Learning from the leader that Deanna and her team's research was for the benefit of the domestic populace, the officer treated Deanna very kindly.
However, Deanna gently shook her head after hearing the officer's words, "I'd rather not clear up the rumors just yet."
"Why? If it continues to ferment, it might be detrimental to you, Miss Jones."
The officer looked puzzled.
He did not want someone who was doing good for the country and its people to be wronged.
Nor did it align with his professional duties.
Deanna knew the officer meant well, but she still apologetically shook her head, "I can't say why right now, I hope you can understand."
With that, the officer felt it inappropriate to press further.
He nodded, "Alright, if you need help later on, Miss Jones, feel free to contact us."
"Thank you."
Grateful, Deanna thanked him and was about to leave when she saw Logan hurriedly entering from outside.
She was surprised but soon understood what was happening and warmly greeted him, "Logan."
"Is everything resolved? Do you need me to do anything?"
Logan looked at Deanna gently.
Deanna smiled slightly, "Everything has been explained. We can go back now."
But as soon as they stepped out of the police station, reporters who had somehow caught wind of the situation surrounded them.
"Deanna, there are online claims that you've been conducting illegal human experiments. Do you have any explanation?"
"It's said your lab was destroyed. Many online speculate someone discovered your illegal experiments and decided to act on behalf of justice."
"Surprising to see Mr. Mercer here too. The Mercer Group has been targeted by netizens because of your lab incident, Mr. Mercer. Yet you're here to pick up your daughter-in-law. It seems you're quite pleased with her. But with such a big incident, why isn't Mr. Lance here?"
"Speaking of which, Mr. Lance hasn't appeared during these incidents. Could something have happened to Mr. Lance?"
The reporters crowded aggressively towards them, all eager for firsthand information.
If not for Logan's quick reaction pulling Deanna back into the police station, they would have been completely surrounded.
"Deanna, don't leave. The whole net is waiting for your response. What exactly were your experiments about?"
"Mr. Mercer, aren't you worried about further angering netizens by taking Deanna away from here?"
These voices continued from behind Deanna and Logan.
Deanna's face turned pale, clearly frightened by the aggressive nature of the reporters.
However, she quickly regained her composure.
After all, she had faced even bigger situations before.
But thinking about what the reporters had said, she looked at Logan guiltily, "I've caused more trouble for Mercer Group..."
"After knowing the truth, both I and my father support Lance's plan. We anticipated this situation, so don't blame yourself. Besides, what you are doing is beneficial for the country and its people. Once things clear up, whatever Mercer Group loses now will be returned manifold."
Logan reassured Deanna and patted her shoulder encouragingly, "These are minor issues. Grandfather and I can handle them. More importantly, I heard some people died and one is still in critical condition. You need to take care of these people and find out who leaked the lab's information."
Hearing this, Deanna knew she shouldn't waste time on these matters.
She took a deep breath and nodded, "You're right. I shouldn't bother with those outside issues. Right now, comforting the families of the deceased and finding out who the mole is in our institute are more important."
It had been established that only she, Lance, Brent, and Lionel knew the specifics about the villa's lab.
As for the bodyguards in the villa, all handpicked by Lance, their loyalty was assured, so Deanna didn't suspect them. But the institute was a different story.
Later, with police assistance and escort from Mercer family bodyguards, they managed to get into their car with difficulty.
After closing the car door, Logan asked, "Where do you plan to go next? I'll take you there."
"Let's go to the hospital first."
Although investigating was important, there was still no news about Lionel, and Deanna was worried and wanted to be there.
Moreover, only Brent and Lionel were survivors at the scene. She had been too worried in the morning to ask Brent if he recognized any intruders or to inquire about many other details.
Logan noticed Deanna's furrowed brow but said nothing and signaled the driver to head to the hospital.
At the hospital, Lionel's emergency treatment was still ongoing.
When Deanna arrived, she saw her friend sitting alone with her head bowed low.
"Julia, why are you alone? Where's Brent?"
She quickly walked over to inquire.
Hearing her voice, Julia suddenly looked up, her face streaked with tears, "Deanna, the doctors have issued three critical condition notices already. What should we do?!"