna's cheeks were noticeably flushed.
She usually didn't drink much, and the sudden intake was clearly too much for her.
Seeing her condition, Lance grew concerned.
"That's enough, take a break."
Deanna nodded, her face still red. "Okay."
She rubbed her temples. "I need to go to the restroom."
Then she got up and left.
Watching her leave, Lance's worry deepened.
...
In the restroom, Deanna splashed some cold water on her face, feeling much more awake.
She composed herself and was about to leave when she ran into Bella.
"Deanna, what a coincidence!"
Bella approached Deanna with a warm smile.
Deanna nodded and greeted her.
Just as she was about to leave, Bella spoke again.
"Deanna, you seem quite close with Lance. What's your relationship? Are you two dating?"
She looked at Deanna with probing eyes.
Before Deanna could respond, Bella added quickly, "Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious."
She sighed, her gaze turning distant.
"I've known Lance for a long time, since we were kids... It's rare to see him so close to any woman, so I was curious."
Deanna simply replied, "We're just friends."
But Bella seemed unconvinced.
She chuckled lightly. "Really? It's just that I've never seen Lance treat anyone like this."
"You know, even back in school, he wouldn't let anyone get close to him, not even other girls."
It seemed that Bella was trying to claim Lance was hers.
Deanna remained unfazed and smiled. "Is that so?"
She laughed softly. "I find Mr. Mercer quite easy to get along with."
"He's helped me a lot since we met. Maybe it's because I talk a lot."
With that, she turned. "I have something to do. I'll be going now."
She walked away.
Bella stood there, still processing what had happened.
She frowned. Was this some kind of show-off?
Bella clenched her fists, her eyes filled with resentment as she watched Deanna leave.
This woman was infuriating.
Attending a party together-what's the big deal? The position of mistress of the Mercer family would be hers.
Back in the banquet hall, Deanna was clearly uncomfortable. The alcohol made her head feel heavy.
Noticing this, Lance quickly asked, "Can you still manage?"
Deanna nodded. "I'm fine. Maybe we should head back."
Though she insisted she was fine, it was clear she was quite drunk.
Deanna knew her own limits well.
It was getting late; it was time to leave.
Lance's expression darkened as he grabbed Deanna's hand. "Let's go home."
Given her condition, it wasn't suitable to stay any longer.
As they stepped out of the hotel, a cold breeze hit Deanna's face, making her feel a bit more awake.
But she still wobbled as she walked.
Following Lance down the steps, she missed one and stumbled forward.
Deanna's face turned pale with fright as she let out a gasp.
Just when she thought she'd hit the ground, she fell into a man's arms.
Lance's unique cool scent filled her nose.
Deanna giggled foolishly. "Thank you, Mr. Mercer."
Leaning against Lance's chest, their posture became somewhat intimate.
Lance helped her up and asked, "Are you okay?"
Deanna pouted. "A bit dizzy..."
Lance sighed and helped Deanna into the car.
Seeing her flushed face, Lance shook his head. "I shouldn't have let you drink earlier."
At first, seeing Deanna's bold demeanor, he thought she could handle her liquor well.
Lance couldn't help but sigh.
Deanna leaned back in the seat. "It's okay. I'll drink something to sober up when I get home."
Though she said that, her dazed eyes and flushed cheeks betrayed her words.
In the car.
Xavier asked, "Mr. Mercer, are we leaving?"
Lance nodded. "Yes, let's go home."
As time passed, Deanna felt dizzier and drowsier until she eventually fell asleep.