For the next two days, Deanna busied herself with preparations for the dinner party. As it was a gratitude banquet, she specially prepared several main dishes, including a very complex medicinal cuisine that was highly beneficial for health.
Finally, on the third day, Deanna had everything ready and sent out invitations to Lance, Old Hughes, and Old Wright. Of course, she didn't forget Julia and Landon either.
Unexpectedly, Lance arrived at the apartment before evening. Seeing the handsome man standing outside the door, Deanna was a bit surprised. "Mr. Mercer, why are you here so early?"
"The company didn't have much going on, so I thought I'd come over and see if you needed any help," Lance lied smoothly.
Xavier, standing behind him, couldn't help but twitch his mouth at this. He thought to himself, 'Mr. Mercer has become quite adept at lying since he met Dr. Deanna.'
After speaking, Lance turned and took several gift boxes from Xavier's hands, handing them to Deanna with a slight smile. "These are some fine wines from my collection. Use these to entertain Old Wright and the others tonight; they will appreciate it."
"Thank you."
Deanna couldn't refuse and had to express her gratitude. She then noticed Lance still standing outside and quickly invited him in.
As soon as he entered, Lance smelled the aroma filling the room and sincerely praised, "It smells wonderful."
Just then, Old Ashley's voice came from the kitchen before she even appeared. "Deanna, who's here?"
"Grandma, it's me," Lance greeted proactively before Deanna could respond.
Old Ashley came out of the kitchen and was as surprised as Deanna had been. "Mr. Mercer, why are you here so early?"
"The company didn't have much going on, so I thought I'd come over and see if I could help with anything," Lance repeated his reason and then asked with concern, "By the way, Grandma, are you feeling better? Dr. Deanna mentioned you had a fall a few days ago."
"I'm fine," Old Ashley said with a meaningful glance at Deanna. She thought her granddaughter must be getting closer to Lance if she shared even such small details with him.
With this in mind, she warmly invited Lance to sit and chat with Deanna. "Since you're here, have a seat and chat with Deanna. Deanna, you keep Mr. Mercer company; I'll handle the kitchen."
Deanna disagreed. "Grandma, let me do it. You've helped me all morning; I'll take care of the rest. You should rest for a while."
Old Ashley looked at her clueless granddaughter with some frustration. "If you go to the kitchen, who will keep Mr. Mercer company?"
Deanna was left speechless.
Fortunately, Lance intervened. "Grandma, don't worry about me. As I said, I'm here to help. How about this: you go rest, and I'll help Dr. Deanna in the kitchen."
"That's not right; how can we let a guest do the work?" Old Ashley objected.
Lance chuckled. "Then just don't treat me as an outsider."
Both Old Ashley and Deanna were stunned by his words.
Old Ashley was the first to react, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Alright then, that would be welcome. Deanna, you and Mr. Mercer go to the kitchen; I'll go rest."
With that, she disappeared into her room.
When Deanna came to her senses, she saw her grandmother walking into her room. Suddenly, only she and Lance were left in the living room.
Xavier had left at some point.
The atmosphere in the living room became somewhat awkward.
Lance looked at the dazed Deanna with amusement and pointed towards the kitchen. "I think I hear something in there."
"My soup!" Deanna exclaimed and rushed into the kitchen to save her broth.
Watching her flustered movements in the kitchen brought a smile to Lance's face; it felt very homely.
After enjoying the scene for a moment, he rolled up his sleeves and walked in naturally. "Is there anything I can help with?"
Deanna turned to see him in his white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, revealing his strong arms. Though he looked ready to work, his pristine shirt made her hesitant to ask for help.
"There's nothing much to do here. Mr. Mercer, please wait outside; I'll be done soon," she tried to dismiss him.
Lance saw through her intentions and invoked Old Ashley's authority with a smile. "Grandma said I should help you."
With that, he started looking around for something to do.
Finally, he took the empty pot from Deanna's hands. "This needs washing, right? I'll take care of it."