Kade was stunned by Lance's words.
"You are the father of the two children?" he asked, looking at Deanna for confirmation.
It was clear he was silently asking Deanna as well.
Lance didn't answer immediately and also looked at Deanna, waiting for her to explain.
Deanna didn't hesitate and nodded, "He is indeed the father of the two children."
"So, are you two together?" Kade asked again, clearly concerned.
Deanna fell silent, unsure of how to respond.
Seeing this, Lance frowned and showed a displeased expression. He didn't wait for Deanna to answer and said coldly, "We already have children together. Isn't it just a matter of time before we're together?"
"I wasn't asking you," Kade said sternly, his eyes fixed on Deanna, waiting for her answer.
Deanna felt uncomfortable under his gaze and wanted to say something. But before she could speak, Lance interrupted again.
"What I mean is what she means."
After speaking, Lance patiently instructed Xavier behind him, "Escort our guest out."
Xavier nodded and walked over to Kade, making a gesture for him to leave.
Kade's face turned ugly. He didn't want to leave but couldn't shake off Xavier. In the end, he was forcibly taken out of the apartment.
Soon, only Lance and Deanna were left in the living room.
Lance walked up to Deanna with a displeased look and asked in a restrained voice, "Why didn't you answer just now?"
Hearing this, Deanna felt a headache coming on. She knew this man would ask this question. She didn't answer earlier because no answer would be good.
Pretending not to hear him, she changed the topic and asked, "By the way, why did you come over at this time?"
Seeing her avoid the question, Lance laughed angrily but didn't press further. He knew that pushing her might make Deanna angry.
"I came to discuss something with you," Lance said, getting to the point.
Deanna looked puzzled, "What is it?"
"I plan to have you and the children, along with your grandmother, move to Hilltop Manor," Lance said.
Deanna was even more puzzled, "Why? What made you think of that?"
"The reason is that the environment at the manor is better for managing the herbs and ensuring the children's safety. Also, your grandmother's safety is a concern. Although the Cody family has been driven out of Cloudmere, they won't give up easily. I can't be with you all the time, and I don't want what happened before to happen again," Lance explained his thoughts.
He paused for a moment and continued, "Also, it will be more convenient for my treatment in the future, and you can take better care of the herbs."
These reasons moved Deanna, but she had some concerns.
"This doesn't seem right. We're not in that kind of relationship."
"Even though we're not in that kind of relationship, I'm the children's biological father. I have a responsibility to protect you and the children," Lance said, using his identity to leave Deanna speechless and somewhat moved. But she was still hesitant.
Lance noticed this and added, "If you feel uncomfortable, I can rent Hilltop Manor to you. You pay me rent, and I'll ensure your safety along with the children and your grandmother."
With things said this way, Deanna had no choice but to agree.
"Alright then. I'll wait until Grandma and Gregory and Chloe come back tonight to tell them and decide on a moving date."
"Okay, let me know when you've decided. I'll arrange for people to help you move," Lance agreed.
That evening, while the family was having dinner at the table, Deanna brought up the moving matter. "Grandma, Mr. Mercer came by today and suggested we move to Hilltop Manor."
"Why move there? Are you two together?" Old Ashley asked with a frown.
The two little ones' eyes lit up at this. "Mommy, are you and Uncle together? Can we finally call him Daddy?"
Deanna felt choked up and uncomfortable. From their eager voices, she could tell they longed for a father. This made it hard for her to say what she wanted to say.
But she knew she had to say it. "We're not together. Moving to Hilltop Manor is because I rented a house there. It's better for taking care of the herbs and Mr. Mercer thinks the Cody family might retaliate against us from the shadows."
"Oh, I see. That's fine then," Old Ashley relaxed her frown and nodded, clearly persuaded.
The two little ones were somewhat disappointed that Mommy and Uncle weren't together yet. But they were still happy because moving to Hilltop Manor meant they could see Uncle every day.