After picking up the phone, Chloe couldn't help but ask, "Mommy, didn't you say you would be back in a day? Why has it been several days? I'll miss you!"
"The patient's illness is quite serious; I need to stay a few more days. If you miss me, you can video call me," Deanna's gentle voice came through the phone.
Though disappointed, Chloe didn't say more and instead started talking about her day at school.
Lance had something to say to Deanna, but seeing Chloe talking non-stop, he decided to hold off.
On the other hand, Gregory noticed Lance's odd behavior, walked over, and patted his sister's shoulder, saying in a little adult tone, "Alright, Chloe, you've been talking for so long. It's time for Uncle to talk to Mommy. Mommy must miss Uncle after a day."
No, she doesn't miss him at all, Deanna refuted in her heart.
The next second, she realized Lance was already on the phone.
But neither spoke.
If it weren't for the sound of breathing, Deanna would have thought Lance had hung up.
After a moment's thought, she cleared her throat and said, "Well, if you have nothing to say, I'll hang up now."
"Who said I have nothing to say?" Lance's deep voice rang out.
Deanna couldn't help but murmur, 'Then say it. Why do you act like a mute?'
Despite her inner complaints, she asked, "What does Mr. Mercer want to say?"
"Take care of yourself over there, don't let yourself get wronged. If someone bullies you, let me know," Lance carefully instructed.
Deanna felt a sudden warmth.
She awkwardly responded, "I'm not a child. How could I be bullied?"
Hearing this, Lance chuckled.
"Anyway, take care of yourself. Don't worry about home. I'll take care of the kids and your grandmother."
"Got it," Deanna replied, feeling even more uneasy.
She made an excuse that someone was looking for her and hung up the phone.
As soon as she put down her phone, a servant from the Walsh family came to find her.
"Dr. Deanna, Master asked me to inform you that you can come downstairs for dinner."
"I know, I'll be right there," Deanna responded, tidied herself up, and went downstairs.
The Walsh family was already seated in the dining room.
Old Hughes was there too.
Seeing Deanna, he waved kindly, "Anna, come sit by me."
Deanna nodded and walked over gracefully.
During the meal, everyone chatted casually while eating.
Leticia stared at Deanna with a malicious look.
She remembered how this woman had caused her to be scolded by her parents and couldn't resist doing something.
"I heard from Old Hughes that Miss Jones is an heir of ancient medical arts. I'm curious, which school of ancient medical arts does Miss Jones belong to?" Leticia asked.
"Regardless of the school, it's all a heritage of Chiaz. There's no need to distinguish so clearly," Deanna replied, not knowing why Leticia suddenly asked this question but sensing it wasn't out of mere curiosity.
Moreover, regarding her master, she couldn't speak without permission.
However, Leticia, not getting the answer she wanted, persisted, "Miss Jones, what you said is different from what I know about ancient medical arts. Last night, I checked online, and every school, whether a family or a sect, values their lineage. Why is it not important to you, Miss Jones? Is there some hidden reason you can't tell?"
Hearing this, Old Hughes frowned tightly.
Mr. and Mrs. Walsh also scolded, "Leticia, don't be rude. Dr. Deanna might be restricted by her sect."
"Even if the sect doesn't allow it to be revealed casually, when treating patients, they should know which school their doctor belongs to," Leticia retorted, unconvinced.
Mr. and Mrs. Walsh were somewhat persuaded by her words.
Deanna watched coldly and said indifferently, "Miss Walsh, as you mentioned, you only found this information online. Don't you know that online information is unreliable? Moreover, true ancient medical arts sects would never advertise their prowess online."
"What do you mean? Are you saying I was deceived by online information?" Leticia asked angrily.
Deanna remained calm, "I didn't mean it. Miss Walsh, if you want to overthink, that's not my concern."
"You-" Leticia was furious, about to scold.
But before she could speak, Hassan stopped her, "Leticia, don't be rude to Dr. Deanna."
Hassan then apologized to Deanna, "Dr. Deanna, my younger sister is immature. Please don't take it to heart."
"It's alright. I wouldn't stoop to argue with a giant baby," Deanna replied coldly, her words sharp.
Hassan had repeatedly excused Leticia's behavior by saying she was young and immature. But Leticia was over twenty years old. Thus, Deanna found "giant baby" the best description of Leticia.