Lance looked resolutely at his parents.
"I trust Dr. Deanna's character, and as a patient, I have more authority than anyone to speak about her medical skills. I can feel getting better day by day under her care, something that never happened with any other doctor."
Samantha was left speechless.
Finally, she gave up on questioning the medical aspect and said coldly, "Fine, let's not talk about medical skills. Let's talk about your relationship."
But Lance interrupted her immediately.
"This is my personal matter. I hope you won't interfere."
Lance's tone left no room for argument.
Samantha was furious.
She couldn't understand why her son was so stubborn about this woman.
Suddenly, she thought of Deanna's two children and couldn't help but question, "Fine, you don't want us to meddle in your personal affairs, but what about those kids? Are you really going to be their stepfather?"
Lance frowned, ready to speak up for the children.
But his mother's angry and rejecting voice rang in his ears again.
"I'm telling you, I will never accept children who are not from the Mercer family!"
"Your mother's attitude is mine as well," Logan said earnestly. "Lance, you've never disappointed me before. I hope you'll seriously consider this. You and Dr. Deanna are worlds apart. You're not suitable for each other in terms of status or values."
Lance disagreed.
Not to mention, Chloe and Gregory were his children. Even if he were to marry, it wouldn't be about matching social status but about the person and the feeling.
However, he didn't plan to tell his parents this because it wasn't the right time.
Even if he did, his parents would think he was lying to be with Deanna.
"I understand your concerns, but I know what I want."
Lance remained firm in his stance.
This left his parents extremely dissatisfied.
But they couldn't change Lance's mind, so the three parted on bad terms.
After seeing his parents off, Lance thought of the two little ones in the dining room. He softened his expression and walked over with a gentle smile.
To his surprise, he found the two children sitting dejectedly in their chairs, looking upset.
"What's wrong?" Lance asked with concern. "Is the food not to your liking?"
Chloe and Gregory exchanged a glance.
Finally, Gregory spoke up, "Uncle, why don't you send us back?"
Lance was taken aback.
"Why do you suddenly want to go back?" he asked instinctively.
The two children pressed their lips together, unsure how to respond.
Sam stepped forward and whispered to Lance, "Mr. Lance, Gregory and Chloe overheard your conversation with Madam and Mr. Logan."
Hearing this, Lance frowned but quickly relaxed.
He walked over to Gregory, picked him up, and gently ruffled his hair.
"Don't mind what they said. They just can't accept it for now. Once they get to know you and Chloe better, they'll come around."
"Really?" Gregory looked up, his dark eyes filled with uncertainty.
Lance's heart ached. He nodded again and promised, "Really. Trust me."
"I trust you, Uncle."
Despite his words, Gregory's mood didn't improve much.
Chloe was also very quiet.
Lance knew his parents' words had hurt the children.
To lift their spirits, he had two cats from the Jones family brought over.
"Chloe, Gregory, look what I have here."
Lance revealed the two cats like a treasure.
"It's Whiskers and Luna!"
The children's eyes lit up at the sight of the fluffy creatures.
Lance placed the cats in their hands and said softly, "Your mommy reminded me to bring them over today."
Hearing this, the children looked up eagerly.
"Uncle, when can we see Mommy?"
"I miss Mommy."
Seeing their worried eyes, Lance smiled and reassured them, "Don't worry. Give me two more days. I'll definitely bring your mommy back."
The children nodded obediently.
Meanwhile, at the Cody family residence, Bella sat in her study handling company matters but was distracted.
She knew that after she left the Mercer family, the elders went to see Lance. She wondered if Deanna's two brats had been kicked out yet.
Just then, her phone rang. She eagerly answered it.
"What's the situation? Have those kids been kicked out?"
"No changes. The kids are still staying at Mr. Mercer's house."