Just because Emily was jealous of someone else's happiness, she resorted to intimidation.
The lawyer thought that with such a mistress, the Howard family and the Howard Group were bound to fail sooner or later.
However, he didn't dare to voice these thoughts, only muttering them silently in his heart.
Raphael and the others were unaware of this.
After listening to the lawyer's words, they understood his implication.
He wanted them to reconcile with Deanna.
Garrett remained silent.
Because of his previous visit to Vortex Technology to see Deanna, he had been suppressed by Lance for several days. The company still hadn't recovered, and he had no desire to face Deanna now.
Mia also stayed quiet.
She wanted to save her daughter, but the thought of lowering herself to beg Deanna felt impossible. Given Deanna's animosity towards her, she doubted Deanna would treat her kindly even if she went.
Thinking of this, Garrett and Mia both looked at Raphael.
Even though they said nothing, Raphael understood their gaze.
Clearly, they wanted him to plead with Deanna, but he couldn't be the one to do it.
"Dad, it's better for you to go to see Deanna than me. You both know about my past grievances with Deanna. She wouldn't see me and my presence might even provoke Mr. Mercer's displeasure."
Hearing this, Garrett and Mia remembered Raphael's past relationship with Deanna.
Emily also objected, "Dad, you should talk to Deanna. No matter what, you are her father."
Garrett glared back, "I am her father, but she has to acknowledge me first. Ever since she got together with Lance, she hasn't respected me."
He said this because he didn't want to go see Deanna either.
Moreover, he could tell that Raphael's words were not just about avoiding suspicion but also about not wanting to provoke Mercer Group.
For a moment, the conversation stalled.
No one wanted to bow down to Deanna.
Raphael frowned, knowing this wasn't a solution. He turned to the lawyer and asked, "What do you think we can do to make the victim accept our apology and agree to reconcile?"
The lawyer was stunned, seemingly not expecting Raphael to throw the question at him.
He replied reluctantly, "Actually, Mr. Howard and Mrs. Jones could go together to see Miss Deanna. Mr. Howard could use familial ties and emotional persuasion while Mr. Howard sincerely apologizes. This might turn things around."
To be honest, he wasn't confident in his own suggestion but still forced himself to say it.
Although he was the Howard family's lawyer, he knew about the Jones family's past scandals and thought the chances of Deanna agreeing to reconcile were slim, especially since Emily had initiated this incident.
Raphael and Mr. and Mrs. Jones shared the same thoughts.
But even though they knew the chances were slim, for Emily's sake and for the family's company, they eventually agreed to follow the lawyer's advice.
Meanwhile, after sending off Lance and the two little ones, Deanna went to her study to handle company documents sent by Sabrina Fulton.
She worked until noon before taking a break.
While having dinner with Old Ashley, Lance called.
Seeing his number, Deanna smiled sweetly and answered softly, "Finished with work?"
"Temporarily done. What are you doing? Have you eaten?" Lance's deep and pleasant voice came through the phone.
Deanna laughed, "Having dinner with Grandma. What about you? Have you ordered food?"
"I've already asked Xavier to get some food. He should be on his way back now," Lance replied with a smile before changing the subject. "Emily has been arrested. With conclusive evidence, she's been sentenced and will be detained for three months to a year."
Deanna was surprised. "Sentenced so quickly?"
She hadn't even seen the police come to take her statement.
Perhaps guessing her thoughts, Lance chuckled over the phone. "With conclusive evidence, sentencing was straightforward. But I think the Jones family and Howard family won't let it go easily. They will definitely come to you for reconciliation."
"I won't reconcile. Emily has targeted me more than once. This time she scratched my car and used a dead cat to intimidate me. Who knows what she'll do next? Everyone must be responsible for their mistakes!" Deanna said firmly without hesitation.
Hearing her resolute tone, Lance smiled gently. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one can force you to do anything you don't want to do. If you don't want to reconcile, then don't. I don't want to let Emily off easily either. My wife is not someone they can afford to mess with!"
Listening to his protective words, Deanna felt warm inside and appreciated the feeling of being supported.
They chatted for a while longer before hanging up the phone.