That night, Lance returned home very late.
Deanna smelled the alcohol on him and asked worriedly, "Why did you drink so much?"
"I'm fine, don't worry," Lance replied, leading Deanna to the bed and sitting down.
Despite his reassurance, Deanna couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Before she could say anything more, Lance's deep, husky voice interrupted her thoughts. "I remember you mentioned that your master's research institute plans to invite Lionel for a joint project?"
"That's right. Why do you ask?" Deanna looked at him, puzzled by his sudden interest.
Lance looked down at Deanna and said, "I contacted the chairman of Zeus Group today. It turns out that Zane has a personal grudge against Lionel. The chairman said that if Lionel withdraws from the institute, they will provide the instruments you need and offer free maintenance for ten years."
He paused deliberately before adding his opinion. "I think it's a good idea. Lionel has his own institute. Why would he come to interfere with your master's work? It seems suspicious to me."
Seeing Lance's jealous yet proud demeanor, Deanna couldn't help but laugh.
Lance frowned slightly, displeased. "What's so funny?"
"My fiancé, why are you so adorable?" Deanna teased, standing up to pinch Lance's cheeks.
Lance, having drunk quite a bit, was slower to react even though he was still rational. Most importantly, he was captivated by Deanna's radiant smile.
Deanna had never seen Lance so dazed before. Finding it both amusing and endearing, she couldn't resist standing on tiptoe to kiss him.
Initially, she intended for it to be a quick kiss, but Lance, tasting her sweetness, wasn't willing to let her go. He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other behind her head, deepening the kiss as they fell onto the bed together.
The night was still long.
The next day, Deanna woke up close to noon.
She supported her aching waist and silently cursed Lance. The healthier he got, the less he controlled his desires. She regretted helping him recover so quickly.
Despite her grumbling, Deanna got out of bed.
Lance had already left the estate.
After a simple meal, Deanna didn't rush to leave. She thought about the news Lance had shared last night and felt a sweet warmth in her heart.
It was clear that Lance had attended the social event for her sake. She hadn't even mentioned it to him, yet he had done so much for her behind the scenes.
The more she thought about it, the more emotional she became.
Unable to resist hearing his voice, she called him.
As soon as the call connected, Lance's gentle voice came through. "You're up. Have you eaten?"
"Yes, I have. I called to thank you," Deanna said with a sweet smile.
Though Lance couldn't see her smile, he could hear the joy in her voice.
After a brief conversation, Deanna heard Xavier's voice in the background and ended the call.
Putting down her phone, she remembered that the research institute was still under renovation and that Brent was overseeing it. She didn't need to rush there.
Thinking about the news Lance had brought back last night, she pondered deeply.
"They're targeting Mr. Grant. I wonder what kind of grudge they have," she murmured as she took out her phone to contact Lionel.
The call connected quickly, and Lionel's cool yet slightly excited voice came through. "Miss Jones, are you calling to tell me the institute is ready?"
Deanna's master had instructed her to inform Lionel once the institute was completed.
Deanna smiled apologetically. "Not yet. The institute is still under renovation and will take another month to complete."
"A month?" Lionel repeated softly, sounding disappointed.
Deanna didn't catch his disappointment and explained, "We found an existing institute, but since the previous research system was different, many areas need major renovations."
"I see. So why did you contact me?" Lionel asked.
Deanna didn't hide her intentions and asked directly, "I wanted to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Could you tell me what had happened between you and the president of Zeus Medical Instrument Group?" Deanna inquired.
Lionel was silent for a few seconds before responding coldly, "Does he refuse to offer you medical equipment."