"It seems my best friend plans to stay single forever," Deanna sighed as she nestled in Lance's arms.
Lance glanced at her, then at the surveillance footage of Julia, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe she has someone in mind."
Deanna was stunned. She hadn't considered that possibility.
"Looks like I need to have a good talk with Julia. I can't solve my own life issues while she suffers in secret."
Deanna was eager to find out more, ready to confront Julia immediately.
Lance watched Deanna's playful demeanor with affection.
After watching the social event for a while, they lost interest.
Monday arrived quickly.
Early in the morning, Deanna went to the research institute.
The employees greeted her warmly, "Good morning, Ms. Jones."
"Good morning," Deanna replied, recalling the weekend's social event. She looked around curiously and asked, "So, did anyone find their match last weekend?"
Many blushed and looked shy.
Seeing their reactions, Deanna knew the answer and teased, "Seems like there's good news. Don't forget to share your wedding candies with me when things are settled."
"Of course, we won't forget," a bold employee responded with a smile.
As they laughed and chatted, Lionel arrived.
Unlike the others, Lionel looked troubled.
Deanna and the others noticed and approached with concern, "Mr. Grant, are you alright? You don't look well. Did something happen or are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm... fine," Lionel shook his head, denying any issues.
Seeing Lionel's reluctance to talk, everyone returned to their work.
Soon, only Deanna and the conflicted Lionel remained in the hallway.
Lionel seemed hesitant to speak several times.
Deanna noticed his unease and asked, "Mr. Grant, is there something you want to say to me?"
"No..." Lionel started but then changed his mind. "Miss Jones, I heard you're close friends with Julia. Could you give me her contact information?"
Deanna perked up at this, her eyes full of curiosity. "Mr. Grant, do you have a thing for Julia?"
Lionel remained silent, unsure how to respond.
His troubled expression puzzled Deanna.
Before she could ask further, Brent hurried out of the elevator.
"Miss Jones, Mr. Grant, something's wrong at the hospital."
Brent's serious tone caught their attention immediately.
Deanna and Lionel asked in unison, "What happened?"
"I just got a call from the hospital. A patient died after using our Sunfire Elixir IV!"
Brent's words were heavy, and Deanna and Lionel's faces changed instantly.
"Impossible!"
They both denied it simultaneously.
Sunfire Elixir IV was designed for nourishment and support; it couldn't possibly cause death.
Brent saw their expressions and understood their thoughts. He said gravely, "I know it's hard to believe Sunfire Elixir IV could cause such an issue, but it's a fact. The police are on their way. The patient's family reported it and wants an explanation."
Hearing this, Deanna and Lionel grew more serious.
Before they could devise a solution, the police arrived.
"Who's in charge here?" The lead officer asked after showing his badge.
Lionel wanted to step forward but was stopped by Deanna.
"I'm in charge," Deanna said.
The officer scrutinized her before speaking. "Someone reported a death caused by your research institute's medication. We need you to cooperate with our investigation and come to the station."
"I'll go with you. I'm the primary researcher for the medication," Lionel interjected, unable to let Deanna go alone.
To him, it was inappropriate for Deanna, a woman, to go to the police station alone.
The officers exchanged looks and decided, "Since you're the primary researcher, you'll come with us too."
Deanna disapproved and looked at Lionel. "Why did you volunteer? I wanted someone outside to investigate this matter. Why did you insist on going?"
"I can't let you go alone. I promised your master and Mr. Mercer to look after you. Besides, Brent is still here," Lionel explained his reasoning.
Deanna had no choice but to take him along as they followed the police out of the research institute.