Xavier felt the cold aura emanating from Mr. Mercer and knew the CEO was angry.
Just as he was about to say something, a phone rang.
It was Lance's phone.
Lance's eyes darkened as he looked at the caller ID. It was Bella.
After a moment, he answered the call, his voice icy, "What is it?"
On the other end, Bella's heart ached at his cold tone.
But she quickly composed herself and stated her purpose.
"Lance, I'm calling to explain the situation online. I didn't know this would happen. Give me some time, and I'll handle it."
"Miss Cody, do you think I'm a fool?"
Lance's lips curled into a mocking smile.
He didn't believe for a second that the online rumors had nothing to do with Bella.
Bella was silent for a few seconds.
She knew Lance was suspicious of her, but she wouldn't admit it. "Lance, whether you believe it or not, this matter really has nothing to do with me."
Lance laughed, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"If that's the case, then tell me, Miss Cody, why there are such news articles about us. We're not celebrities, and it's too much of a coincidence that this happened after last night."
Bella was at a loss for words but still tried to defend herself. "You know my family recently started getting involved in the entertainment industry. Maybe because I've been in contact with some celebrities, the reporters followed me. Don't worry, I'll handle it soon and make sure it doesn't affect you."
"I hope so!" Lance said and hung up the phone.
Even so, he didn't trust Bella much.
After putting down his phone, he instructed Xavier, "Investigate the online situation. Find out who is spreading these rumors."
"Yes."
Xavier nodded and left.
About half an hour later, he returned to the office with his findings.
"Mr. Mercer, I've found out that a newly established media company is trying to make a name for itself. Recently, the Cody family has been in contact with several top male celebrities. Miss Cody attended a celebrity party before coming to see you last night. That's when the reporters must have followed her."
Hearing this, Lance's expression finally softened.
Even so, he couldn't tolerate the online rumors and ordered sternly, "Arrange for all news to be blocked from the internet. I don't want to see any of this by tonight."
"I understand."
Xavier nodded and left.
Meanwhile, Deanna also saw the news online and felt inexplicably upset.
She didn't dwell on it much and put away her phone to continue her work.
But for some reason, she couldn't focus all afternoon. It felt like something was stuck in her chest, making her uncomfortable.
Old Ashley noticed her unusual behavior and her eyes flickered.
Old Ashley was aware of the news online.
Although she didn't know what had happened, her granddaughter's expression was clearly off.
"Deanna, what's wrong? You don't look well this morning."
"Do I?" Deanna touched her face.
Old Ashley nodded affirmatively. "You really don't look well. You can check in the mirror if you don't believe me."
Hearing this, Deanna took a small mirror from under the coffee table and looked at herself. She did look a bit pale.
But she didn't think much of it and put down the mirror calmly. "Maybe I'm just tired. I did a lot this morning."
That was indeed true.
To relieve her oppressive mood, Deanna tried to distract herself with work.
Old Ashley found this both amusing and exasperating.
She hadn't expected her granddaughter to be so oblivious.
But she didn't plan to spell it out.
Although she didn't know if the online rumors were true or not, there was no smoke without fire. Since her granddaughter hadn't figured out her feelings for Mr. Mercer yet, it was better not to remind her of it. If the rumors were true, Deanna would only get hurt.
Thinking this, she smiled lovingly at Deanna. "If you're tired, go rest in your room."
Deanna didn't refuse and went back to her room but couldn't sleep. She played with her phone in bed instead.
Even so, she seemed to subconsciously avoid the news online and read a novel instead.
At that moment, she received a call from her best friend.
"Deanna, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Why?"
Deanna was puzzled by the question.
Julia heard Deanna's response and tone and felt relieved that she didn't seem upset.
But thinking about the online news, Julia couldn't help but probe further. "Did you see the news online? Mr. Mercer is getting married. Do you have any thoughts about it?"
"Why would I have any thoughts about him getting married?"
Deanna responded instinctively.
Then she realized what her friend meant and laughed. "I've told you before; Mr. Mercer is my patient, an acquaintance at best. Don't misunderstand again."