The next day, Deanna arrived early at the research institute to continue the experiment she hadn't completed the day before.
Having already checked the formulas the previous day and found no issues, the experiment proceeded smoothly.
By the afternoon, the results were in. The two medicinal properties had fused perfectly, and their efficacy remained unaffected.
Seeing this, Deanna happily stored the results and sent someone to notify Lionel for verification.
Lionel received the news and hurried over.
"Miss Jones, I heard you successfully fused the two medicinal properties?"
"That's right. Take a look at these results," Deanna said, handing over the data from her experiment to Lionel.
Lionel took the data and examined it carefully. Moments later, he exclaimed with joy, "That's correct, Miss Jones. You're amazing! You found a solution so quickly!"
"Good to hear. Since the problem is solved, I'll head back to the hotel," Deanna said, planning to pack her things and catch an early flight back to Cloudmere to surprise Lance and the others.
Lionel, sensing her eagerness to return home, tried to persuade her, "It's almost the end of the workday. Why don't you wait a bit? You've solved such a big problem for me; I'd like to treat you to a nice dinner as a thank you."
Seeing his sincere invitation, Deanna found it hard to refuse and finally agreed.
"Alright, let's invite Miss Woodard as well. I'm planning to leave tomorrow, so this dinner can be a farewell."
However, Lionel frowned upon hearing this. "You're leaving tomorrow?"
Deanna nodded with a smile. "I've been away for many days and I'm worried about home."
Hearing this, Lionel knew he had no reason to stop her. But he couldn't just let such talent leave. "What about my previous offer for you to work at the institute? Have you considered it?"
"I have thought about it. Thank you for the offer, Mr. Grant, but my home is in Cloudmere and I don't want to leave my family," Deanna replied, declining once more.
Lionel wasn't surprised. He had anticipated this answer when he asked her to reconsider.
With no other option, he said regretfully, "Alright then. If you ever change your mind, you're always welcome here."
"Thank you, Mr. Grant," Deanna replied politely.
Later, as the workday ended at the institute, Lionel tidied up briefly and called out to Deanna, who was playing on her phone nearby. "I've booked a restaurant. Let's head over now."
Deanna nodded and followed him outside. As they were about to get into the car, Deanna noticed someone was missing. "Where's Miss Woodard? Isn't she coming with us?"
"She said she had something to do today and won't be joining us," Lionel replied. In truth, he hadn't contacted Aniyah at all. He didn't want anyone else at dinner since Deanna was leaving Sealand the next day.
Deanna found it odd but said nothing and got into the car.
About twenty minutes later, they arrived at a high-end restaurant in the city center.
"Mr. Grant, your table is ready. Let me show you to your seat," the hostess greeted Lionel warmly, indicating he was a regular there.
After being seated, a staff member promptly handed them menus.
Lionel suggested gently, "The red wine applewood beef ribs here are excellent. You should try them."
"Alright, I'll have that," Deanna said, handing back the menu.
Lionel frowned slightly and asked, "Just one dish? Aren't you going to order anything else?"
"No need. I don't eat much at night," Deanna replied. In truth, she wanted to finish dinner quickly and head back early.
Seeing her insistence, Lionel didn't press further and ordered his usual dishes before waving the staff away.
Soon after, only he and Deanna were left sitting face-to-face in an oddly tense atmosphere.
But it didn't last long as Lionel broke the silence with a smile. "I've never been to Cloudmere. Once this project is done, I wonder if Miss Jones would welcome me there for some academic discussions."
"Of course you'd be welcome. I'm just afraid Mr. Grant might find my knowledge too basic," Deanna replied with a smile, though she couldn't shake off an increasing sense of unease.
Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Lance noticed it was past quitting time and Deanna hadn't returned yet. He decided to call Shannon.