"I heard you say that you were going to the mansion for dinner tonight. I want to go too," Eula said bluntly.
Deanna frowned again. "Tonight is a family dinner, Miss Eula. It's not appropriate for you to attend. If you want to visit Samantha and the others, I'll arrange for someone to take you there once you're better."
"Why can't I go? Am I not the savior?" Eula was clearly displeased with Deanna's refusal.
Deanna was momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, she took a deep breath and decided to leave the decision to Lance. "Fine, if you want to go, talk to Lance. It's their family dinner, and I don't have the final say."
"Lance will definitely let me go. After all, we already see each other as family," Eula said, deliberately making a statement that could be easily misunderstood.
Deanna felt a bit uncomfortable but didn't take the bait. She knew what kind of person Eula was after their recent interactions. She looked at Eula with a smile that didn't reach her eyes and said gently, "I understand. During holidays, I'll consider you a relative of the Mercer family. I'm sure Lance will agree. Now, I need to get back to work. I hope Miss Eula won't disturb me."
With that, she ignored Eula's stiff expression and turned to leave. Once outside the room, Deanna seemed in good spirits. Eula had tried to provoke her, but she underestimated the depth of Chiaz's language.
That evening, Deanna picked up the kids from kindergarten and got them ready. Lance finally returned home. After saying goodbye to their grandmother, the five of them prepared to leave.
Just then, Eula caused another scene. "I don't want to sit in the front seat. Lance, let Miss Jones sit here. I have something important to discuss with you," she said, trying to use business as an excuse.
But she overlooked the kids. Chloe clung to Deanna's arm and pleaded, "Auntie, can we not change seats? I want to sit next to Mommy."
"I want to sit next to Mommy and Daddy too," Gregory echoed.
Eula's smile froze for a moment, and a flash of disgust crossed her eyes. These brats were just as annoying as their mother. Once she was with Lance, she wouldn't keep these two around.
Despite her thoughts, Eula maintained her composure and smiled at the kids. "Can you sit with your mommy on the way back? Auntie really has something important to discuss with your daddy."
Deanna's eyes darkened as she looked at Eula. She smiled faintly and said, "If it's so important, why didn't you discuss it with Lance during the day? Ten minutes isn't enough time for a proper discussion. How about after dinner, you and Lance go to the study? That way, he can spend these ten minutes with the kids since he's been busy all day."
Eula hadn't expected Deanna to counter her so effectively. Her excuse was exposed, and she didn't dare push further for fear of arousing Lance's suspicion. She forced a smile and tried to recover, "Lance was busy with work during the day, and I didn't want to disturb him. It's important but not urgent. We'll discuss it after dinner. Let's get going so we don't keep everyone waiting."
She got into the car first. Deanna and Lance followed with the kids in the back seat.
The car ride was lively with the kids chatting about school with Deanna and Lance. Eula watched through the window, seething with jealousy at the happy family scene.
The noise annoyed her, especially seeing Lance's affectionate responses to the children. The Lance she knew was never this patient and hated noise.
The Lance before her was so different that it scared her. She feared she couldn't replace Deanna...
The Mercer family mansion was brightly lit. In the living room, Samantha and Logan chatted with Old Mercer on the sofa.
Soon, they heard the sound of an engine in the courtyard and smiled.
"It must be Lance and the others. I'll go greet them," Samantha said, getting up and walking quickly to the entrance.
She soon saw the family of four and Eula entering from outside. She smiled warmly and greeted them, "You're here."