After things settled down, Landon had to attend to other guests and couldn't stay long.
Julia also found an excuse to leave Deanna's side, mainly because she couldn't bear the curious glances from the people around her, especially after the incident that had just occurred.
However, Deanna and Lance didn't mind those glances. The two little ones, on the other hand, looked at Lance excitedly, their dark eyes filled with anticipation.
Lance noticed their gaze and softened his features, feigning ignorance, he asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Daddy, are you really our biological father?" Chloe couldn't hold back anymore and grabbed the corner of Lance's shirt, her eyes filled with hope.
Lance squatted down to be at eye level with Chloe and said, "I am indeed your biological father, and your mommy can testify to that." After saying this, he looked towards Deanna. The little ones instinctively turned their gaze to her as well.
Facing the confirming looks from the three of them, Deanna nodded affirmatively, "He is indeed your biological father."
"Why didn't mommy and daddy tell us before?" The little ones pouted slightly, showing some dissatisfaction.
Seeing this, Deanna did not intend to explain and signaled for Lance to do so himself since it was he who had initially decided to keep it a secret.
Understanding Deanna's look, Lance felt somewhat helpless but didn't want to keep the little ones waiting too long, fearing they might feel estranged.
He slowly explained, "Daddy didn't mean to keep it from you. It was an accident that brought you into this world, and then I missed five years of your lives. I was worried that you wouldn't accept a father appearing suddenly. Now that you know I am your biological father, won't you dislike me?"
"Not at all, I really like daddy a lot." Chloe was the first to retort, throwing herself into Lance's arms.
Holding his little girl, Lance felt a huge relief and a smile of contentment appeared on his lips.
Then he looked at Gregory and asked, "What about you? Do you resent daddy?"
He was nervous when he asked this because Gregory wasn't as simple as Chloe. Gregory was more precocious and knew that Deanna had struggled alone with them for the past five years.
Perhaps sensing Lance's unease, Gregory's serious little face broke into a sweet smile. "I don't blame daddy. I think daddy only found out about us recently and has been trying to make up for lost time."
Though young, Gregory was wise beyond his years. Combining what he had just heard with what he had observed recently, he had guessed what was going on.
Hearing this, Lance finally breathed a sigh of relief and was visibly moved. "Good boy," he said tenderly as he ruffled Gregory's hair, his eyes glistening with tears.
Gregory didn't notice; he squinted his eyes and nuzzled Lance's hand again, smiling slightly, "Actually, the first day we met daddy, my sister and I felt very close to you and really hoped you could be our daddy."
"That's right. If it hadn't been for mommy holding Chloe back then, she would have recognized you as daddy much earlier," the little girl chimed in while nestled in Lance's arms.
Hearing this, Deanna pretended to be stern and said with feigned annoyance, "What now? You blame me for keeping you from finding your daddy?"
"Of course not, mommy is the best," the little ones quickly coaxed Deanna with appeasing smiles.
Seeing their playful interaction, Deanna didn't tease them further. Observing this harmonious scene, some guests who had wanted to come over felt it inappropriate to interrupt.
Thus, the family of four finally had some time together. The little ones still remembered that daddy hadn't eaten much and pulled Lance towards the snack area to get something to eat.
Deanna was happy for some quiet time and found a spot to rest while waiting for Lance and the children to return. However, she had barely sat down when someone she didn't want to see approached.
"What are you doing here?" Deanna immediately frowned unwelcomingly at Garrett who stood two steps away from her.
Garrett wasn't annoyed at all; rubbing his hands nervously he said, "I heard you are with Mr. Mercer now and that the children are his too. When you have time, bring the kids and Mr. Mercer over to our house. I'll have Samantha make your favorite dishes. Speaking of which, the children haven't properly met me, their grandfather yet."
Hearing this, Deanna couldn't help but smirk sarcastically. "Mr. Jones seems to have forgotten that five years ago, you drove me out of the Jones family. I don't have a home there anymore; talking about a grandfather is even more absurd. Please leave now or don't blame me for being rude."
She had no intention of reconnecting with Garrett or the Jones family.
Seeing himself humbled yet still faced with Deanna's cold indifference, a flicker of anger crossed Garrett's eyes.