"After this incident, I've been contemplating whether to make the lab's research public. But I'm afraid of provoking those people and inviting their crazy retaliation. Today they slander us for human experiments; who knows what they'll accuse us of tomorrow. Neither I nor the Mercer family can afford any more trouble."
Deanna appeared hesitant, making the ten people in front of her feel deeply ashamed.
Moments later, one of the reporters who had been eager to dig up news wiped his face vigorously and said righteously, "Miss Jones, rest assured. Now that we know the truth, we won't let anyone slander you. I plan to release this information so everyone will know what you and the Mercer family are doing, preventing anyone from using it against you."
"I support him. Miss Jones, let these matters be exposed," another reporter chimed in.
Others also began to persuade her.
Under such circumstances, Deanna reluctantly nodded in agreement.
She then escorted the ten people out of the research institute, watching them address the crowd gathered outside the gates. A smile finally appeared on her face, indicating she was in a good mood.
At this moment, someone approached her and disapprovingly said, "Miss, aren't you afraid that revealing the special medicine will attract more attention?"
"Afraid? Of course, I'm afraid. But what good does fear do? Even if I don't say anything, people will still target me. If I speak up, it might increase the number of contenders. But the special medicine's data is no longer with me. There are many capable people in the world; I'm sure they'll find something. Let them fight among themselves."
Deanna spoke sarcastically and then looked at Brent with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Besides, once this information is out, both I and the Mercer family will feel less pressure, right?"
Facing her gaze, Brent could only nod in agreement despite his disapproval.
"You're right, Miss."
"It's good that you understand. It's getting late; you should get back to work. Otherwise, you might not finish your tasks tonight, and tomorrow's handover might be delayed."
Deanna appeared considerate of Brent's workload and signaled him to leave.
Brent had no choice but to nod and walk away.
Watching his departing figure, Deanna's smile faded, leaving only coldness. "Let's go."
"Yes!"
Shannon nodded and followed Deanna out of the research institute.
By the time they returned to the manor, it was completely dark outside.
Entering the living room, Deanna found her grandmother and three elders from the Mercer family chatting on the sofa.
The two little ones were sitting on either side of Old Mercer.
They were the first to notice Deanna standing at the entrance and immediately came over with concern.
"Mommy, Aunt Shannon, you're back."
"Yes, we're back."
Deanna smiled gently and led the two little ones into the living room, greeting everyone.
Logan saw her and asked with concern, "Why are you back so late?"
"I went to the research institute; there was some trouble."
Deanna intended to keep it brief to avoid worrying the elders.
But contrary to her intentions, hearing about trouble reminded them of the previous incident when the research institute was vandalized. They all looked at her with worry. "Was the trouble resolved? Are you hurt?"
Seeing their concerned faces warmed Deanna's heart.
She sat on the sofa with the two little ones and slowly recounted what had happened at the research institute.
"The issue has been resolved. There might be some unexpected developments tomorrow."
Speaking about how she had set a trap for those behind the scenes, Deanna couldn't help but smile slyly.
Old Mercer and Logan became interested and asked, "What did you do?"
"Nothing much. Those hiding in the shadows like to throw dirt on me. So today, I openly showed the world what's in my research institute and what experiments we conduct."
Deanna spoke with a cheerful tone.
The father and son of the Mercer family immediately understood Deanna's intention behind her actions.
"You clever girl," Old Mercer praised her.
Deanna smiled modestly and then asked why they had come over. She learned they were worried about the safety of her grandmother, children, and her, and they decided to move in to help take care of everything.
This way, while Deanna was busy with company matters during the day, Samantha could help look after the household.
Given the current special circumstances, who knew what else those behind the scenes had planned?
Deanna did not object and welcomed their decision.
...
Early the next morning, as the latest daily news hit the stands, netizens who had been condemning Deanna disappeared. They were replaced by angry citizens denouncing the media outlets that initially smeared Deanna.
"Miss Jones is doing good deeds for the country and its people, yet you accused her of heinous acts and incited us against her. It's unforgivable!"
"Anyone who dares to speak ill of Miss Jones or Mercer Group now will have to deal with me!"