In the following days, Lance stayed by Deanna's side, worried about her potential symptoms. Nearly a week passed without Deanna experiencing any more episodes of deep sleep, which brought relief to both of them. Despite this, Lance continued to stay with her every day, and their relationship grew stronger during this time.
The one most affected by this was Eula, who had to watch Deanna and Lance display their affection daily. It was almost self-torture for her; she knew it would hurt to see them together, yet she persisted in making her presence known.
After a few more days of this, Eula couldn't take it anymore. She felt she had to find a way to separate Deanna and Lance. As if the heavens heard her plea, an opportunity presented itself just as she was contemplating how to get Lance away.
One evening, Eula returned to the manor with a serious expression. Although she knew Lance would usually be with Deanna at this time, she asked the butler for confirmation before heading over. Standing at the door, she knocked twice. "Lance, I'm coming in," she announced before pushing the door open.
Inside, Deanna and Lance both looked up at her. Noticing her troubled expression, Lance asked, "You look upset. Did something happen?"
Eula glanced at Deanna, indicating that the matter was too sensitive to discuss in front of her. Lance understood and turned to Deanna. "I'll be right back. If you get bored, take a walk in the garden downstairs. If you feel unwell, notify me immediately or call Angelo."
"I know. Go ahead," Deanna replied with a smile, urging him to leave.
Lance nodded and left the room with Eula. Once they were in the study, Eula revealed the news she had received. "There's trouble on the high seas. Our shipment has been seized. Baloo and his men have betrayed our contract and allied with foreign forces. They demand we negotiate in person if we want the goods back."
Her face briefly showed a mix of anger and caution. "I suspect they want us to go there so they can ambush us."
Lance's expression turned serious as he listened. After a few moments of silence, he asked coldly, "Have we identified the other faction involved?"
"Not yet. They've kept their information tightly sealed. Our people struggled to get even this much," Eula replied with a shake of her head.
Lance narrowed his eyes dangerously before making a decision. "Since they want a meeting, you'll go see them."
"Just me?" Eula frowned, clearly displeased. "I know you want to stay and take care of Miss Jones, but I don't think I can handle this alone. The opposition is strong. I need you to back me up to prevent them from attacking our base during negotiations. Besides, Miss Jones is well cared for here with Angelo and others around. What are you worried about?"
Lance knew Eula was right but couldn't shake his concern for Deanna, especially given her condition.
Seeing his hesitation, Eula continued, "If you're really worried about Miss Jones, you could bring her along but not to the high seas; that's too dangerous. We can't predict what will happen next during negotiations."
Eula wasn't being altruistic; she saw benefits for herself in this suggestion. First, it would show Lance she was considering his position and Deanna's safety, potentially earning his favor. Second, if Lance did bring Deanna along, it might give Eula a chance to eliminate her.
Unaware of Eula's ulterior motives, Lance made up his mind. The situation on the high seas couldn't afford any mistakes. Since Deanna hadn't had any episodes recently, he decided he could handle the external matters quickly and return.
He voiced his plan, "Arrange for a plane; we'll leave in an hour. Deanna will stay at the manor. I expect your people to take good care of her."
"Don't worry; I won't let anything happen to Miss Jones," Eula replied with feigned sincerity but felt a twinge of disappointment. She had hoped Lance would bring Deanna along.
Still, this arrangement meant she could spend the next few days alone with Lance without Deanna in sight.