Deanna shared her idea with Lance.
In the end, she added, "This way, I can also divert the attention of the mastermind, and Grandma, Gregory, and Chloe will be safer."
Hearing this, Lance, who initially wanted to refuse, swallowed his words.
"In that case, I'll move in with you."
"If you move in too, what about Gregory and Chloe?" Deanna frowned, showing her disapproval.
Lance dismissed her concern. "They're big kids now; they'll understand. Besides..." He paused, leaned close to Deanna's ear, and whispered softly, "Do you think I'd be comfortable with you living under the same roof as another man?"
Deanna was left speechless.
In the end, Lance and Deanna stayed together in the villa.
That afternoon, they moved their luggage and necessary equipment.
Since the lab needed to remain confidential, only Deanna, Lionel, and Lance were involved in setting it up.
By the time they finished, it was already evening.
Fortunately, the villa had everything they needed, so Deanna cooked dinner herself.
During the meal, the atmosphere was not lively but not awkward either.
After dinner, Lance went to the study for work-related matters.
Deanna and Lionel started decoding the special medicine in the lab.
They worked until midnight.
When Lance finished his work and returned to the room, he noticed Deanna was not there and realized she was still in the underground lab.
He checked the time; it was almost midnight. With a mix of helplessness and slight annoyance, he headed to the basement.
When he arrived, he saw Deanna and Lionel engaged in a heated discussion through the glass.
Although he didn't want to interrupt, it was late, and he didn't want Deanna to overwork herself. He knocked on the glass door.
At the sound, both Deanna and Lionel looked over simultaneously.
Seeing this, Lance pointed to his watch through the glass.
Deanna got the hint and checked her own watch, realizing it was already midnight. She looked a bit embarrassed. "I didn't realize it was so late. Mr. Grant, let's call it a night and continue tomorrow."
"Alright, you go ahead. I'll tidy up here," Lionel agreed and let Deanna leave first.
Deanna locked important documents in the safe before leaving the lab.
Outside, she saw Lance's clearly displeased face and smiled apologetically. "I know I was wrong. I'll watch the time from now on."
Seeing her sincere apology, Lance's eyes softened with helplessness.
"No next time."
"Don't worry, I promise there won't be a next time," Deanna nodded repeatedly.
Soon after, they returned to their room.
Exhausted, Deanna fell asleep shortly after lying down.
Lance watched her sleep peacefully in his arms, feeling both heartache and determination. He vowed to uncover the mastermind behind everything as soon as possible.
Only then could Deanna truly relax and not be constantly on edge.
...
The next morning, after a simple breakfast, Lance prepared to go to work.
Before leaving, he held Deanna's hand and reminded her, "Call me if anything happens. If you need to go out, take Shannon and a few bodyguards with you. They're trustworthy and skilled."
"I know. You be careful too," Deanna advised Lance.
Lance nodded and left with Xavier.
Watching him disappear from view, Deanna turned back to the living room.
Lionel saw her return and asked, "Shall we head to the lab now?"
"Let's wait a bit. I'll call Brent over to help us. It'll save us some time," Deanna shared her plan.
Compared to other researchers at the institute, she trusted Brent more.
Perhaps it was because Brent had been with her master for a long time.
Later that day, after passing through multiple security checks outside the villa, Brent arrived with his suitcase in the living room.
Seeing Deanna and Lionel on the sofa, he greeted respectfully, "Miss, Mr. Grant."
"Brent, no need to be so formal. Your room is ready. Put your luggage away first, then we'll head to the lab. We'll need your help from now on," Deanna said politely.
Brent smiled. "It's my honor to assist you. I'll just put my luggage away and join you in the lab."
A few minutes later, the three of them arrived at the underground lab.
On the way, Brent observed the tight security around them with a thoughtful look in his slightly cloudy eyes.
Soon they reached the lab door but didn't enter immediately.
Deanna operated on the access control system and signaled Brent to come over. "I'll record your iris pattern for easier access to the lab in the future."