Lance took the two little ones to a nearby amusement park.
Considering that families with children might visit, the resort had designed a small playground. Though small, it was well-equipped with the latest amusement facilities.
The two kids went wild with excitement.
Of course, they didn't forget about Lance, occasionally interacting with him as he waited outside.
"Uncle, look at me here," Chloe called out excitedly from one of the rides.
Even Gregory showed a rare glimpse of his childlike nature.
Seeing their bright smiles, Lance took out his phone and snapped a few photos of them.
After about two hours of play, they reluctantly headed back.
Chloe held Lance's hand, her face beaming with joy. "Uncle, this place is so much fun. I really like it here. Brother, do you like it?"
"I do. When Mommy has time, we can come again," Gregory nodded.
Lance hadn't expected the kids to like it so much. He smiled but said nothing.
However, when they returned to the hotel, he called for the manager.
"Mr. Mercer, is there something you need?" The manager hurried over, respectfully inquiring.
Lance said calmly, "Register two VIP membership cards under these two children's names. From now on, they can enjoy lifetime free access."
The manager was shocked as he looked at the two obviously bewildered children.
After a moment, he nodded and quickly prepared the VIP cards, handing them to the children.
"Mister Gregory, Miss Chloe, these are your membership cards. You can play here for free for life."
Chloe and Gregory were at a loss and turned to look at Lance.
Seeing their hesitation, Lance realized Deanna had taught them not to accept things from others easily. He was also surprised by their restraint.
Most kids would have eagerly accepted something free. But these two, though clearly tempted, resisted.
"Take them. Consider it payment for your mommy's treatment. She gave me a sachet before, and I haven't paid for it yet," Lance persuaded them to accept the cards.
Chloe and Gregory, being children, accepted the cards after hearing it was for their mommy's treatment.
They then returned to their room.
Inside, Deanna was awake and watching TV in the living room.
Hearing the noise at the door, she looked over with a smile and greeted them. "You're back."
"We're back," Lance replied and then froze.
For a moment, he felt like a husband returning home to his wife waiting for him. But he quickly dismissed the thought as the kids diverted his attention.
The children proudly presented the membership cards to Deanna.
"Mommy, look! Uncle gave us these membership cards. My brother and I each have one," Chloe said excitedly.
"Uncle said we can play for free with these cards," Gregory added.
Deanna was both amused and shocked. She hadn't expected Lance to give such a generous gift to the kids.
But they couldn't accept something they hadn't earned.
"Chloe, Gregory, let's return these cards to Uncle," she coaxed the children and then turned to Lance. "Mr. Mercer, I know you like the children and that's why you gave them such a gift. But we can't accept it."
Lance frowned, not expecting his gift to be refused.
"What's wrong with it? The kids seem to like it. That's all that matters. Besides, I understand your concern. This is nothing to me, and you don't come here often anyway."
"But..." Deanna tried to argue but was interrupted.
"No buts. If you can't accept it as a gift, consider it an employee benefit," Lance said calmly.
"Thank you, Mr. Mercer," Deanna finally said, accepting the cards reluctantly.
She silently vowed to do her best to heal Lance's old injuries so he wouldn't be in danger anymore.
Unaware of her thoughts, Lance changed the subject. "We might have to leave tonight. I have some urgent business to attend to."
"Alright, I'll start packing," Deanna replied without asking further questions.
Lance stopped her. "You don't need to. I've already arranged for someone to help. Your leg isn't fully healed yet; don't strain yourself."
Hearing how considerate he was, Deanna felt a strange emotion in her heart. It was the first time she felt someone else thinking about her needs.
In the past, she had always relied on herself...