Although she found it strange, Deanna didn't think much of it.
She assumed it was just because the two little ones were endearing.
After playing with the two children for a while, Lance was called by Deanna for treatment.
By the time the treatment was over, it was already late.
Even though he was reluctant, Lance took the initiative to leave.
"I'll head back now. Goodbye, Chloe and Gregory."
"Uncle, wait a minute."
Chloe and Gregory hurriedly stopped him.
Lance and Deanna looked at them in confusion.
"What's the matter?" Lance asked.
To his surprise, Gregory and Chloe mysteriously pulled him into the bedroom.
Watching their disappearing backs, Deanna couldn't help but laugh.
It seemed the three of them had a little secret behind her back.
In the room, Lance was also puzzled.
While he was in a daze, the two little ones pulled out a treasure chest from under the bed and took out cookies and candies.
"Uncle, these are our favorite snacks. We want to give them to you."
The two of them presented the items to Lance like treasures.
Chloe leaned in and whispered, "Uncle, don't tell Mommy about this. She's afraid we'll get bad teeth, so we secretly hid some. It's a gift in return for what you gave us."
Hearing this and seeing their guilty expressions, Lance found them utterly adorable.
He accepted the cookies and candies solemnly. "Don't worry, this will be our little secret. I won't tell your mommy."
"Hehe, Uncle is the best."
The two little ones hugged Lance.
The three of them chatted for a while before leaving the room.
Deanna saw them and looked inquisitive. "What were you doing in the room?"
"Mommy, it's a secret between us and Uncle. Don't ask," Chloe spoke with a mischievous tone.
Gregory nodded in agreement beside her.
Deanna found it amusing. "Alright, I won't ask."
She then turned her gaze to Lance and asked, "Are you leaving now?"
"Yes, I'm leaving now," Lance nodded and left.
Downstairs, Xavier was already waiting with the car at the entrance of the community.
He clearly noticed the candies and cookies in Mr. Mercer's hand and the rare joy on his face.
It seemed that having two additional children didn't make his boss feel any discomfort at all.
On the contrary, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it!
Back home, Lance went straight to his study.
He placed the cookies and candies given by the two little ones on his desk and looked at them quietly, unwilling to eat them.
These were the first gifts from his son and daughter. He wanted to keep them as a memento.
He found a gift box to store the cookies and candies before turning to wash up.
The next morning, Deanna took care of the two little ones, fed them breakfast, and sent them to kindergarten.
When she returned, she received a call from Old Hughes.
"Miss Jones, why haven't you been selling herbs lately?"
"Well, there was an issue earlier. The herb field was destroyed. There won't be any herbs for sale in the near future."
Deanna apologized.
Old Hughes immediately expressed concern upon hearing this. "What happened? Was someone causing trouble? Do you need my help?"
"Thank you for your kindness. The issue has been resolved. You don't need to worry."
Deanna clearly didn't want to elaborate.
Old Hughes sensed this and didn't press further.
After feeling relieved, he changed the subject with a smile. "By the way, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
For some reason, Deanna felt uneasy hearing this.
Was Old Hughes still thinking about ancient medical art?
"Let me make it clear first. If it's about ancient medical art, please don't mention it. I only know a little bit and am still learning. I can't help or teach you anything."
Deanna decided to set boundaries first.
Old Hughes chuckled on the other end of the line but reassured her. "Don't worry. It's not about medicine today."
Hearing this, Deanna breathed a sigh of relief.
"In that case, what is it?"
"It's like this. Last time you modified a medicinal cuisine recipe for me. My old friend tried it for a while and found it very effective. His birthday is coming up soon, and he wants to invite you to attend. Would you like to go?"
Old Hughes conveyed his friend's invitation without hiding anything.
Deanna was surprised and then hesitated.
From previous conversations with Old Hughes, she knew his old friend had a significant status.
Attending such a person's birthday banquet might make her feel out of place as an ordinary person.
"I think I'd better not go. Such an occasion might not be suitable for me."
Deanna politely declined.
Old Hughes understood her hesitation but insisted. "It won't be unsuitable at all. Don't worry; you won't be put in a difficult position. My friend just wants to meet you. Please do me this favor and go."
With Old Hughes putting it this way, Deanna felt it would be impolite to refuse further.
In the end, she reluctantly agreed.
After all, Old Hughes had taken care of her many times over the years.