That evening, Lance visited Deanna's apartment to see the two children as usual.
After so many days, Deanna's anger had subsided considerably.
Even so, she constantly reminded herself to keep her distance from Lance.
At least until she figured out how to handle their relationship, she couldn't give anyone a reason to gossip.
Lance was unaware of this but noticed Deanna's change in attitude. Though he felt helpless, he wasn't in a hurry.
He believed that as long as he showed his sincerity, he would eventually win Deanna over.
Later, after helping the kids with their math problems, he went to Deanna's pharmacy door and knocked.
"Come in," Deanna's voice came from inside.
Lance pushed the door open and saw Deanna holding a test tube, looking at him.
"Are you done?" he asked.
Deanna frowned slightly, her lips parting as she spoke in a cold tone, "Is there something you need?"
Lance nodded and then closed the door behind him.
Deanna watched his actions, her eyebrows raising slightly.
At that moment, Lance spoke up.
"I plan to have someone drive the kids to and from school starting tomorrow."
"Did something happen?" Deanna looked at him in confusion.
She knew Lance wouldn't make such arrangements without a reason.
Lance didn't hide anything and told her what Xavier had found out.
"The incident where you were framed has been investigated. The mastermind behind it was Bella."
Deanna was stunned by this revelation.
It was her!
Shock turned into boundless anger for Deanna.
What kind of grudge would lead Bella to do such a thing?
But she believed she had never offended Bella.
"Why would she do this?"
Deanna looked at Lance with an unpleasant expression.
Seeing the anger on her face, Lance felt a bit uneasy.
Of course, Deanna noticed his discomfort too.
In a flash of realization, she stared at him, "It's because of you, isn't it?"
Although it was phrased as a question, it was said with certainty.
Lance didn't deny it when he saw her reaction.
He changed the subject and said, "I'll seek justice for you regarding this matter. But I don't know if Bella has other plans. So during this period, I'll arrange for protection around you and the kids."
"Got it," Deanna replied but couldn't help muttering under her breath, "They say beauty brings trouble; I guess handsome men aren't much different."
Though she spoke softly, Lance heard it and couldn't help but smile.
He had more to say but Deanna cut him off coldly, "Anything else?"
Her tone implied that if there was nothing more, he should leave.
Lance had no choice but to swallow his words.
The next morning, shortly after the kids finished breakfast, Lance arrived.
Deanna wasn't surprised at all.
Although Lance had mentioned arranging someone to pick up the kids last night, she knew he wouldn't miss an opportunity to get closer to them.
"Uncle, why are you here?"
The kids were surprised to see Lance.
They ran over on their short legs and looked up curiously.
Lance smiled down at them. "Uncle is here to take you to school. How about I come every day?"
"Okay!" Gregory and Chloe nodded happily.
Then Chloe seemed to think of something and turned to ask, "Is Mommy coming too?"
Hearing this, Lance also looked at Deanna.
Though tempted, Deanna held back. "I won't go. Mommy will pick you up in the evening."
"Oh, okay," Chloe said with some disappointment but didn't insist.
Soon after, the three of them left for school.
Deanna didn't idle either. After tidying up briefly, she headed to the estate on the hill.
A week earlier, after thorough investigation, they had found the cause of the rotting herbs.
The land where they planted the herbs was rich black soil with ample nutrients. However, Deanna treated it like the old plot in the city where extra nutrients were needed. This led to an excess and caused the herbs to rot.
Now they needed new experiments to determine how often nutrients should be added in black soil while recording daily changes in the herbs.
Deanna had to handle these tasks personally because she needed to understand how these herbs grew in different environments.
Thus, Deanna's life gradually returned to tranquility.
In contrast to her peaceful daily routine, Bella was not in a good mood.
Bella had previously decided to target the two children.
She had already scoped out their routines and was just waiting for an opportunity.
But now Lance was driving them every day, making it impossible for her to act!