Lance didn't know his parents were already on their way back.
After hanging up the phone, he pondered for a moment and called Xavier to ask, "How are the arrangements I asked you to make?"
"Everything is almost ready. We can close the net at any time," Xavier replied respectfully.
Lance nodded in satisfaction. "Then let's start closing the net. We've let the Cody family jump around for long enough."
Over the next two days, Mercer Group intensified its pressure on Cody Group. Jeffery found himself struggling alone, losing ground rapidly, and many projects had to be sold off at low prices. He was furious with Lance.
Before they knew it, the weekend arrived. Early in the morning, Lance went to Deanna's apartment. The two little ones were already dressed and ready. Deanna had also prepared everything for the outing. She initially wanted to invite her grandmother, but was refused.
Old Ashley laughed and said, "You young people go have fun. These old bones of mine will stay put."
Unable to persuade her, Deanna left with the two children.
The horse ranch was located in the suburbs of Cloudmere, about a half-hour drive away. When they arrived, staff immediately came forward to greet them.
"Welcome Mr. Mercer and Miss Jones. We have prepared riding outfits for you. You can change first and then choose your horses."
"Okay," Lance nodded.
He then took Gregory to the men's changing room while Deanna, led by a staff member, took Chloe to the women's changing room.
This was Deanna's first time at a horse ranch. With the staff's help, she and Chloe put on their riding outfits and discovered they were matching parent-child sets. Chloe looked at her stylish mommy and couldn't stop showering her with compliments.
"Mommy, you look so beautiful! Chloe is almost dazzled by you."
"Mommy is definitely the most stunning one here today."
"I love Mommy so much."
Hearing these words, Deanna couldn't help but laugh, her smile never fading. She bent down slightly and gently pinched Chloe's chubby cheeks, her voice tender, "My little baby looks very handsome today too."
Mother and daughter walked out of the changing room laughing and joking. They were immediately struck by the sight before them.
Not far away stood Lance in a black riding outfit that accentuated his tall and straight figure, especially his long legs that were simply enviable. Gregory wore a matching smaller version of the outfit and stood beside him with a cool expression on his face.
Chloe was instantly excited. "Wow, Uncle looks so cool!"
She exclaimed as she ran over with her short legs, looking at Lance with starry eyes.
Lance's mood lifted at her words, and he scooped her up into his arms with a big hand.
Chloe was overjoyed, hugging Lance's neck and showering him with sweet words.
"Uncle is definitely the coolest today!"
Deanna felt speechless hearing Chloe's words. This little girl was really fickle; she had just said Deanna was the coolest!
Although Lance enjoyed Chloe's flattery, he couldn't help but notice Deanna's striking appearance in her riding outfit. He had never seen this side of her before.
He walked over to Deanna with Chloe in his arms, his eyes filled with admiration and other emotions as he complimented her, "This outfit suits you very well; you look very dashing."
"Thank you, you look cool too," Deanna replied politely, feeling a bit uneasy.
The two little ones looked left and right between them, blinking their eyes as they sensed something strange in the air between their uncle and mommy.
Before they could think too much about it, a staff member approached to take them to choose their horses.
Soon they arrived at the stables. The area was large and clean, with a faint scent of grass in the air. Dozens of tall horses quietly grazed on their feed.
Gregory and Chloe were wide-eyed with wonder as they looked around.
Deanna was also seeing so many horses for the first time and found it quite spectacular.
Just then, she heard a deep voice beside her.
"Do you know how to ride?" Lance asked gently as he looked at Deanna.
Deanna shook her head lightly. "No."
Although she was born into the Jones family, her parents had a poor relationship and never took her or her mother to places like this. After leaving the Jones family, she had been too busy surviving to have time or money for such activities.
"I see. Then I'll teach you," Lance offered warmly.
But Deanna declined politely. "No need; you should accompany the kids. They don't know how to ride either and would be happy if you taught them. As for me, I'll just learn from the ranch's instructor."
Her words left Lance without a retort.
Thus, they chose two well-bred ponies for the children and two larger horses for themselves.