Seeing Old Hughes's indignant expression, Old Wright said calmly, "Blame it on your medical skills not being as good as Deanna."
"That's obvious. I studied traditional medicine, which has had many interruptions in its transmission. How can it compare to ancient medical art? If you had shown me those medical books a few years earlier, I might have been better."
Old Hughes retorted defiantly.
Old Wright remained calm, "You've read quite a few ancient medicine books over the years. It's not the external factors; it's you."
Old Hughes was left speechless.
Seeing the two old men bickering again, Deanna found it both amusing and exasperating.
However, this also showed that their relationship was genuinely good.
Their presence had clearly become the focus of everyone's attention.
Many people whispered among themselves, casting curious glances at Deanna.
"Who is this woman? I've never seen her before."
"I don't know her either. She seems quite familiar with Old Wright and Old Hughes."
"Could it be because she's Mr. Mercer's companion?"
After all, everyone had seen Deanna enter the venue hand in hand with Lance earlier.
Lance was unaware of these discussions. However, he was quite surprised. He hadn't expected Deanna to be so favored by the two old men, and he felt happy for her.
After a while, Old Wright, needing to attend to other guests, called for his grandson.
"Anna, this is my grandson, Efrain Wright."
Old Wright introduced his grandson and then pointed to Deanna, "This is Miss Jones, my esteemed guest. Please entertain her well and take her to my study to show her my collection of ancient medicine books. Do not neglect her, understand?"
"Don't worry, Grandpa. I will take good care of Miss Jones."
Despite his words, Efrain was deeply shocked. It was the first time he had seen his grandfather willingly lend his precious medical books to someone else.
He couldn't help but cast a curious glance at Deanna and greeted her politely, "Hello, Miss Jones."
"Hello, Mr. Wright."
Deanna nodded politely, a hint of admiration in her eyes.
The man before her looked young but was exceptionally mature and steady.
His white suit made him look even more handsome and radiant, like a prince from a fairy tale.
After nodding, Efrain noticed Lance standing nearby and greeted him with a smile, "Lance, it's been a while. Let's find some time to catch up."
"Sure, you set the time."
Lance did not refuse.
Clearly, the two had a good relationship.
They chatted briefly about their respective situations.
During this time, Deanna stood quietly by their side, maintaining a polite smile.
After they finished talking, Efrain turned to Deanna and apologized with a smile, "Sorry, Miss Jones. It's been a while since I last saw Lance. I forgot about you while chatting."
"It's okay. I understand."
Deanna shook her head indifferently.
Seeing that she genuinely didn't mind, Efrain felt relieved and joked, "In that case, Dr. Deanna, please follow me. I'll show you my grandfather's medical books."
"Mr. Wright, please just call me by my name."
Deanna laughed but did not refuse Efrain's invitation.
She then looked at the man beside her and asked, "Mr. Mercer, would you like to join us?"
"I'll pass. I need to greet some people here. You go ahead; I'll find you later." Lance shook his head.
Deanna nodded and followed Efrain to the study on the second floor.
As soon as she entered, she was stunned by what she saw.
It was more like a small library than a study.
Three walls were lined with bookshelves filled with various medical books.
Even on either side of the front window hung paintings related to medical arts.
Seeing Deanna's astonished expression, Efrain smiled slightly with pride, "All these books are my grandfather's collection. He's read every single one of them."
"Old Wright is truly impressive. Lifelong learning indeed."
Deanna sincerely admired.
Efrain smiled but said nothing. He walked over to the left bookshelf and took out several slightly yellowed ancient medicine books.
He handed the books to Deanna and said in a magnetic voice, "This is the first time my grandfather has willingly lent these books to someone else. It seems he really likes you, Miss Jones. Thank you for helping him with his health."
"I should thank Old Wright for appreciating me."
Deanna smiled modestly and then said, "Mr. Wright, if you're busy, you can go ahead. I can read here by myself."
Efrain nodded, "Then I won't disturb you. If you need anything, just ask the house staff."
With that, he turned and left.
Meanwhile, Bella also arrived at the birthday banquet.
Seeing Lance alone, she immediately walked over with a glass of wine and greeted him charmingly.
"Lance, you're here too."
"Miss Cody."
Lance nodded slightly in response but didn't intend to say more.
However, Bella didn't want to end the conversation so quickly. She initiated another topic, "By the way, I think I saw Dr. Deanna earlier. If Mr. Mercer needs a female companion, you might consider me."
Lance heard this and cast a cold glance, his voice distant and indifferent. "Why trouble Miss Cody?"
"Why not? Given the relationship between our families, there's no such thing as trouble."
Bella ignored the finality in Lance's words. She held her wine glass and moved closer, looking up at the exceptionally handsome man before her, her infatuation evident in her eyes. Her attractive figure was also on full display under Lance's gaze.