Deanna's face changed slightly, feeling a bit helpless. So that's how it was.
Julia didn't notice her expression and explained what had just happened. "Deanna, I was playing with the kids when these people barged in. It scared me to death."
She leaned close to Deanna's ear and whispered, "Don't be afraid. If they try anything, we'll call the police."
Gregory and Chloe clutched Deanna's fingers firmly, their expressions determined, as if trying to give her courage.
Deanna couldn't help but smile. She patted the children's backs and reassured them, "Mommy's fine, don't be scared."
Then she turned to Julia and said, "It's okay, they won't do anything."
Frowning, she shifted her gaze to Lance, her tone tinged with a hint of anger.
"Why didn't you inform us before coming? Look at the commotion you've caused; you scared my family."
Xavier looked a bit embarrassed and said, "Sorry for alarming Miss Jones' family. We didn't mean to. The situation is urgent today, so we came unannounced."
Julia stood there stunned, her mouth agape.
"What's going on?"
She poked her best friend.
"It's nothing. They're here for me, no ill intentions. My grandmother is downstairs at Amelia's place. Take Gregory and Chloe to find them. I'll join you later and explain everything."
Deanna replied, thinking that their urgent arrival probably meant Mr. Mercer's health had taken a turn for the worse.
Gregory hugged her waist tightly. "Mommy, I'm not leaving. I'll stay with you."
Understanding her son's concern, Deanna's heart softened. Since he wouldn't cause trouble, she allowed it.
Seeing this, Chloe also refused to leave. "I want to stay with Mommy too."
Julia, though puzzled, hesitated for a moment before nodding and heading downstairs alone.
Deanna held the children's hands and walked towards Lance. "What's the emergency?"
Xavier spoke up. "This morning, when Mr. Mercer got up, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He has an overseas business trip in a few days, and we're worried... his health might be affected. That's why we rushed over."
Deanna understood.
"Mr. Mercer, extend your hand. Let me check your pulse."
Lance raised an eyebrow and removed his watch.
He extended his wrist.
She felt his pulse; it was relatively stable but slightly weak.
"Miss Jones, how is he?" Xavier asked nervously.
She glanced at him and replied, "Mr. Mercer is currently weak. The chest pain is a normal reaction."
Xavier and Lance both sighed in relief, though Lance's face remained impassive.
Deanna advised, "Given his condition, it's best for him to rest and not overwork himself. Excessive fatigue can deteriorate even a strong body and affect my treatment progress."
In other words, his current state wasn't suitable for overseas work.
Moreover, the treatment schedule was fixed according to their agreement.
Constant changes would disrupt her treatment process.
Lance finally spoke, "This will be the last time. I'll adjust my schedule to align with your treatment from now on."
Deanna frowned and looked at him.
After careful consideration, she still felt uneasy about his condition.
"Let's do another acupuncture session today. I'll prescribe some medicine for you to take three times a day until it's finished. Come back for another session after you return from abroad."
Lance pressed his lips together. "Thank you."
Then he asked, "Miss Jones, is there a treatment room here?"
After all, it didn't seem like there was one.
Deanna was taken aback by the question and realized she didn't have a treatment room at home.
She had forgotten about this when she asked them to come over for treatment earlier.
Biting her lip, she noted that the sofa was too small for acupuncture; the living room wouldn't work either.
That left only the bedroom.
Her grandmother's poor health made it inappropriate to use her room for treating strangers.
She looked at the children's bunk bed; it was too small as well.
The only suitable place was her own room.
Treating a man in her own bedroom made her feel somewhat awkward, but as a doctor, she had no choice.
After a moment's hesitation, she said to Lance, "Let's go to my room."
Lance stiffened slightly but remained silent and followed her into the room.
Xavier, Gregory, and Chloe followed closely behind.
Once inside, Lance glanced around the room.
It was clean and tidy with a tasteful minimalist design that suited his preferences.
The simple decor created a cozy atmosphere.
"Lie on the bed and take off your clothes."
She closed the door, put down her bag, and spoke lightly.
His nose was filled with her unique scent-not the harshness of chemical perfumes but a subtle and pleasant fragrance.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "I hope I don't have to take off my pants again?"
Xavier had told him about the previous incident.
Deanna smiled awkwardly. "No need, just take off your shirt. I'll only be working on your upper body."
She intended to use this session to observe the tattoo on his chest.
While she was lost in thought, Lance had taken off his shirt and lay on the bed, exposing his bare back.
She couldn't see his tattoo and felt a bit disappointed.