Lance naturally did not refute his fiancée's words. However, recalling Lionel's provocation just now, he held Deanna's hand and subtly retaliated, "Mr. Grant, you are the guest, so you should go first."
Lionel's gaze darkened as he looked at their tightly clasped hands. Without saying anything, he turned and left.
After the three of them were seated, a staff member brought tea. Once the staff left, Lionel began discussing business.
"Previously, your master gave me some research project materials. I've been studying them over the past few days and found a concept that seems problematic. I'm not sure about it, so I wanted your help to review it. If there is indeed an issue, we can avoid it early on, saving us time and effort."
"A problematic concept?!" Deanna was very surprised. She had the materials but hadn't noticed any issues with the concepts.
Seeing her wide-eyed surprise, Lionel found her very endearing, his expression softening. "I'm not sure if there's a problem, so I wanted your help to take a look."
"I see. Let's study it together later," Deanna's interest was immediately piqued by Lionel's words.
Lance listened to their conversation, his gaze towards Lionel growing colder. To him, this man was just creating opportunities to interact with Deanna.
"Deanna, have you forgotten? Mr. Grant just arrived in Cloudmere today. He must be tired from the journey. Besides, you promised Gregory and Chloe to return early this afternoon. Why don't you discuss this at the research institute tomorrow?"
Deanna looked over in confusion. When had she promised Gregory and Chloe to return early? But seeing the obvious displeasure on Lance's face, she ultimately didn't deny it and apologized to Lionel, "I forgot about that. Regarding the problematic concept, Mr. Grant, why don't you send it to my email after you return to your room? I'll review it and we can discuss it at the research institute tomorrow."
Though she said this, Deanna felt helpless and somewhat uncomfortable. She understood that Lance cared about her and thus was very concerned about her being alone with another man. However, she and Mr. Grant were just colleagues, and Mr. Grant knew she was already a mother of two children. Lance's attitude was quite ungracious.
Lance didn't realize he had annoyed Deanna. Seeing her agree with him, he was very satisfied and looked at Lionel with even more provocation and disdain.
Although Lionel was frustrated, he didn't show it. He nodded to Deanna, "I'll sort out my luggage and send you the problematic concept shortly."
Deanna nodded.
Seeing this, Lance gently held Deanna's hand and said softly, "Since we've finished discussing business and the procedures over there are done, Mr. Grant, you should go rest. I'll take Deanna to eat."
"In that case, goodbye Miss Jones, goodbye Mr. Mercer," Lionel bid farewell to both of them separately.
Listening to this, Lance could sense the deeper coldness in Lionel's words and looked at him with even more coldness and mockery. This person really was relentless.
Deanna didn't notice anything amiss and nodded to Lionel before leaving the hotel with Lance.
Once outside, her smile faded.
Lance noticed her change in mood and looked at her with concern, "What's wrong?"
Hearing this, Deanna met his concerned and gentle gaze, feeling a lump in her throat.
"Let's get in the car first; I'll talk to you later."
Finally, she decided to have a good talk with Lance.
Seeing Deanna's tense jawline in front of him, Lance's eyes flickered as he guessed what was on her mind.
After getting in the car, he didn't wait for Deanna to speak and took the initiative himself, "It's about my attitude towards Lionel."
"You know?" Deanna looked at him with annoyance, not knowing what to say.
She took a deep breath and organized her thoughts before speaking earnestly, "Mr. Grant is a research specialist invited by my master. He is capable and knows his boundaries. He also knows about our relationship. So those unfounded thoughts you have should be put aside. Of course, I'm happy that you care so much about me, but Mr. Grant and I are just having normal interactions. Do you understand?"
"I understand, but it's not that I want to overthink; it's that Lionel makes me overthink," Lance defended himself.
Hearing this, Deanna frowned.
Before she could say anything, Lance continued, "I know you don't believe that Lionel has feelings for you, but think about what he said earlier, especially when he said goodbye. He could have said goodbye to both of us together but chose to separate us. Isn't his intention clear enough?"