The old lady was stunned by Lance's direct question.
Ricky, upon hearing it, seemed to bristle with anger.
He first glanced nervously at his mother, then stepped forward and shouted, "My mom is already hospitalized here. What's real or fake? Get out of here and stop disturbing her recovery."
If he weren't afraid of Lance's strength, Ricky would have tried to force him out.
However, Lance merely glanced at him dismissively, showing no intention of engaging.
"I don't know if you're aware, but because of your incident, Dr. Deanna was slandered by your son and is now detained at the police station," Lance continued, observing the old lady's expression.
His voice was deep and compelling. "I heard from Dr. Deanna that knowing your family's difficulties, she used the most affordable herbs and even treated you for free, right?"
"Yes..." The old lady replied with difficulty, guilt almost overflowing from her eyes.
But Ricky, hearing this, nearly jumped in anger. "What do you mean 'yes'? I'm telling you not to spout nonsense here. Do you think my mother is old and easy to deceive? If you really want to save her, give me five million dollars. I heard you're a big boss; five million should be nothing to you!"
"Five million is nothing to me, but giving it to an ingrate disgusts me."
Lance retorted coldly.
At that moment, his imposing aura was fully unleashed, his eagle-like gaze sharply fixed on Ricky.
Ricky was startled and began to feel a bit uneasy.
But his greed ultimately overcame his fear.
"Who's an ingrate? If you keep talking nonsense here, I'll call the police!"
With that, he rushed to his mother's bedside, threateningly saying, "Mom, I know you're always soft-hearted. If you testify falsely for this man, I will be finished. If something happens to me, who will take care of your grandson in the future?"
The old lady naturally understood the implication in his words, her chest heaving with anger.
Her son was using her lifeline to threaten her.
In the end, for the sake of her grandchild, the old lady closed her eyes.
She feared her gaze would reveal too much emotion.
Seeing his mother's reaction, Ricky was secretly pleased.
He couldn't help but look at Lance with pride and began to issue an eviction order. "You see, my mother is tired. Please leave."
Lance ignored him and looked at the old lady on the bed with cold eyes.
He knew very well why she was acting this way.
"If you think this choice will secure your grandson's future, you're gravely mistaken. I hope you won't regret it." Leaving those words behind, he turned and left.
Outside, Xavier noticed Mr. Mercer's displeased expression as he came out and had a vague guess.
He didn't ask anything and followed Mr. Mercer out of the hospital.
After getting into the car, Lance barely suppressed his anger and instructed in a deep voice, "Have someone keep an eye on Ricky. Inform me immediately of his unusual behavior."
He didn't believe he couldn't find any dirt on this man.
Xavier nodded in understanding.
...
That evening, Lance took the two little ones to the police station to visit Deanna.
As soon as they met, the two little ones couldn't help but tear up.
"Mommy, I miss you so much."
"Mommy misses you too. Have you been good these past few days?"
Deanna's eyes also reddened.
This was the first time she had been separated from the two little ones for so long.
The two little ones sniffled and answered, "We've been very good. Mommy, when can you come home?"
"Hopefully soon. I heard that the old lady has woken up."
This last sentence was directed at Lance.
Lance understood her meaning and replied with pursed lips, "She's awake but confused. Her son has a hold on her; she probably won't testify."
Hearing this, Deanna was somewhat surprised but also expected it.
She then showed a bitter smile, feeling indescribably sad.
Lance saw her sadness and felt deeply pained.
"Don't worry. Even without the old lady's testimony, I can get you out."
"I know."
Deanna looked at the seriousness on his face and felt very touched and reassured.
After chatting for a while longer, Deanna urged them to go back.
"Mommy, we're leaving now. We'll come see you again tomorrow."
The two little ones reluctantly waved goodbye to Deanna.
Deanna also waved and reminded them, "Listen to Mr. Mercer when you go back and take good care of your great-grandma."
Lance listened quietly to their conversation, a gentle expression on his face.
After they finished speaking, he asked Deanna, "Do you need anything in there? I'll have someone bring it to you."
"I don't need anything. It's just a bit boring. If possible, could you send me some medical books?"