After some intimate moments, Logan and Samantha each carried one of the children back to the living room. Deanna and Lance walked hand in hand behind them. The setting sun cast a rosy glow over them, creating an indescribably beautiful and warm scene.
Once inside, the family chatted and laughed for a while before starting dinner. During the meal, Logan looked at Deanna and asked with concern, "I heard you're setting up a research institute recently?"
"It's not really me setting it up; I'm just helping my master," Deanna replied honestly, unsure why Logan was asking.
Logan and Samantha were surprised. "Your master?"
"Yes, my master," Deanna nodded. "He has another research institute abroad and is currently at a critical point in his research, so he can't come back for now. He asked me to set up the institute here, and he'll return once he's finished there."
Hearing this, Logan and Samantha nodded, still curious. "What is your research institute developing?"
"Sorry, I can't say much due to confidentiality agreements," Deanna apologized.
Logan and Samantha realized they had overstepped and waved it off. "No need to apologize. If there's a confidentiality agreement, you must adhere to it."
They then changed the subject. Later, after dinner, the family of four returned home under the reluctant gazes of the elders.
In the following days, Deanna spent as much time as possible with the children and Lance. Soon, it was the day for the research institute's handover.
Early that morning, Deanna arrived at the institute with Brent. Seeing them, the leader of the renovation team greeted them politely, "Miss Jones, Brent, you're here."
Deanna nodded lightly. "We'll take a look around. If everything is fine, I'll sign the handover papers, and we'll settle the remaining payment later."
"Thank you, Miss Jones. Let me show you around," the leader said enthusiastically, inviting Deanna to tour the institute.
The renovated institute was spacious and much brighter than before. After a thorough inspection, Deanna was satisfied with the modifications and signed the handover papers, settling the final payment.
Shortly after the renovation team left, several large trucks arrived outside the institute. Dozens of workers began unloading items from the trucks. Brent stood at the entrance, overseeing the workers to prevent mistakes. Inside, Deanna directed where to place everything.
Despite their efforts, many items couldn't be placed quickly enough and had to be left at the entrance. When Lance arrived, he saw the chaotic scene and heard Deanna's voice giving instructions.
"Don't rush to bring this in; prioritize moving the important equipment first."
"Brent, make sure they handle the equipment carefully."
"Don't worry, Miss. I understand," Brent replied before heading towards the workers handling the equipment.
Seeing this, Deanna decided to check how many items were still outside and planned to make a list for tomorrow. It was getting late.
As she stepped out of the office area, she was surprised to see Lance standing in the hallway. "Why are you here?"
She had messaged Lance earlier that she would be late because of organizing the institute.
Lance walked over gently, tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "I wanted to see if I could help."
He looked at the busy office area and continued, "I brought some people with me. Tell me what needs to be done."
Deanna was surprised that Lance had brought help but quickly adjusted her plans. With more people available, she decided to move all remaining equipment into the office area.
"In that case, I'll take you up on your offer. Have your people help move those instruments and desks from the entrance."
"Alright," Lance nodded and instructed Xavier, "Arrange for our people to move those items."
Xavier nodded and left to carry out the orders.
Even with Lance's help, it was already midnight by the time they finished organizing the institute. Some desks were still not set up.
Deanna wanted to finish everything in one go but didn't want to keep Lance up all night. Knowing he had only recently recovered, she decided to call it a day and continue tomorrow.
Brent offered, "Since we'll continue tomorrow, you two should go home. I'll stay until all the workers leave."