Lance had previously sent Deanna a message outlining their plan to deal with the hidden family. Because of this, Deanna did not hold a grudge against Lance for keeping secrets. After all, everything Lance did was for her.
"The deployment here is almost complete. We will take action within a week at the latest. The global economy might be affected, but I've already arranged for my grandfather to handle it. Also, according to my grandfather, your hypnosis might be triggered by sound. So, don't answer any unfamiliar calls during this period. For the next week, I won't be able to contact you frequently because I'm worried that our signals might be intercepted. Take care of yourself and always keep Shannon with you," Lance advised Deanna over the phone.
Deanna listened, filled with worry, but she knew she couldn't stop him. The plan was already in motion and there was no turning back; otherwise, they would fall into the hands of those unscrupulous people. After exchanging a few more words of caution, they reluctantly ended the call.
Meanwhile, in a castle abroad, three well-dressed men and one woman sat in a living room discussing matters related to the Mercer Group.
"The Mercer Group is ready to be taken down, and Brent's side as well," said the man sitting at the head of the table. It was clear he was their leader, sporting a goatee reminiscent of ancient times.
The other three smiled with satisfaction. They had waited a long time for this day and were finally about to seize the coveted Mercer Group and the Martinez family.
That evening, although news about Deanna had been suppressed online, it was still a hot topic in Cloudmere's high society. To avoid causing trouble for her children, Deanna initially planned to have the family driver pick them up. Unexpectedly, Logan and Samantha brought them back instead.
"Mommy, are you okay?" The children immediately ran to her with concern when they saw her.
After a warm family dinner, Old Ashley noticed that Logan and Samantha had something to discuss with Deanna and took the children away. Soon, only Deanna, Logan, and Samantha remained in the living room.
Facing Logan and Samantha, Deanna felt guilty. She had promised to protect the Mercer Group for Lance, but now it was in trouble because of her.
Logan and Samantha could see her guilt and reassured her, "You don't need to worry about the company's issues. It wasn't your fault; you were controlled by someone else. None of us blame you."
"I know, but I'm worried that the person behind this might use me again," Deanna said. Although Lance had told her not to answer unfamiliar calls, she felt it wasn't enough. The person who went to such lengths to control her wouldn't easily let go of such a useful pawn.
With this in mind, Deanna came up with an idea. "Samantha, Logan, I heard from Lance that he has another property in the suburbs. I want to move there and have some people guard me. This way, even if the person behind this has other plans for me, it won't harm the family's interests."
This suggestion essentially meant Deanna wanted to imprison herself. Logan and Samantha naturally wouldn't allow it.
"We're not at the worst point yet; you don't need to do that. Besides, how would you explain it to Gregory and Chloe? They don't know the truth yet," Samantha said.
Logan agreed with his wife and added, "If you're worried, just stay home for now. Don't answer unfamiliar calls or meet strangers; you should be fine."
Hearing their advice, Deanna realized her idea was immature. She didn't insist and instead mentioned a clue she found at today's board meeting.
"Logan, I think Mr. Joyner is suspicious. He seemed very certain about my leaking confidential information. It wasn't because he found evidence but because he seemed to know all along and just presented it today."
"I had the same thought today. I've already asked someone to investigate Donald," Logan nodded and explained his arrangements.
Deanna smiled sheepishly. She had forgotten that what she could think of, Logan, an experienced businessman, would also consider.
For the next two days, Deanna stayed at home. During this time, Julia, Landon, and Lionel visited her and were relieved to see she was in good spirits. However, Deanna felt increasingly uneasy. Ever since learning about Lance's plan, she had been anxious. She had nightmares every night about Lance's plan failing and him perishing in various disasters.
As a result, Deanna became more haggard with each passing day.