The next morning, during breakfast, Deanna mentioned the trip to Klidphis.
She reminded the two little ones, "While Mommy and Daddy are away, you need to take good care of Great-Grandma, okay?"
"We know, Mommy. How long will you be gone? Will you bring us gifts?" Chloe asked eagerly.
Gregory didn't say anything, but it was clear he also hoped for gifts.
Seeing their expectant eyes, Deanna felt a playful urge. She pretended to frown and said, "This trip is for business, so I might not have time for shopping."
As expected, disappointment flashed in their eyes, and they looked visibly downcast.
Deanna regretted teasing them. Before she could take it back, the two little ones spoke up sensibly, "It's okay, Mommy. If you have important work to do, your should put it first. You can bring us gifts next time."
Their understanding made Deanna's heart melt. "Mommy was just teasing you. Once I'm done with work, I'll buy you gifts," she quickly explained.
The two kids were momentarily stunned but then realized the joke. "Mommy is bad, teasing me and Gregory," Chloe pouted and complained to Old Ashley, "Great-Grandma, look, Mommy is bullying us."
Gregory nodded in agreement, "Mommy is too bad."
Old Ashley listened to their childish complaints with amusement but kept a serious face. "Then Great-Grandma will teach your mommy a lesson so she won't bully you anymore," she said, raising her hand as if to hit Deanna.
Before her hand could touch Deanna, the two little ones quickly intervened. "Great-Grandma, don't hit Mommy. She was just joking with us."
"Just tell Mommy not to tease us like that again," they said in unison.
Old Ashley, enjoying the act, put on a regretful expression and sternly looked at Deanna. "Did you hear what Gregory and Chloe said? No more teasing them like that."
"I understand," Deanna replied, lowering her head and rubbing her nose sheepishly.
Later, the family finished their meal warmly. The couple first dropped the kids off at school before heading to the airport.
By the time they arrived in Klidphis, it was already three or four in the afternoon.
Lance held Deanna's hand as they exited the airport. "I had Xavier arrange for someone to pick us up outside. It's a bit late today to visit the herbal merchant. We should make an appointment for tomorrow and rest tonight. You can review the information about the merchant and aim to secure the deal tomorrow."
"You're right. It's too late to visit today; we might miss them. It's better to rest and prepare thoroughly so we can secure the deal tomorrow. Then we'll have a day free to explore Klidphis and buy gifts for Gregory and Chloe," Deanna agreed.
They then took a car to a hotel owned by Mercer Group.
In the room, after organizing their luggage, Deanna saw Lance handing her a document. "This is information about the herbal merchant. Take a look."
Deanna nodded and started reading. The herbal merchant belonged to the Harris family, the third-largest family in Klidphis. They had been in the herbal business for sixty years and had expanded significantly, even exporting herbs.
To ensure a stable supply of herbs, the Harris family had bought several mountains and fields specifically for herb cultivation. Their reputation in the industry was excellent.
After reading this, Deanna was even more determined to secure a deal with the Harris family. If she could get purchasing rights from them, the research institute's herbal needs would be met.
She became more focused on tomorrow's meeting. "Lance, has Xavier responded yet?"
"Xavier hasn't contacted me yet. I'll call him," Lance said, already guessing her thoughts from her determined look.
He took out his phone and called Xavier. The call connected quickly, and Xavier's respectful voice came through.
"Sir."
"Any news from Harris Group?" Lance asked quietly.
Xavier reported, "I was about to message you. Harris Group agreed to the meeting. It's scheduled for nine o'clock tomorrow morning at their headquarters."
"I see," Lance replied and hung up.
He put down his phone and relayed Xavier's report to Deanna. "Harris Group agreed to meet at nine tomorrow morning."
"That's great! Thank you," Deanna said happily.
Lance raised an eyebrow in mild annoyance. "Thanking me again?"