Deanna listened and did not doubt it. She nodded and then said, "Tomorrow I'll come to your house to help you with acupuncture. It can better relieve your fatigue."
"That would be great," Lance replied with a nod.
As they spoke, Xavier drove up and stopped in front of them. He greeted Deanna more respectfully than usual, "Good evening, Dr. Deanna."
"Good evening," Deanna responded with a smile. She then turned to Lance and said softly, "Since Mr. Nelson is here, I'll head back now."
Lance nodded and watched her walk into the building before turning to get into the car. Xavier, from the moment Mr. Mercer got in, looked at him intently, as if silently asking if he had obtained the item.
Lance understood and took out a handkerchief wrapped around some hair from his suit pocket, handing it over with a deep voice, "Take this for testing. I want the results as soon as possible."
"I understand," Xavier replied seriously, carefully taking the handkerchief.
On the way back, he couldn't help but sneak glances at Mr. Mercer sitting in the back seat, his curiosity piqued. His gaze was so noticeable that Lance opened his eyes and caught him looking.
"What's wrong?" Lance asked with a frown.
Caught in the act, Xavier looked a bit embarrassed but couldn't hold back his question, "I was wondering, if it turns out to be true, what will you do?"
"I... don't know," Lance hesitated. The sudden possibility of having children was overwhelming for him. His feelings were complicated, and he was unprepared for such news. However, now that he knew, pretending ignorance was not his style.
After a moment of silence, Lance said in a deep voice, "No matter what, we'll wait for the results first. As for everything else, we'll take it one step at a time."
The next day, perhaps because he was preoccupied with thoughts, Lance seemed troubled. It was most evident during the high-level meeting when he appeared distracted. Even after the executives finished their reports, he had no reaction, an unprecedented situation.
For a moment, the executives were at a loss and looked towards the chairman's seat for help. Logan noticed and cleared his throat, "Lance, what do you think of Mr. Fox's report?"
Hearing his name called, Lance snapped out of his thoughts. Although he had been distracted, he had still managed to listen to the reports.
"I have no objections. We can proceed as planned for the next quarter," he said.
The executives nodded in understanding and continued with the meeting. Despite his occasional distractions, the meeting's progress was unaffected. Logan noticed everything.
Later that day, after the meeting ended and everyone left, Lance was about to return to his office when his father called him over.
Logan approached him with concern, "What's wrong with you today? You seem troubled and don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine. I probably just didn't sleep well last night," Lance replied casually, finding an excuse.
Outside the door, Xavier overheard their conversation and was surprised. Mr. Mercer had always been composed; even in dire situations, he remained unflustered. Now, faced with the possibility of being a father, he seemed like a different person.
Logan didn't doubt his son's words and patted his shoulder, advising him to take care of his health.
"I know," Lance nodded calmly.
That evening after work, Lance returned directly to Hencard Villa. He hadn't forgotten that Deanna said she would come over for acupuncture tonight.
After dinner, Deanna arrived alone with her medical kit. Seeing her reminded Lance of those two exceptionally smart and sensible children. He couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you bring the kids?"
"I asked them to stay home and do their homework and keep their great-grandmother company. Besides, it's bad to disturb you too often," Deanna replied with a gentle smile.
In truth, she hadn't forgotten her decision to keep the children away from Lance.
Unaware of this, Lance felt a bit disappointed but didn't show it. He continued, "Next time you can bring them along. It's no bother to me. They seem to enjoy playing with Demon. They can bring their cat and play in the garden."
"Alright, I'll remember to bring them next time," Deanna said without much emotion.
She then shifted the topic to treatment, "Mr. Mercer, where would you like to have the acupuncture? Here or in your room?"
"In my room," Lance said as he headed upstairs.
Soon after, they were in the room where Deanna began the acupuncture treatment as usual for Lance.