Upon hearing Deanna's words, Brent immediately grasped their meaning.
"Miss, you're joking. You entrusted me with managing the vast research institute, and I must devote myself fully. Moreover, these experts are rare talents. I intend to retain them for you and naturally treat them even better," Brent said, his head bowed respectfully as he stood by her side.
His words, however, subtly implied that everything he did was for Deanna.
Deanna caught the undertone and, with a slight smile that did not reach her eyes and in a gentle voice, responded, "In that case, it seems I was wrong to interrupt your work."
"Please don't say that, Miss. You did it for my sake," Brent continued, skillfully maintaining his deference.
Deanna didn't want to continue with such unproductive talk and lightly said, "Once Mr. Grant wakes up, he can clear your name. He should wake up tomorrow; tomorrow is the third day. There was no news from the hospital last night, so Mr. Grant must be past the critical phase."
She spoke while observing Brent's expression.
To her disappointment, whether Brent had grown accustomed to disguising his feelings or genuinely felt guilt-free, she could not detect any sign of unease on his face.
True to his role as the master's chief steward, his unshakable demeanor was perfected to the extreme.
Brent's eyes flickered, calculating something, yet he continued to echo Deanna's words. "Mr. Grant is such a good person; nothing bad will happen to him. I just hope that when Mr. Grant clears my name, Miss won't cancel my vacation. I've been looking forward to a good break."
"Don't worry. If you don't want to come back immediately, I'll give you more time. Besides, you've reminded me that I've neglected the research institute for too long. If my master finds out, I might be punished," Deanna joked without genuine amusement.
Later, after handing over their tasks, Brent left as if to avoid any suspicion.
Watching Brent's somewhat desolate figure walking away, Deanna felt no pity and turned back to her office to handle her work.
She didn't forget to instruct Shannon, "Keep a close watch on the hospital. Someone might target Mr. Grant as early as today or by tomorrow at the latest. Also, ensure Julia is protected."
Deanna knew Julia couldn't leave the hospital at this time, so she arranged for her friend's protection.
"Also, have your sister report Brent's movements and actions to me daily."
"Yes," Shannon acknowledged and went to make arrangements.
Upon receiving the news, Leighton pulled Julia aside outside the ICU ward. "I've received word from missus that someone might harm Mr. Grant tonight or tomorrow. Although missus asked me to protect you, I think it's safest for you to go home. Mr. Grant is in the ward, and you can't enter anyway. Staying here won't help him."
"…Deanna never said I was holding her back, but you speak so bluntly. Aren't you afraid I'll complain to Deanna?" Julia looked at him somewhat displeased.
Leighton looked back calmly and said, "I'm just telling the truth. If Miss King feels offended, she can speak to missus about it."
Clearly, he wasn't concerned about Julia complaining; he just wanted to simplify the task.
Of course, Julia wasn't ungrateful.
Knowing she might be a burden, she cooperated with Leighton.
After their conversation, she left the hospital.
As time ticked by and night fell, the bustling night market contrasted with the quiet serenity of the hospital area.
Especially near the ICU where it was so quiet it seemed as if time had stopped.
After an indeterminate amount of time, a tall nurse pushing a medicine cart slowly approached Lionel's ICU room.
Just as she was about to unlock the door with her key, she realized there was no keyhole.
"Damn it, this key doesn't work!"
"Of course, it doesn't work. To prevent people like you from entering, we've gone through great trouble to replace the lock with a fingerprint scanner," a disdainful voice came from behind the nurse, startling her into turning around and attacking.
However, her attack missed its target as she quickly changed tactics trying to force the newcomer back and find an opportunity to escape.
But the corridor was already secured with no chance for escape.
Within minutes, the nurse was subdued and brought before Leighton.
Leighton pulled off the nurse's mask but did not recognize the person in front of her. Indifferently, she ordered, "Take her away and hand her over to the police station. Tell them everything about this situation."
"Yes!"
Her subordinate took the disguised nurse away.
Watching them leave, Leighton felt something was off but couldn't pinpoint what exactly. Finally, she decided to leave this issue for her master to handle.