The next morning, Bella arrived early at the Mercer family mansion.
Despite the previous unpleasantness between the two families, their relationship still held, especially with Bella coming to make peace.
Samantha did not refuse Bella's visit.
"Samantha, I was sent abroad by my father to handle a project recently, so I haven't been able to visit you. I hope you don't hold it against me," Bella said playfully.
Seeing Bella's attempt to be charming, Samantha was willing to play along and smiled, "There's nothing to hold against you. Young people like you should strive hard!"
"Samantha, you're right. This overseas experience has helped me grow a lot," Bella agreed.
They chatted casually, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant.
The conversation gradually shifted to recent rumors outside.
Bella, pretending to be embarrassed, said, "Samantha, actually, I have another task today."
"What task?" Samantha asked curiously.
Bella explained, "Recently, my father noticed a lot of negative comments about the Mercer Group, and their stock has been quite volatile. My father wanted me to convey that if the Mercer family needs any help from the Cody family, you and Uncle Lance shouldn't hesitate to ask."
She looked sincerely at Samantha as she finished speaking.
Samantha listened and looked deeply at Bella. She understood that Bella's visit had a purpose, which dampened her enthusiasm, but she didn't show it on her face.
"There's no need for that. Lance can handle this small matter," Samantha replied.
"Samantha, you're right. Lance is so capable; he will surely resolve this perfectly," Bella flattered, noticing Samantha's subtle change in demeanor.
Despite the polite exchange, the harmonious atmosphere between them was affected.
Shortly after, Bella excused herself and left.
Sitting in her car, she angrily looked back at the Mercer family mansion, feeling resentful. She couldn't believe that even after humbling herself, the Mercer family showed no respect.
And Deanna, that shameless woman, had easily forgiven Lance and even went on another trip with him. The more Bella thought about it, the angrier she became, feeling like she had shot herself in the foot.
Meanwhile, after rejecting Kade, Deanna returned to her peaceful life. However, she was increasingly worried about the escalating online rumors about the Mercer family.
Whenever she asked Lance about it, he only shared good news. She was also concerned about Lance's health.
Lost in her thoughts, the kindergarten dismissal bell rang.
Two little ones came out hand in hand, hopping and skipping. Seeing Deanna waiting by the street, they ran over happily. "Mommy!"
"Let's go home. Your Great-grandma has already prepared dinner," Deanna said, ruffling their black hair before leading them away.
Just as they turned around, a familiar female voice called out, "Dr. Deanna."
Samantha approached with a motherly smile.
She looked down at the two children and softened her expression. "Gregory, Chloe, did you miss me?"
"Yes," the children nodded politely.
Chloe immediately clung to her and asked eagerly, "We haven't seen Grannie for so long. What have you been busy with?"
"I had some family matters to attend to, so I couldn't come to see you," Samantha replied, not revealing the truth to avoid suspicion from Deanna and the children.
Deanna misunderstood her words, thinking Samantha was busy with the recent Mercer Group issues.
Despite this misunderstanding, they continued their conversation.
Gregory and Chloe even invited her, "Grannie, we're going home for dinner. Would you like to join us?"
"Of course I'll come," Samantha answered happily, her smile widening.
However, when she looked at Deanna, she resumed her dignified demeanor as Mrs. Mercer. She nodded slightly at Deanna. "Sorry for intruding tonight."
Seeing Mrs. Mercer's quick change in expression amused Deanna.
At the same time, she felt complicated emotions and a slight change in her impression of Mrs. Mercer. She wondered if Lance had done or said something because Mrs. Mercer seemed much more pleasant than before.
Deanna didn't stop Mrs. Mercer from joining them. After all, she was Lance's mother and the children's grandmother. The children had personally invited her; she couldn't refuse them.
Thus, on their way home, they were joined by Mrs. Mercer.
Old Ashley was surprised but welcomed Samantha as usual.