Deanna straightened her spine and met Eula's gaze in a standoff, her voice cold. "As Lance's fiancée, it's unthinkable for me to just stand aside if something happens to him. If you're worried I'll slow you down, feel free to ignore me. I've brought my own people, and we can find Lance just as well."
"Your people, these ones behind you?" Eula glanced over Deanna's companions, including Nightingale, with a dismissive look.
She turned her attention back to Deanna, scoffing, "Do you even know who the armed militants chasing Lance are? They are international desperados. Your people won't be able to save Lance, let alone protect you. Those militants have more than just guns; they possess heavy weaponry too."
Deanna was momentarily stunned. "Heavy weaponry..."
"Yes, they have artillery shells. What else do you think caused the ship Lance was on to sink?" Eula explained coldly, then stepped closer to Deanna, her voice harsh. "Do you think your people can protect you from artillery fire? Do you even know if some of those militants are disguised among them?"
Deanna was left speechless by the barrage of questions.
Seeing Deanna silenced, Eula, like a rooster claiming victory, raised her neck and scolded, "You understand nothing. Do you think being Lance's fiancée brings you luck or helps you find him? Those militants would rather capture you to negotiate with Lance!"
With that, she pushed Deanna slightly.
Deanna stumbled backward, but Nightingale and Shannon quickly stepped forward to support her and looked around warily.
"What are you doing?"
"Relax, I won't harm her. I just hope she leaves quickly so she doesn't cause us more trouble," Eula said coldly to the two.
Then, she turned her gaze back to Deanna and continued, "I've made myself very clear. If you still choose to stay and something happens, don't blame me for not warning you."
With those words, she turned and walked away without another glance at Deanna and her group.
Watching Eula's retreating figure, Deanna felt swayed but didn't want her journey to be in vain.
As she pondered this, Xavier's persuasive voice reached her ears. "Missus, this place is dangerous, and Miss Eula's words make a lot of sense. Mr. Mercer hasn't been found yet, and those dangerous militants are still trying to locate him. If they discover your identity, they will definitely target you."
"Mr. Nelson, I appreciate your concern for my safety, but now that I'm here, I don't want to leave without doing anything. At least for now, those militants don't know who I am. We can help search for Lance in these next few days," Deanna shared her thoughts.
Xavier looked troubled and glanced at Shannon and Nightingale, hoping they would persuade Deanna.
However, they avoided his gaze, looking everywhere but at him.
Left with no choice, Xavier proceeded to settle Deanna down.
Their decision to stay quickly reached Eula's ears through her subordinates.
Upon hearing the report, Eula's expression darkened tremendously.
After a moment, she sneered coldly, "Since this woman is so foolish as to court death by coming here, don't blame me for being unkind."
She signaled to one of her subordinates and instructed quietly, "Spread the news that Lance's fiancée has arrived but keep it discreet; don't let it trace back to us."
"Understood," her subordinate nodded and departed.
In no time, the news about Deanna spread throughout the maritime area.
At that moment, what seemed like a calm maritime region was on the verge of a storm.
Later, Randall received the news of Deanna's exposed identity and was furious.
He grabbed his phone and called Xavier, shouting angrily, "What's going on? If you can't stop her from staying, can't you at least keep the news under wraps? I'm telling you now, take that woman Deanna and get out of the high seas immediately!"
Xavier was stunned by the outburst.
"What happened? And didn't you say earlier that you wouldn't interfere with the missus anymore?"
"Just because I said I wouldn't interfere doesn't mean I really wouldn't. If something happens to that woman, do you think the boss would let me off?"
Randall's anger nearly made him forget his priorities but remembering them, he urged again, "Stop wasting time talking; just take Deanna and leave now. Her identity is already known here in the high seas; many are searching for her!"
Hearing this, Xavier realized the gravity of the situation.
"I understand. I'll take the missus and leave now. Coordinate with your people on your end to divert others' attention."
After giving a few more instructions, he hung up the phone and hurriedly left the room with their unpacked luggage.