Aniyah didn't know about Zane's determination.
Thinking about the trouble this man had caused her, she felt both anger and an indescribable emotion. But this feeling came quickly and left just as fast, slipping away before she could grasp it.
Her mind was occupied with another matter at the moment.
Deanna was surprised to receive a call from Aniyah. "Not busy today? How do you have time to call me?" she asked, knowing that as a project specialist, Aniyah was always very busy, thinking about work from the moment she opened her eyes.
Hearing Deanna's surprised and delighted tone, Aniyah felt even more apologetic and didn't know how to start. Her silence made Deanna sense something was wrong. "What's the matter? Did something happen?" she asked quickly.
"Deanna, I need to apologize to you," Aniyah said sincerely after taking a deep breath.
Deanna was confused. "Apologize? For what?"
"I heard that you've been setting up a research institute and purchasing medical equipment, but you've been blocked by Zeus Group," Aniyah explained softly.
Deanna understood immediately. "Are you familiar with someone from Zeus Group?" she asked, surprised.
"Not exactly familiar. My parents arranged a marriage for me after I resigned from the research institute and gave up on Lionel. The person is Zane from Zeus Group," Aniyah continued after a pause. "Zane was also my high school and university classmate and has been pursuing me..."
She didn't finish her sentence, unsure how to continue without sounding like she was defending Zane.
Even so, Deanna understood the situation. She didn't know whether to laugh or be angry. "So Mr. Pratt targeted us because he knew the research institute was related to Mr. Grant," she said helplessly.
"I didn't know he would do that. I've already asked him to stop targeting your research institute. I'm really sorry," Aniyah apologized repeatedly.
Deanna had been somewhat angry but felt her anger dissipate with Aniyah's continuous apologies. She understood the sentiment of standing up for someone you care about. Smiling, she said, "Since you've already asked Zane to stop targeting the institute, let's put this behind us. It didn't cause me any loss anyway. Congratulations on finding a good man. Don't forget to invite me to your wedding."
"Of course," Aniyah replied with a smile, feeling relieved that the matter was resolved.
After chatting for a while, Deanna hung up the phone in a good mood. She tidied up briefly and prepared to visit the research institute.
As soon as she arrived, she received a call from Sabrina. "Miss Jones, someone from Zeus Group contacted me. They will deliver a batch of PHG4 equipment when our institute is completed and provide free maintenance and warranty for ten years."
"I understand. Thank you for your hard work," Deanna replied with a smile, not at all surprised.
After hanging up, she put away her phone and entered the institute, hearing the noise inside. From a distance, she saw Brent talking to someone and walked over.
"Brent, what are you discussing?" she asked.
"Miss Jones, we were just discussing the renovation," Brent replied respectfully upon seeing her.
Deanna nodded. She wasn't very knowledgeable about renovations and trusted Brent's experience, so she didn't interfere.
Later, seeing that she wasn't needed at the institute, Deanna decided to go home and organize some materials. Her master had given her a research topic that she hadn't fully understood yet. Once the institute was completed, she would be working on research with Lionel. If she didn't understand the project well, she feared embarrassing her master.
She spent the entire afternoon on it. Putting down her materials, Deanna stretched her neck, sore from hours of looking down.
She glanced at the time and thought about everything Lance had done for her in secret. She couldn't help but want to do something in return. Picking up her phone from the table, she dialed a number. "Can you come home early tonight?"
"What's up?" Lance's curious voice came through.
Deanna smiled. "Nothing much. I just want to cook dinner and have you join me."
At these words, Lance's deep, joyful laughter came through the phone. "Alright, I'll finish up here and come home," he agreed.
"I'll be waiting for you," Deanna said with a giggle before hanging up and heading downstairs.
Old Ashley saw her coming down and smiled warmly. "Finished with your work?"
"For now. I'm planning to cook some dishes. Is there anything you'd like to eat?" Deanna asked affectionately, linking arms with her grandmother.
Her grandmother patted her hand gently and said kindly, "I'll eat whatever you make, but make sure it's easy to chew. My teeth can't handle too much."