Deanna nodded and gave Lance a slight smile. "Hearing you say that, I don't feel as nervous anymore."
Lance was momentarily captivated by her bright smile, something flickering quickly in his dark eyes. Unfortunately, Deanna didn't notice this because her attention was drawn to Lance's next words.
Logically speaking, Deanna had no connection with the Wright family, so why would Old Hughes insist on inviting her to the birthday banquet? Unable to figure it out, Lance asked directly.
"Speaking of which, you don't know Old Wright. Why would Old Hughes invite you to his birthday banquet?"
"It's a long story. Do you remember the time we dined at that medicinal cuisine restaurant?" Deanna smiled at him.
Lance nodded, indicating he remembered. "Is it related to that?"
"Yes, Old Hughes asked me to improve the medicinal cuisine recipe last time. Later, he told me that the improved cuisine benefited him greatly, which is why I received this invitation." Deanna briefly explained the recipe modification.
Understanding this, Lance couldn't help but laugh. "In that case, Old Wright will probably like you very much."
"Why?" Deanna looked at him in confusion. Was it just because she knew medicine or had improved the recipe?
Lance glanced at her but didn't answer, giving her a knowing look instead.
Deanna felt speechless but didn't pursue the topic further. Instead, she asked Lance about the etiquette needed for the banquet.
During their conversation, the car arrived at the Wright family estate. The scene was bustling with guests and luxury cars lined both sides of the street.
Seeing such a grand occasion, Deanna felt a bit nervous as she got out of the car with Lance. Her subtle expression didn't escape Lance's notice.
Finding it amusing, Lance offered his arm and suggested, "Why don't you hold my arm? That way, you'll feel less alone."
Hearing this, Deanna looked at Lance and then at his strong arm wrapped in his sleeve. She didn't refuse because she felt he was right; having someone by her side made her feel less anxious.
"Thank you, Mr. Mercer," she said before taking his arm as they entered.
Upon entering, they immediately became the center of attention due to Lance's special status. Deanna felt uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gazes and tensed up.
Lance remained unaffected. He scanned the room and spotted Old Wright among the crowd. He also saw his parents and Old Hughes standing nearby, engaged in conversation with faint smiles on their faces.
"I've found Old Wright and Old Hughes over there. Let's go greet them together," Lance said softly to Deanna.
Deanna had no objections and followed him.
As they approached, Samantha and Logan were the first to notice them. Samantha frowned deeply upon seeing Deanna holding her son's arm, wondering why her son took his personal doctor to this occasion.
Old Hughes, however, watched them approach with a mischievous glint in his eyes. The two of them looked perfect together, just as he had hoped when he arranged this meeting.
Meanwhile, Deanna was stunned to see Samantha and Logan. She hadn't expected to encounter Lance's parents here. Especially when she met Samantha's cold gaze, she felt inexplicably guilty and wanted to withdraw her hand from Lance's arm.
But before she could act, they had already reached the group. Left with no choice, she continued holding Lance's arm and greeted them politely.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mercer, nice to see you again."
"Dr. Deanna," Logan responded with a nod despite his displeasure.
Samantha merely nodded slightly without further acknowledgment. She turned to her son and pretended to scold him lightly. "Why did you bring Dr. Deanna here? Are you using her as a shield?"
Hearing this, Lance frowned but didn't get a chance to speak before his mother turned to Deanna with a seemingly kind but loaded remark. "Dr. Deanna, even though you're treating him, you don't have to listen to him in everything."
Though it sounded friendly, there was an underlying message of disapproval. Samantha clearly wasn't happy about her son bringing Deanna to such an event but couldn't say it outright due to their social standing.
Deanna sensed a hint of hostility in Samantha's words but didn't have time to dwell on it as Old Hughes's displeased voice interrupted.
"Mrs. Mercer, is there a misunderstanding? Miss Jones is here at my special invitation!"