Leticia tightly grasped Deanna's hand, pleading desperately.
Old Walsh and Hassan's faces changed dramatically when they saw her.
"What are you doing here?" Hassan questioned with a dark expression.
Old Walsh didn't speak, but his sharp gaze was fixed on Leticia.
Seeing their unfriendly expressions, Leticia moved closer to Deanna in fear, her voice choked with emotion. "Grandfather, Hassan, I know I was wrong. I didn't want to go abroad, so I ran back halfway. I wanted to apologize to Dr. Deanna. When I found out you were coming to Cloudmere, I secretly followed."
Hearing this explanation, Old Walsh and Hassan didn't know how to face Deanna.
Deanna hadn't expected Leticia to be the one who rushed out. Her brows furrowed immediately.
"Miss Walsh, please let go of me!"
She spoke coldly, trying to pull her hand away from Leticia's grip, but couldn't manage to.
Leticia then pretended to be startled and released her hand, looking at Deanna with tear-filled eyes. "Dr. Deanna, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hold onto you. I'm just scared that Grandfather and Cousin will send me abroad. I have no money or identity in a foreign country; I can't survive there. Dr. Deanna, I truly know I was wrong. Please forgive me and don't let Grandfather send me away."
When she looked at the pleading Leticia in front of her, Deanna's heart softened for a moment.
After all, it was indeed tough for a girl to survive alone in a foreign country.
"This matter is over. Whether you stay or go has nothing to do with me; it's a matter for your Walsh family."
Deanna didn't say whether she forgave Leticia or not, simply leaving the decision to the Walsh family.
Even so, the Walsh family understood her stance.
Old Walsh lightly scolded, "If you don't want to be sent away, then behave yourself and don't bother Dr. Deanna. Now come over here."
"I understand, Grandfather. Dr. Deanna, thank you for not holding it against me."
Leticia said the last sentence gratefully while looking at Deanna.
Then she ran over to Old Walsh's side and stood obediently next to him.
Hassan glanced at her, furrowing his brows slightly but said nothing.
Thus, Leticia followed the group to the restaurant.
On the way, Old Hughes and Deanna shared a car.
Thinking about what had just happened, he couldn't help but lecture, "You have quite the temper, forgiving that woman so easily."
"But I can't just let her cause a scene at your pharmacy door," Deanna replied helplessly.
Old Hughes was pleased by the protective tone in her words but still huffed lightly. "If she wants to make a scene, let her. It's not our reputation at stake. Do you really believe she's genuinely remorseful? I don't think so."
Seeing Old Hughes shake his head, Deanna narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Whether she's truly remorseful or not doesn't matter as long as she doesn't bother me. Otherwise, it won't be so easy next time."
Meanwhile, in another car, Old Walsh questioned Leticia with a stern face, "How did you manage to come back?"
Facing her imposing grandfather, Leticia didn't dare to hide anything and answered truthfully.
"When you had someone send me away, I begged my mommy for help."
"So you never left? Where have you been staying this past month?" Hassan picked up on the inconsistency and questioned further.
Leticia lowered her eyes and whispered, "I've been staying at my uncle's house."
Perhaps worried that her grandfather would send her away again, she suddenly knelt on the car floor and pleaded once more. "Grandfather, please don't send me away. I promise I won't cause any more trouble or offend Dr. Deanna again. I'll find a way to mend my relationship with her."
Old Walsh remained silent, quietly watching her with inscrutable eyes.
Facing her silent grandfather, Leticia didn't dare to breathe loudly as she anxiously awaited his decision.
Hassan had no intention of speaking up for her either.
The atmosphere in the car became oppressive.
After an unknown amount of time, Old Walsh finally spoke. "You can stay if you want, but listen carefully: if you cause any more trouble, don't expect me to help you again. The Walsh family will not be your shelter!"
"Yes," Leticia responded with her head lowered, hiding the cold smile that curled at her lips.
Soon, the car stopped in front of a luxuriously decorated restaurant.
Led by the restaurant staff, the group quickly arrived at a private room.
After sitting down, Hassan gentlemanly handed the menu to Deanna with a smile. "Dr. Deanna, what would you like to eat?"
"I'm fine with anything; you all can order," Deanna declined politely and pushed the menu back.
At that moment, Leticia suddenly reached out and took the menu herself. "I know what Dr. Deanna likes to eat; I'll order."
She then proceeded to order several dishes that Deanna liked.
Seeing this, Deanna raised an eyebrow, suspicion and wariness flickering in her eyes.
What is this woman up to again?