Samantha never expected Deanna to refuse her, leaving her momentarily stunned.
After regaining her composure, she frowned and said coldly, "Since Dr. Deanna has made it clear, I will be straightforward as well."
Deanna frowned slightly.
Before she could say anything, Samantha's cold voice echoed in her ears.
"Dr. Deanna, you claim you haven't done anything inappropriate, but my son Lance attending your child's parent-teacher meeting and taking you on a hot spring vacation are undeniable facts. How do you explain that?"
Samantha stared sharply at Deanna.
Deanna was taken aback and couldn't find words to refute for a moment.
However, she had never had any improper thoughts about Lance.
Thinking of this, she pursed her lips and stated, "Mrs. Mercer, I won't argue with what you just said, but I want to say that not everyone is interested in marrying into a wealthy family. I just want to be with someone I like."
"Do you think I would believe that?"
Samantha looked directly at her, clearly not believing a word Deanna said.
Deanna shrugged. "If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do. Anyway, I can only tell you that Mr. Mercer is not within my range of potential partners."
Hearing this and seeing Deanna's indifferent expression, Samantha felt inexplicably annoyed.
For some reason, she felt as if Deanna was looking down on her son.
Just as she was about to say something, Deanna spoke first.
"Mrs. Mercer, I know you care about Mr. Mercer, but I think instead of worrying about his personal affairs, you should focus more on his health. If Mr. Mercer recovers, I believe there will be no further interactions between us."
Samantha was at a loss for words.
Deanna continued, "Lastly, even if there were something between your son and me, it takes two to tango. Talking to me alone won't help."
"I will certainly discuss this with Lance. I just wanted to see Dr. Deanna's attitude first."
Samantha straightened her back and explained, not wanting to appear weak.
At the same time, she felt a bit angry, thinking that Deanna was too sharp-tongued and disrespectful.
No matter what, she was an elder.
This woman could counter every sentence she said with ten more.
Deanna noticed Samantha's displeased expression but didn't care because she didn't think she was wrong.
She nodded and said, "That's for the best. Please leave now; I need to read my medical books."
With that, she picked up the medical book beside her and started reading again, clearly not intending to continue the conversation.
Seeing this, Samantha wasn't angry; instead, she felt a bit suspicious.
Was it possible that she had misunderstood Dr. Deanna?
Regardless of whether it was a misunderstanding or not, she had said what needed to be said and quickly got up to leave.
Hearing the door close, Deanna initially didn't want to pay attention.
But for some reason, the medical book that had always fascinated her suddenly lost its appeal.
She frowned, feeling somewhat disturbed. She put down the book and walked to the window to get some fresh air.
Outside the window, dim streetlights illuminated the scene.
Under the lights was a meticulously maintained garden.
The cool autumn breeze blew through Deanna's hair and seemed to blow away her worries, gradually calming her restless heart.
At this moment, Deanna had the mood to appreciate the scenery outside the window.
The night sky was much darker than in the city, filled with countless twinkling stars.
She didn't know how much time had passed when she heard the sound of the door opening.
Deanna turned around and saw Lance entering with some food in his hands.
"Mr. Mercer, what is this?"
She walked over curiously.
Lance gestured to the tray in his hands and said softly, "I thought you might not have eaten much tonight, so I brought you some food."
"Thank you, Mr. Mercer."
Deanna thanked him and naturally walked over.
Lance placed the tray on the coffee table and invited her to eat while asking with concern, "Isn't it boring being here alone?"
"Actually, it's fine."
Deanna said politely and took a piece of pastry out of courtesy but didn't have much appetite.
She glanced at the handsome man across from her and thought of what Mrs. Mercer had said earlier. She lowered her eyes, hiding all her emotions.
Then she changed the subject and asked, "By the way, when does this banquet end? Can I leave early?"
"Why? Are you in a hurry to leave? Do you have something to do?"
Lance didn't notice her change in mood and asked casually.
Deanna didn't deny it. She tugged at her dress and nodded. "It's nothing important; I just want to leave. This kind of occasion doesn't suit me. I feel very uncomfortable staying here."