In a luxurious private café, Deanna and Landon sat facing each other.
Landon stretched out his long arm and raised an eyebrow, "Where's my cake?"
"You're an adult, still eating cake."
Despite her words, Deanna handed over the small cake she had bought.
Landon accepted it happily, then his expression turned serious. "I've found the residence of the lawyer from back then."
Upon hearing this, Deanna's eyes lit up immediately. "Where is he now?"
"He returned to Xison to retire, but I've heard he's not in good health and is currently in the hospital. He might not be able to help you."
Landon shared the information he had gathered.
Deanna was momentarily stunned but then smiled. "It doesn't matter if he can help or not; I still want to meet him. I can go there myself."
"Alright then. I have some business in Xison tomorrow. Why don't you ride with me?"
Seeing Deanna's determination, Landon agreed and suggested they travel together.
Deanna didn't refuse, knowing it would be easier to navigate with Landon than on her own.
After discussing their plans, Landon reverted to his usual carefree demeanor. Leaning back in his chair, he looked at Deanna with a smug expression. "So, I've helped you with something. Shouldn't you treat me to a meal?"
Deanna, who was about to thank him, suddenly changed her mind. However, she did end up treating him to a meal.
After dinner, Deanna and Landon agreed on a meeting time for the next day and then went their separate ways.
Deanna headed straight to the hilltop estate to check on the medicinal herbs.
The butler greeted her warmly, "Dr. Deanna, you're here."
"Yes, I came to check on the herbs. How have the fields been these days?"
Deanna looked over with concern.
The butler reported honestly, "Dr. Deanna, rest assured, the fields are fine. Everyone has been taking great care of the herbs; not a single one is missing."
Indeed, the herb fields were well-maintained, without even a single weed or pest.
After inspecting the fields, Deanna smiled. "You've all done a great job. Thank you for your hard work."
"It's no trouble at all. After all, these herbs are for Mr. Mercer."
The butler shook his head dismissively.
Deanna smiled and helped tend to the herbs for a while before heading home.
When she arrived home, Old Ashley and the two children were still up.
Seeing Deanna return, they all looked at her with concern.
"Mom, you're back."
Chloe ran over and hugged her mother's leg.
Gregory was a step slower but nestled close to her side.
Old Ashley stood up and asked, "Why are you back so late today? Have you eaten?"
"Not yet. Have you all had dinner?"
Deanna smiled gently.
Old Ashley nodded. "It's quite late; I ate with the kids. But I kept some food warm for you in the pot. I'll bring it over."
During dinner, the children stayed with their mother.
Deanna suddenly remembered her trip to Xison and mentioned it. "Tomorrow, I'll be going to Xison with Landon for a couple of days. Grandma, could you please take care of Gregory and Chloe?"
"Why are you being so polite? Taking care of my great-grandchildren is my duty."
Old Ashley pretended to be angry.
Deanna realized her mistake and quickly apologized with a smile. "You're right; that was my mistake."
Hearing this, Old Ashley didn't say anything more but curiously asked, "Why are you going to Xison with Landon? Is there something important?"
"Landon found the lawyer who handled my mother's case back then. I want to meet him and understand the situation."
Deanna didn't hide anything and briefly explained.
Old Ashley's face darkened upon hearing this, clearly reminded of past events.
Seeing this, Deanna reassured her. "I will settle things with the Jones family sooner or later. You just need to watch."
Old Ashley nodded, indicating her trust in Deanna.
The children sensed the tense atmosphere and exchanged glances before cheering their mother on with little fists.
"Mom, you can do it!"
"Yes, I will do my best."
Deanna looked at her children tenderly and continued, "By the way, you'll be going to school tomorrow. I'll have your godmother pick you up and drop you off. Be good; Mom will be back the day after tomorrow."
The children nodded obediently.
Seeing that Deanna had everything arranged, Old Ashley said nothing more.
After dinner, Deanna took the children to wash up and then prepared for bed herself.
Before sleeping, she sent Lance a message.
"Mr. Mercer, I'm going on a trip tomorrow. If you feel unwell at any time, let me know, and I'll come back as soon as possible."
On the other side, Lance saw the message and instinctively wanted to ask where she was going but stopped himself, realizing he had no right to ask.
In the end, Lance only asked, "Who's going to take care of the children while you're away?"
"My grandmother will take care of them. I've also arranged for my best friend to pick them up from school."
Although she felt Lance's question was a bit intrusive, she answered anyway.
After hearing this, Lance frowned deeply.