Lance looked at the stubborn woman in front of him, feeling quite pleased. However, he didn't push Deanna to admit anything. Instead, he smiled and gently coaxed, "Alright, you're not upset. I must have been mistaken. Can you accompany me downstairs to meet the guests?"
"Why should I go with you to meet the guests?" Deanna felt Lance's request was unreasonable. She wasn't the host; why should she meet the guests? But Lance didn't give her a chance to refuse and pulled her along.
Downstairs, Bella sat on the sofa with a table full of health supplements she had specially brought. Hearing footsteps on the stairs, she turned her head with a smile, "Lance..."
As soon as she said his name, her smile froze. Her eyes locked onto Lance and Deanna's intertwined hands, and jealousy flared uncontrollably within her. Lance didn't notice her reaction and led Deanna over, immediately rejecting the health supplements on the table.
"I don't need these. Take them back."
Deanna noticed Bella's piercing gaze and felt uncomfortable, wanting to pull her hand away. As soon as she moved, Lance looked over, "What's wrong?"
"I'm a bit thirsty. Let go; I want to get some water," Deanna lied.
Lance saw through her lie but let go with a sigh. Freed, Deanna quickly went to the kitchen.
Bella finally snapped out of her daze. She glanced at Deanna's retreating figure and forced a smile, "It seems things are going well between you and Dr. Deanna. Are you together now?"
"What does it matter to you?" Lance replied coldly.
Bella was at a loss for words, feeling even more miserable inside as anger surged within her. Clenching her fists tightly, she forced a smile, "You're right; it doesn't matter to me. I was just asking."
Lance looked at her without responding.
Bella bit her lower lip, feeling humiliated. The atmosphere in the living room grew tense.
When Deanna returned with her water, she sensed the awkward tension between them but pretended not to notice and sat on the nearby sofa.
She thought she could stay out of it until Bella suddenly turned to her.
"Dr. Deanna, how is Mr. Mercer doing?"
Deanna found it odd that Bella would ask her instead of Lance who was right there. She silently criticized Bella but kept a calm demeanor, "The wound has healed, but he needs proper care."
"I see," Bella nodded and continued making small talk with Deanna.
Feeling helpless, Deanna glanced at Lance as if saying, "You let her in; you deal with her."
Lance noticed and gave a doting look before turning coldly to Bella, "It's getting late; I need to rest. Miss Cody, please leave now. Sam, see our guest out."
"Yes," Sam stepped forward and gestured for Bella to leave.
Bella's expression froze again. She gritted her teeth but held back her anger and stood up with a forced smile, "Alright then, Lance. Rest well; I'll visit another time."
Lance didn't respond as if he hadn't heard.
Bella had no choice but to leave.
Once in her car, she couldn't hold back her rage any longer.
"Ahhh-damn it! Why are they treating me like this!" Bella screamed hysterically, pounding on the steering wheel in frustration.
Her eyes filled with hatred as she stared at the villa ahead, especially recalling Lance and Deanna holding hands earlier made her want to destroy everything.
After sending Bella away, Deanna quickly found an excuse to leave too.
Watching her hurried departure, Lance knew she was avoiding him.
That evening approached as it neared time for their children to finish school.
Lance and Deanna went together to pick them up.
The children chatted happily about their day at school all the way home.
Their laughter filled the car as they returned to Hencard Villa.
As soon as they got out of the car, Sam came out from the living room upon hearing them and reported to Lance, "Sir, Madam and Mr. Mercer are here."
"I know," Lance nodded and led Deanna and their children inside.
In the living room were Mr. and Mrs. Mercer who had come specifically after hearing about Lance's return to check on him.
Seeing Deanna with Lance and their children didn't surprise them at all; they were clearly aware of Deanna staying at Hencard Villa.
The children were delighted to see Samantha and called out sweetly,
"Grannie!"
"Oh my dear little ones! Did you miss Grannie?"