In fact, Lance had received the news early in the morning that Lionel had come to the research institute.
To him, Lionel's intentions were clear.
That was why he brought the two children along.
Even if Lionel wouldn't give up, he would help him do so.
If Lionel remained stubborn, he wouldn't hesitate to be unkind.
Deanna was unaware of Lance's thoughts.
When she heard that Lance had brought Gregory and Chloe, she was surprised. "Why did you bring them here?"
"I thought since you weren't busy yet today, we could go out for a meal as a family and maybe take a walk. Otherwise, once you get busy, you won't have much time to spend with the kids," Lance spoke sincerely.
Deanna didn't think much of it and believed him. She nodded, "Alright then, bring Gregory and Chloe up. Once we get the results, we can go eat together."
"Okay, you go ahead and get busy. I'll wait with Gregory and Chloe in the office."
Lance finished speaking and gestured for Deanna to get back to work.
He then turned and left.
Lionel watched Deanna return to the lab, his eyes flickering. "Since Mr. Mercer is here to pick you up, why don't you go back with him? I can wait for the results alone."
"It's fine. The results will be out in less than half an hour. I can wait."
Deanna smiled at him and continued the conversation that had been interrupted.
Lionel's lips curled slightly, seemingly in a good mood.
But soon, his smile froze.
The reason was simple: he glanced outside and saw Lance holding hands with two small children.
The children were adorable and delicate.
Most importantly, it was clear that the children were Lance and Deanna's, inheriting the best features from both parents.
At this moment, Deanna also noticed the two little ones outside the glass door. She smiled warmly and waved at them.
The children responded with bright smiles.
Watching the interaction of the family of four, Lionel felt conflicted inside.
Of course, he understood that Lance had brought the children on purpose. He knew why: it was a warning.
Later, after about half an hour, the new results came out. They confirmed Deanna's initial calculations with a slight deviation in values.
"It seems your previous calculations were correct."
Lionel looked at Deanna with the report in hand and continued, "Let's call it a day. I'll discuss this theory with your master and we'll continue tomorrow."
Deanna nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Grant."
"No problem. It's my job after all."
Lionel smiled and glanced outside, pretending to be unaware. "Are those two children outside yours and Mr. Mercer's?"
Hearing this, Deanna looked at the father and children in the hallway and nodded happily. "Yes, I'll introduce them to you later."
Honestly, Lionel didn't want to go out and see their happy family.
But he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
After tidying up the lab, they walked out.
Seeing them come out, the children ran to Deanna's side and asked in their sweet voices, "Mommy, are you done?"
"Yes, I'm done. Are you hungry? We'll go eat soon."
Deanna lovingly ruffled their black hair and introduced Lionel. "This is Lionel, Mommy's colleague."
Hearing this, the children curiously looked at Lionel.
"Uncle is handsome, but not as handsome as Daddy."
Chloe gave Lionel a sweet smile.
Gregory also greeted politely, "Hello, Uncle Lionel."
Seeing their innocent faces, Lionel softened and smiled. "I didn't expect to meet you today. I didn't prepare any gifts, but I'll make it up next time."
"Mr. Grant, you're too kind. Since you're done here, I'll take Deanna to eat now."
Lance didn't want his children interacting with this scheming man and held Deanna close as they prepared to leave.
Deanna waved goodbye to Lionel.
Watching the family leave happily, Lionel stood there feeling a sudden loneliness.
His first time falling for someone ended up like this.
The more Lionel thought about it, the more bitter he felt and also confused.
"Should I give up?"
There was no place for him in their family.
Deanna knew nothing of this.
The family left the research institute happily.
Lance had already booked a restaurant and took them there directly.
During the meal, the children chatted about school with Deanna.
Deanna listened while taking care of them, creating a warm atmosphere.
Lance sat beside them, occasionally chiming in.
At the same time, watching his happy family, he silently vowed that he would never let anyone destroy this hard-earned happiness.