Brent and Lionel were quite worried after hearing everything.
"I have some connections abroad, should I ask someone to help look for him?"
"Should I notify Master Gunner to have people from his side assist in the search?"
The two spoke in unison.
Deanna thought for a moment and shook her head in refusal. After all, this was a matter concerning Lance's circle of influence, and it wasn't appropriate for others to get involved.
Hearing this, Brent and Lionel did not insist. They simply mentioned that if help was needed, she should not hesitate to ask.
Deanna nodded, then discussed something about a special medicine.
"Based on the ideas you gave me earlier, I've cracked all the passwords and have started preparing the production. Now that you're back, we can speed up the process together," Lionel said, looking forward to Deanna with anticipation.
He was eager for the special medicine to be released because it would allow patients in their country and even abroad to access affordable treatment without having to forsake it due to exorbitant costs.
Deanna was aware of Lionel's thoughts.
However, she had more pressing matters at hand; she needed to oversee Lance's company and had also promised Logan to help out there.
In the end, she looked apologetically at Lionel, "Sorry, but you might have to struggle a bit longer. Lance hasn't returned, and things at Mercer Group are chaotic. I want to help keep the company stable. I trust you with the lab work, even if the progress is slow. Once I sort out the company issues, I'll come over and work overtime to catch up."
"No worries, Mercer Group is equally important. It's fine if Miss Jones comes back after she's done there," Lionel responded understandingly.
Deanna was grateful.
However, Brent had a calculating look in his eyes.
Since Deanna wouldn't be able to visit the villa's lab for some time, he might inform those involved to make their move.
That day, Deanna stayed at the institute until the evening, leaving with Shannon when it was almost time for the kids to finish school.
Before leaving, she teasingly said to Lionel, "I heard Julia and you are getting along well. Try harder, Mr. Grant."
Lionel paused briefly, understanding Deanna's implication and felt a bit embarrassed but did not object.
Thinking of Julia, who was as fiery as a chili pepper and could explode at the slightest provocation, his expression softened unconsciously.
Deanna didn't miss his expression and was optimistic about their prospects, even curious.
She wondered what Lionel had done in the past month to make Julia give up on Landon.
Though curious, Deanna knew it wasn't the right time to ask.
She planned to inquire thoroughly once they were together.
...
The next day, having arranged to go to the company with Logan, Deanna got up early.
After a quick wash, she headed to the walk-in closet.
The spacious closet was clearly organized with clothes, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and other items.
Seeing a row of men's suits hanging on the left, Deanna envisioned Lance dressing up and felt tears welling up in her eyes.
"Lance, where are you? If you're alright, why haven't you contacted me yet..."
Deanna was moved by the sight of his suits, her fingers gently brushing over them.
She didn't know how much time had passed until she heard a servant's voice outside.
It turned out Old Ashley knew Deanna was going to help at Mercer Group today and had sent a servant after noticing her granddaughter hadn't come downstairs for a long time.
Deanna responded to the servant, "Tell grandma I'll be down in a moment."
After speaking, she gathered herself, wiped away her tears, and started changing her clothes.
Soon after, Deanna walked downstairs in a well-fitted women's suit.
Old Ashley was relieved to see her granddaughter looking reasonably well; she had been worried that Deanna was just putting on a strong front for them while suffering alone. Fortunately, that didn't seem to be the case.
Old Ashley then realized she might have been overthinking it.
Her granddaughter might appear delicate but had a resilience that rivaled any man's.
Deanna was unaware of her grandmother's fleeting thoughts.
After breakfast, she took the kids to school before heading to Mercer Group.
Upon arriving at the company, Logan's specially arranged assistant escorted Deanna to the chairman's office.
In the office, Logan saw the assistant bring Deanna in and made sure she was comfortably seated.
Once Deanna settled down, they started discussing work matters.
"There's a senior management meeting later; come with me. I'll introduce you to the company's executives so you know who to contact if you need help," Logan explained his plans.
Deanna knew he meant well and nodded in agreement.
Later on, as Logan finished explaining things, an assistant knocked and entered to remind them that it was almost time for the meeting.