Everyone noticed the changes in Deanna.
Old Ashley had several heart-to-heart talks with Deanna, but they didn't help much.
Deanna kept some things from the old lady, which weighed heavily on her heart.
The two little ones were also very worried.
No matter how much they asked Mommy, she always said everything was fine.
That night, Gregory couldn't stop worrying. After his sister fell asleep, he took his small blanket and pillow to Deanna's room and knocked on the door.
Deanna opened the door and saw him standing there, smiling. "Gregory, what are you doing?"
"Mommy, I want to sleep with you tonight and have a heart-to-heart talk."
Without waiting for Deanna's permission, Gregory squeezed through the door with his blanket and pillow and headed straight for the big bed. He quickly made his bed.
He took off his little slippers and climbed into the bed. Seeing Mommy still standing at the door, he patted the empty spot beside him and said cutely, "Mommy, come here."
Deanna sighed and closed the door, then walked to the bed.
As soon as she got into bed, Gregory snuggled up to her.
"Mommy, tell me the truth. Is Daddy in trouble or doing something dangerous abroad?"
"Why do you ask that?" Deanna countered, looking down at her serious little boy.
Gregory analyzed, "Mommy said Daddy was fine and working abroad, but so many days have passed without a call from him. I secretly tried to contact him but couldn't reach him. I couldn't reach Uncle Xavier either. Plus, you've been getting more anxious every day. So I think Daddy is either in trouble or doing something dangerous."
Deanna was surprised by how much Gregory had done behind her back.
Seeing his earnest eyes, she knew she couldn't hide the truth tonight.
But she couldn't tell him everything.
"Your daddy is indeed doing something very dangerous. Mommy didn't tell you because the fewer people who know, the better. Besides, you're still young. Your daddy and I don't want you and Chloe to worry."
"But Mommy is worried," Gregory said, blinking his big eyes at her.
Deanna was momentarily speechless. "Of course Mommy is worried about your daddy. He's doing something dangerous."
"Will Daddy be in danger?" Gregory asked again.
Deanna wanted to say yes but didn't want Gregory to worry too. She raised an eyebrow confidently and said, "Your daddy is so capable; he won't be in danger."
"If Daddy is so capable and won't be in danger, then Mommy shouldn't worry about him. You've been worrying so much that you've become haggard. If Daddy comes back and sees you like this, he'll be heartbroken."
Gregory patted Deanna's shoulder like a little adult, telling her not to worry about Daddy anymore.
Deanna felt a mix of amusement and warmth.
Before she could say anything, Gregory continued, "And great-grandma and I are also very worried about you."
"Mommy knows. I'll take better care of myself from now on. You've been worrying too much," Deanna said, pinching his cheek before tucking him in.
Watching her son sleep peacefully in her arms, Deanna gently patted his back, thinking about their conversation.
She realized that her anxiety had been noticed by her children and grandmother. She needed to do something to distract herself.
The next morning, after having breakfast with the kids and seeing them off to school, Deanna went to her grandmother.
"Grandma, I'm planning to stay at the villa Lance gave me for a few days to relax."
"That's a good idea. Don't worry too much. The Mercer family doesn't seem too anxious about Lance's situation. He should be fine; he just can't contact us for some reason," Old Ashley said reassuringly.
Deanna was shocked by how accurately her grandmother had guessed the truth without knowing anything. If her grandmother could figure it out, so could their enemies.
Panic set in for Deanna.
She couldn't let this loophole affect Lance's plan.
"Grandma, I just remembered something I forgot to tell Logan. I need to make a call."
Leaving that sentence behind, Deanna rushed back to her room and called Logan.
The call connected quickly. "Logan, I just discovered an important loophole. We need to fix it immediately or it might affect Lance's plan."
"What loophole?" Logan's serious voice came through the phone.
Deanna explained her concern. "We haven't shown any anxiety over Lance's disappearance. We need to act like we're worried; otherwise, if our enemies notice, the consequences could be dire."