Lance saw the guilt on Deanna's face and gently pulled her into his arms, comforting her, "You don't need to blame yourself. I know you didn't do it on purpose."
Hearing this, Deanna felt a warmth in her heart.
Recently, she had been so busy with the research institute that she neglected her two children, her family, and even the man in front of her.
Yet, this man did not blame her. Instead, he kept everything from her so she could focus on her research.
Thinking about this, she felt guilty for having lashed out at Lance earlier.
"Thank you, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you. It was my negligence that caused me to overlook the children, yet I blamed you for hiding their illness from me."
Deanna lifted her head from Lance's embrace and spoke apologetically.
Lance looked at her regretful expression and couldn't help but laugh. He raised his hand to ruffle her hair, his deep voice filled with affection, "Silly, there's no need to apologize. As a mother, it's normal to be anxious and angry when you find out your children are sick, especially when I tried to hide it from you."
Despite his words, Deanna still felt guilty.
Lance noticed this and comforted her, "If you really feel bad, make it up to me and the kids once you're done with your work."
"No need to wait until I'm done. I'll try to come back earlier from now on."
Deanna shared her newly made plan.
Although the research project was important, it could never compare to her children, family, and loved ones.
Seeing Deanna's resolve, Lance didn't say anything more.
After all, he hoped Deanna wouldn't tire herself out.
They spent the night at the hospital.
During this time, Deanna frequently checked Gregory's temperature, worried he might have a fever again.
Fortunately, by dawn, Gregory's temperature had returned to normal.
Only then did Deanna finally relax.
Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, Lance felt sorry for her and pulled her to the sofa, making her sit down. "Since Gregory is fine now, you should get some sleep. You still have to go to the research institute after sunrise."
"I've messaged Mr. Grant. I'm not going to the institute tomorrow."
Deanna shook her head and pulled Lance to sit on the sofa with her. "But you've been taking care of Gregory since yesterday afternoon. You must be tired too. Rest with me for a while."
Hearing this, Lance smiled at Deanna and suddenly pulled her to lean against the sofa backrest with him. "If we're going to rest, let's rest together."
Deanna didn't refuse and leaned against him, closing her eyes to rest.
Perhaps because they were worried about Gregory's condition, neither of them slept for long and woke up around seven in the morning.
Shortly after they woke up, Gregory also woke up naturally.
Deanna helped the little one wash up while Lance went out to buy breakfast.
After breakfast, Gregory noticed that his mommy had no intention of leaving and looked at her curiously.
Deanna sensed his gaze and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at mommy like that?"
"Aren't you going to the research institute today?"
Gregory voiced his thoughts.
Deanna was momentarily stunned and felt guilty. "Not today. I've already informed the institute. I'll go back after you get better."
Hearing this, Gregory was overjoyed.
But he remembered how much effort his mommy had put into the research institute and how important her work was from overhearing conversations between his parents. So he sensibly said, "Mommy is worried about me, that's why you're not going to the institute, right? It's okay. I'm fine now. You don't need to worry about me; just focus on your work."
"You're just a child; why worry about such things? Just focus on getting better. Mommy will handle everything else."
Deanna chuckled and flicked Gregory's forehead but was deeply moved by his words.
Gregory didn't mind being flicked; instead, he covered his forehead and grinned, defending himself, "I just want mommy to finish work early so you can spend more time with us."
"Don't worry. From now on, mommy won't be as busy as before. I'll replan my schedule."
Deanna didn't hide her decision from last night and shared it with Gregory with a smile.
In fact, she did just that.
Once Gregory recovered, she adjusted her daily work schedule to ensure she could come home by nine every night and spend an hour with the kids.
Time flew by, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.
The research institute's project progressed smoothly. Several effective prescriptions were confirmed and clinically validated, receiving official recognition and beginning mass production for sale.
As a result, Deanna wasn't as busy as before and had more time to spend with her family and children.
However, the good times didn't last long. The research institute that had been running smoothly encountered trouble.