Even though Garrett was angry inside, he did not show it on his face.
He could tell that Deanna did not welcome him and did not want to worsen their relationship, so he forced a smile and said, "Alright, I'll leave. Don't be upset, but don't forget to bring Mr. Mercer and the kids over for dinner sometime. After all, you're going to marry Mr. Mercer, and you'll need your family as witnesses."
With that, he didn't give Deanna a chance to respond and turned to leave.
He had only taken a few steps when he ran into Lance, who was returning with the two little ones.
Lance frowned upon seeing Garrett, a look of displeasure appearing in his eyes.
The two little ones also looked on guard.
For some reason, although they didn't know this old man, they instinctively felt that he was not a good person.
Especially the way this old man looked at them, they really didn't like it.
Garrett, seemingly oblivious to their distant expressions, greeted them, "Mr. Mercer, long time no see. Gregory, Chloe, I'm your grandfather. Next time, let your mommy bring you to visit my house."
Hearing this, the kids were confused.
Isn't grandpa supposed to be mommy's daddy?
If this old man says he is grandpa, does that mean he is mommy's daddy?
The kids looked at Lance, hoping he could clarify their confusion.
Catching their gaze, and glancing at Garrett who was smiling untrustworthily beside them, Lance said indifferently, "We'll talk about your grandfather later at home with your mommy. Don't just listen to what strangers say."
At this statement, Garrett, who had been waiting for Lance to vindicate him, stiffened.
Lance didn't give him a chance to speak and led the kids past him towards Deanna.
Seeing them return, Deanna hurried over.
"What did that man say to you?"
She was referring to Garrett.
Knowing what Deanna was worried about, Lance said proactively, "Nothing much. He just wanted us to go back to the Jones family and told the kids he is their grandfather."
"Mommy, is that old man really our grandpa?" the kids asked curiously.
Deanna pursed her lips, wanting to deny it.
But seeing the clear eyes of the kids, she chose not to hide the truth.
"He is indeed your grandfather. However, five years ago, something happened and he drove mommy away. If you want to acknowledge him as your grandpa, you can; if not, just treat him as a stranger."
"So he bullied mommy, right?" Gregory quickly grasped the essence.
Chloe also said angrily, "Since he bullied mommy, we don't want to acknowledge him."
Seeing this, Deanna rubbed their soft hair silently; the atmosphere turned somewhat heavy.
Lance, not wanting Deanna to be upset over these matters, deliberately changed the subject. "Didn't you say you wanted mommy to try the snacks you found?"
"Yeah! Mommy, try this snack; it's really tasty," Chloe said as she handed over a plate of snacks from Lance to Deanna.
Deanna felt warmed by their gesture and tasted the snack; it was indeed delicious.
Thus, the family sat in the corner, eating snacks and drinking beverages, chatting and laughing, quickly forgetting the earlier unpleasantness.
Later in the evening, around ten o'clock, the banquet finally ended.
Deanna stood at the hotel entrance with Lance, bidding farewell to Landon.
Since Landon had other guests to attend to, they parted after a few words.
Outside, seeing Julia alone and worried about her going back by herself so late, Deanna invited her, "Julia, come with us. I'll have Mr. Nelson take you home later."
Julia did not refuse and joined them in the car but sat in the front passenger seat, leaving the back seat for the family.
On the way back, the kids clung to Lance excitedly.
Julia noticed this and chuckled, "What's with Gregory and Chloe tonight? Why are they clinging to Mr. Mercer so much?"
Hearing this, Deanna looked at the kids snuggling up to Lance and couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and pity.
"They're probably so happy because they found their biological father."
"Oh right, I almost forgot about that. Mr. Mercer is Gregory and Chloe's biological father. Deanna, tell me honestly, did you know this all along?"
Julia turned her head with a playful yet accusatory look at Deanna.
Seeing Julia's expression, Deanna sheepishly rubbed her nose-an unspoken admission.
"Ah! Deanna, I can forgive you for not telling me about you and Mr. Mercer being together but keeping such a big thing from me? Do you still consider me your best friend?"
Julia was almost frantic with indignation.
And then she remembered something serious and glanced at Lance nervously.
She recalled how she had often cursed the man who had mistreated Deanna and left her pregnant before marriage...
She hoped she hadn't cursed him in front of Mr. Mercer.