Old Mercer spoke to Deanna, his previously stern face softening into a kind expression as he looked at the two little ones. "This amulet was specially made by great-grandpa to keep you safe as you grow up. So, don't listen to your mommy, okay?"
The two children hesitated, unsure whether to accept or refuse, and looked at Deanna for guidance.
Seeing their pleading eyes and recalling Old Mercer's insistence, Deanna finally agreed. "Since your great-grandpa made it just for you, take it. Remember to thank him properly."
"Thank you, great-grandpa. We love it," the two children said joyfully to Old Mercer.
Their sweet voices made Old Mercer's smile deepen.
He then engaged the children in a conversation about their recent trip to the countryside. The kids animatedly recounted their adventures, gesturing excitedly as they spoke.
The living room was filled with laughter, even during dinner.
The cheerful atmosphere persisted because the children's sweet words kept the smiles on the faces of the elder Mercers.
In the following days, Deanna grew closer to the Mercer family, feeling more like a part of them. Her relationship with Lance also deepened, becoming sweeter by the day.
One day, while Deanna was dining with her family, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar international number.
"Hello?"
"Deanna, it's me," a clear female voice said.
Deanna paused before responding with delight, "Master!"
Everyone present turned their attention to her exclamation.
"Mommy, is it Grandmaster?"
"Yes, do you want to say hello to your grandmaster?" Deanna asked the children.
They nodded eagerly. "Yes, we want to talk to Grandmaster."
Hearing this, the master chuckled over the phone. "Give the phone to Gregory and Chloe. I want to talk to them."
"Okay," Deanna replied and handed the phone to the children.
Holding the phone, they asked in their sweet voices, "Grandmaster, where have you been? We miss you so much."
"I've been busy and can't come back for now," the master patiently answered their questions.
Lance raised an eyebrow and leaned closer to Deanna. "Your master's call?"
"Yes," Deanna nodded with a smile, clearly pleased by the contact.
Lance was somewhat surprised; it was the first time he had seen Deanna show such reverence for someone other than her grandmother.
Deanna's joyful voice broke his thoughts. "When my master returns, I'll introduce you. My master is very nice."
Lance nodded lightly, feeling curious about this master.
After a few minutes of chatting with the master, the children handed the phone back to Deanna. "Mommy, grandmaster wants to talk to you."
"Okay," Deanna said as she took the phone. "Master, where are you now? When will you come back?"
It had been almost three years since she last saw her master, and she missed him dearly. Besides her grandmother, her master was like family to her.
Sensing the longing in her voice, the master replied kindly, "I'm handling some matters abroad and can't return yet. I'll let you know when I can come back."
"Please do. I'll drive to pick you up," Deanna said earnestly.
The master agreed and then changed the subject. "I saw news online today about you being with the president of Mercer Group. Are the two children his?"
She had seen reports of the Mercer family's public banquet and called Deanna to confirm.
Deanna smiled and nodded. "Yes, that's true. I'll tell you more when you return and introduce you to Lance."
"Alright," the master replied without hesitation and then asked with concern, "Is he good to you? How about his family?"
Worried about Deanna being mistreated in a wealthy family, he wanted reassurance.
Upon hearing his concern, Deanna's smile brightened. "Don't worry, master. Lance and his family treat me very well. They are also good to the children."
"I'm glad to hear that. You've finally found happiness," the master sighed with relief before mentioning another reason for his call. "Besides checking on you, I have a favor to ask."
Without hesitation, Deanna agreed. "Whatever you need, master. Just tell me."