Early the next morning, Deanna woke up from her dreams. She yawned and glanced at the time. It was time to get up. Chloe lay beside her, sleeping peacefully.
The little girl unconsciously pouted her lips, looking very adorable. Watching her daughter sleep, Deanna's eyes softened with tenderness.
"Chloe, wake up," she nudged Chloe's soft little body, and the girl murmured, her eyelashes fluttering lightly, her bright eyes slowly opening. "Mommy?" Chloe rubbed her eyes and looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. "Where are we?"
Deanna sighed and answered, "We're at Uncle Lance's house. You fell asleep yesterday."
After they finished getting ready, they went downstairs, and Lance was having breakfast in the dining room. Deanna cleared her throat and greeted him, and Chloe did too. Lance looked up at them. There was no emotion in his deep eyes.
"Dr. Deanna, bring Chloe and come eat with me. I'll take you home later when I go to work." Chloe looked up at Deanna, asking for her opinion. Deanna hesitated a bit, but she had already troubled him a lot, so she didn't want to bother him anymore. "No need, Mr. Mercer. We have things to do at home. We'll just go back to eat. Thank you for your kindness." She smiled and politely declined.
Lance looked at the table of food and said lightly, "But I've already ordered your portions." With a raised eyebrow, he looked at her. She reluctantly changed her mind, "Well, thank you, Mr. Mercer."
They all sat down and ate together. Chloe, hungry, eagerly started eating with Deanna's permission. Her cheeks bulged as she ate, looking very cute. Lance watched her eat, his features softening slightly.
At that moment, Sam spoke up, "Dr. Deanna, the boss has woken up, and it seems he can move his legs. However, he still limps when walking." Deanna swallowed her food, not surprised. "That's normal. I'll check on him next time I come. If necessary, I'll give him another shot, and he should be fine." Sam nodded in acknowledgment.
Lance looked at her and calmly said, "Dr. Deanna, thank you for your help." Deanna blinked and responded, "Mr. Mercer, you're too kind." He had helped her so many times, and she had only lent a hand slightly. There was nothing to thank him for.
Lance didn't say anything more, just quietly ate his breakfast. After breakfast, Lance drove them home. Then he went to the company for a high-level meeting, which ended after nine o'clock.
Xavier was waiting at the door of the meeting room and greeted him as he came out. "Young Master, Raphael from Howard Group is here to see you." Hearing this name, Lance frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in his tone. "What does he want? Mercer Group and Howard Group shouldn't have any cooperation." Xavier shook his head and said, "I'm not sure either. Will you see him?"
Lance remained silent for a moment before responding, "Take him to the meeting room." Raphael was somewhat surprised. He didn't expect Lance to agree to see him. He waited in the meeting room for a long time before Lance arrived. Raphael stood up respectfully and greeted, "Mr. Mercer, you're here." Lance's attitude was cold as he simply nodded. He sat on the sofa and had a cup of tea.
With every gesture, he exuded a powerful aura, showing dominance. He glanced at Raphael and said, "Do you have something to discuss with me? Be brief; I only have ten minutes for you." Raphael didn't mind. He sat down and calmly stated his purpose.
"I'm here mainly for cooperation. I heard that Mercer Group is planning to develop a resort in Avelburg. Many materials are needed, and we, Howard Group, have been in the construction material business for many years. We can cooperate with Mercer Group at a price two-thirds cheaper than the market price. Would Mr. Mercer consider it?" He took out the contract from his briefcase and pushed it in front of Lance.
Lance couldn't be bothered to look and said indifferently, "No need. Mercer Group has stable suppliers, and this matter is not handled here." He didn't even consider that price. Raphael felt embarrassed by the rejection, his face somewhat unnatural. He cleared his throat and said, "What if it's half the market price?" Lance raised an eyebrow, slightly interested. "Oh? Is Howard Group willing to bleed that much?" He narrowed his eyes, a hint of mystery in them.
Raphael nodded and smiled, "Being able to cooperate with Mercer Group is naturally worth it. However, I have one condition." Lance wasn't surprised. "Go on." Raphael looked serious and said, "I hope Mr. Mercer will stop suppressing Emily." Lance understood now. He didn't respond, keeping a poker face.
Raphael continued, "Although I don't know what the relationship between you and Deanna is, I know it's not that kind of relationship." He said with certainty, his gaze firm. "I can guarantee not to touch her, but could you please spare Emily? Her current situation is already very bad." At this point, his expression showed a hint of urgency.
Lance, seeing this, sneered and sarcastically remarked, "Mr. Howard is quite caring and affectionate towards his wife." Raphael ignored his sarcasm and nodded. "It's only natural." He waited quietly for Lance's response. Lance didn't reply, only saying, "I'll consider it." With that, he walked straight out of the meeting room.