After hanging up the phone, Deanna looked exhausted and displeased.
She curled her lips in a sarcastic smile and muttered to herself, "Brent... huh!"
Shannon vaguely heard something but couldn't make it out clearly.
"Missus, what did you say?"
"Nothing."
Deanna shook her head and then picked up her phone to call her assistant at the research institute. "Tell everyone that the institute will be closed starting today."
Before she could finish her sentence, the assistant's anxious voice came through. "Ms. Jones, I was just about to contact you. There are many people causing trouble outside the institute, demanding an explanation for our research. They said they would destroy the institute if we don't comply."
Hearing this, Deanna's expression immediately turned icy.
"Where is Brent? Isn't he handling this?"
"Mr. Brent said he is currently suspended and thought it wouldn't be appropriate for him to handle this matter. He suggested finding another solution or contacting you."
The assistant's words made Deanna laugh in anger.
She had clearly said Brent's suspension would start tomorrow, but that sly old fox began counting from today.
However, knowing that the old fox still had some value and she couldn't deal with this on her own, Deanna suppressed her anger and said in a deep voice, "I understand. I'm on my way."
After hanging up the phone, Deanna instructed the driver to change their route.
About ten minutes later, the car arrived near the research institute.
It was only nearby because the road ahead was blocked by protesters.
Deanna looked at the crowd through the car window and noticed quite a few journalists among them. She frowned deeply.
Clearly, if she appeared now, it would be hard to get away.
Shannon seemed to understand her dilemma and suggested, "Missus, you can appear through the car's sunroof. This way, everyone can see you, but no one can get too close."
Hearing this, Deanna looked up at the car's roof and realized it was a good idea.
"Open the sunroof."
"Yes."
As soon as the driver responded, the sunroof opened, letting in a sliver of orange-red sunset light.
Deanna stepped onto the seat and stood up through the sunroof.
Since their car was at the back of the crowd, no one noticed her at first.
But as soon as she started speaking, people began to realize she was standing there.
"It's Deanna."
"Everyone come over here; Deanna is here."
"Finally, this heartless person shows up!"
In an instant, everyone rushed towards Deanna.
Shannon tensed up inside the car as she saw people charging towards them. She remained vigilant and held onto Deanna's clothes, ready to pull her back into the car at any sign of danger.
Fortunately, due to the large crowd and the height of the car, Deanna wasn't harmed by the agitated mob.
"Everyone, quiet down! Listen to me!"
Seeing the emotional crowd, Deanna shouted at the top of her lungs.
Unfortunately, even her loudest voice couldn't overpower the crowd's clamor.
With no other option, Deanna signaled the driver to honk the horn.
The blaring sound startled everyone into a brief silence.
Deanna seized this opportunity to speak again. "Everyone, listen to me. Please stop causing trouble here. I assure you that neither the research institute nor my private laboratory has conducted any human experiments. These are baseless rumors and slander!"
"You say it's a rumor? Where's your proof?"
"Exactly! This isn't the first time we've heard such rumors. If it's slander, why target you specifically? There must be some unspeakable secret you're hiding."
"Explain clearly what your research institute and laboratory are doing, or we'll destroy your institute."
The crowd angrily demanded answers from Deanna.
Among them, journalists were also stirring up trouble with their sharp questions aimed at Deanna.
Facing these tricky questions, Deanna knew that if she didn't provide a satisfactory answer today, these people would never leave her alone.
The institute might end up being vandalized like last time!
Taking a deep breath and gritting her teeth, Deanna said, "Everyone quiet down! You want to know what the institute is doing? Fine. I know you might not believe anything I say. So how about this: choose ten representatives, and I'll take you inside for a tour. Journalists can bring your equipment."
"Ten people are too few! We all want to go in."
Someone protested against Deanna's arrangement.
Deanna remained unmoved.
After all, she had already made a concession and couldn't back down any further. Ten people were her limit. "It's impossible for everyone to go in. Choose ten people now or we'll all wait here until the police arrive."
Hearing this and seeing Deanna's determined expression, those who were shrewd enough realized that this was her bottom line.