After Lance and his group left, Deanna tidied up and prepared to head to the villa. As she descended the stairs, she saw Sam standing with two competent female bodyguards.
"Sam, what's this?" Deanna asked, puzzled.
Sam pointed to the bodyguards and explained, "These are the bodyguards assigned to you by Mr. Mercer. They will escort you to the villa."
Hearing this, Deanna felt a warmth in her heart. She looked at the bodyguards, her lips curving into a slight smile. "Thank you both in advance."
"Dr. Deanna, you're too kind," the bodyguards responded respectfully. They introduced themselves as Fox and Rosefinch.
After a brief introduction, Deanna led them to the villa. The person in charge had called again to report that dozens of rare medicinal herbs were showing signs of rot.
Upon arrival, Deanna didn't even change her clothes and went straight to the herb field with the person in charge. She saw the rotting herbs piled on an empty plot of land and felt a pang of heartache. She had invested a lot of effort in cultivating these rare herbs.
"Let me see the planting records for this period," Deanna instructed after taking a deep breath.
The person in charge had already prepared and handed over the records. "While you were away, we followed your instructions precisely-injecting nutrients into the black soil once a week and watering every half month."
Deanna reviewed the records and knew they had done nothing wrong. But why were the herbs rotting? With this question in mind, she joined the professionals to find the cause.
Meanwhile, Samantha arrived at Deanna's home with a gift box to visit Old Ashley. Old Ashley was surprised but invited her in.
She poured a glass of water for Samantha and then sat on the sofa beside her. "What brings you here, Mrs. Mercer? If you're looking for Deanna, she's not here; she's with Mr. Mercer."
"Lady Ashley, you've misunderstood. I'm not here for Dr. Deanna; I'm here for you," Samantha said with a gentle smile.
Old Ashley was puzzled since she had no particular relationship with Mrs. Mercer. She asked, "What can I do for you, Mrs. Mercer?"
"Dr. Deanna saved my son Lance abroad recently, and she nearly suffered the misery because of her connection with my family. As Lance's mother, I should thank Dr. Deanna for what she did for him," Samantha said as she placed the gift box on the coffee table and opened it.
Inside lay a set of exquisitely crafted jewelry. Old Ashley immediately recognized its significant value.
Before she could say anything, Samantha continued, "This was my dowry when I married into the Mercer family, given to me by my grandmother. Dr. Deanna has been kind to our family, and I feel that giving money might hurt Dr. Deanna's feelings. So, after much consideration, I think this set of jewelry is the most appropriate gift. In the future, when Dr. Deanna finds a good match, this jewelry can serve as her dowry, ensuring her future in-laws value her."
Although Samantha's words seemed considerate of Deanna's future prospects, Old Ashley quickly understood her true intention: warning them not to let Deanna develop any delusions about Lance because of this life-saving favor.
Old Ashley's expression darkened slightly as she replied, "I understand Mrs. Mercer's point, but neither you nor I can control this matter. You know very well what kind of relationship Mr. Mercer has with our Deanna. Do you think they can just cut ties? Moreover, our Deanna has never harbored any delusions; she's always been a victim-five years ago and still now."
Mentioning events from five years ago made Samantha feel awkward and aware that she might have overstepped.
Seeing Samantha's silence, Old Ashley pushed the jewelry box back towards her. "Mrs. Mercer should take this back. As long as Mr. Mercer doesn't pester Deanna, she won't overstep any boundaries."
With that said, Old Ashley ended their conversation.
Samantha felt both angry and worried after being lectured by Old Ashley. She called her husband immediately, her voice filled with anxiety: "Logan, what should I do? I think I've messed things up."