After hanging up the phone, Lance decided to leave early.
He found Kelly and explained, "I have something to attend to and need to leave."
"Leaving already?" Kelly was surprised.
Lance nodded and turned to leave.
Kelly grew anxious. She had been watching Lance and her daughter all evening, hoping for some progress between them. Seeing Lance about to leave, she realized she needed to create an opportunity for them.
She quickly called out to Lance, "I'll have Bella see you off."
"No need, Miss Cody still has guests to attend to," Lance declined politely and left.
Kelly sighed as she watched him go.
Later, when the party ended, Bella accompanied her parents to see off the last guest. Her smile faded as soon as they left. On the way back, she was visibly downcast.
Kelly and Jeffery noticed and exchanged glances.
What's wrong with our daughter?
Not sure, she seemed fine during the party. Maybe you should ask her?
Jeffery signaled to his wife.
Kelly understood and asked, "Bella, what's wrong? You haven't seemed happy since we left the hotel."
Bella saw this as an opportunity to vent her frustrations. "Mom, am I really that bad? I apologized, but why is Lance still so cold to me?" Her eyes reddened, and her voice was filled with grievance. "He didn't even say goodbye before leaving."
Kelly gently hugged Bella and comforted her, "Don't overthink it. Maybe Lance really had something urgent to handle. You've known him for years; you know what kind of person he is."
Bella remained silent. Indeed, Lance was always professional and a notorious workaholic, putting work above everything else.
Seeing her daughter calm down, Kelly continued, "Although Lance didn't say goodbye, at least he's not as hostile towards you anymore. Take it slow and try to win back his favor."
Bella nodded, feeling her mother was right. At least Lance wasn't as repulsed by her anymore.
Jeffery added, "If you like him, don't give up easily. Your mother and I will support you."
"Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom," Bella said gratefully, her smile returning.
Meanwhile, after leaving the party, Lance went straight to Deanna's house.
Seeing the handsome man at her door, Deanna was genuinely surprised. She hadn't expected him to actually come.
Lance looked at Deanna, who was wearing simple home clothes with no makeup on her face. Her skin was fair and rosy, her features delicate and refined, exuding a gentle aura.
They exchanged a glance before looking away.
Xavier was also with them. He didn't notice anything unusual and cheerfully said, "Dr. Deanna, I heard there's good food tonight. I shamelessly came to join because your cooking is truly unforgettable."
Deanna laughed at his playful expression and invited them in. "In that case, wait in the living room while I prepare some supper."
As she spoke, she noticed two little heads peeking out from the bedroom door. Smiling, she said, "Gregory, Chloe, take good care of Mr. Mercer and Uncle Xavier while Mommy makes supper."
"Got it," the two children replied in unison.
Deanna went to the kitchen while the children ran out of the bedroom and stood in front of Lance.
Gregory looked serious as he scrutinized Lance with his hands behind his back.
Lance felt puzzled by Gregory's gaze and asked curiously, "What are you looking at?"
"I know," Chloe said with her big, bright eyes sparkling mischievously. "Brother is checking if you drank alcohol."
Lance couldn't help but laugh.
Before he could say anything, Chloe's small voice piped up again, "Uncle, did you drink?"
She even leaned in to sniff him.
Lance laughed again but answered honestly, "I didn't drink. Your mommy said I can't drink."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gregory nodded approvingly. "Good, you're obedient."
Xavier almost burst out laughing but managed to stifle it by covering his mouth.
Gregory didn't notice and continued to admonish Lance, "Your health isn't good; you need to take care of yourself. My mommy is a great doctor but not omnipotent."
Hearing Gregory's concern warmed Lance's heart.