After some pleasantries, everyone took their seats in the living room.
Eula looked at the supplements Deanna had prepared and was the first to present her own gift. "Logan, Samantha, this is a gift I asked Lance to prepare for you. I hope you like it."
"You didn't have to bring anything," Samantha said disapprovingly.
Eula smiled warmly. "It's the least I could do. It's my first time at Lance's home, and I would feel embarrassed to come empty-handed."
"There's no need to feel embarrassed. You saved our Lance, and we are very grateful. You are welcome here anytime, but don't bring gifts again, or I won't let you in," Samantha said, pretending to be stern but clearly fond of Eula.
Eula's smile grew even brighter at Samantha's words.
Deanna, however, felt a twinge of bitterness watching this scene. She knew Samantha liked Eula because she had saved Lance, but she couldn't help but recall her own first meeting with Samantha. At that time, she had also saved Lance, but Samantha had been far from pleased with her.
Sensing Deanna's emotional shift, Lance turned to her and quietly asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Deanna replied, finding an excuse. "I was just thinking that the gift I brought might not be as valuable as Miss Eula's. I hope Samantha won't mind."
Lance chuckled. "Of course not. My parents aren't like that. Besides, we are family now. Whatever you bring is a sign of respect and love for them. They will only be happy."
"You're right," Deanna nodded, feeling much better.
Indeed, Lance's words reminded Deanna that she and Lance had already earned Samantha's approval. They were family now, and their wedding was imminent. No matter how much Eula tried to win over Samantha and Logan, it wouldn't matter.
Eula had no idea what Deanna was thinking; otherwise, she would have been furious.
At that moment, Eula was earnestly engaging with Logan and Samantha, hoping to impress them with her virtues. The atmosphere was warm and friendly as a result.
By the end of the meal, Eula and Samantha were chatting like old friends, and Logan had a very good impression of her as well.
Deanna didn't participate much in their conversation, only chiming in occasionally. She spent most of her time talking to the children.
After dinner, Lance and Logan were called to the study by Old Mercer.
Later in the evening, Deanna went to the restroom after drinking too much tea. When she came out, she saw Eula standing against the wall outside.
Thinking Eula needed to use the restroom, Deanna nodded in greeting and was about to leave when she heard a smug voice behind her.
"Seeing how well I got along with Samantha and Logan tonight must have made you uncomfortable, right?"
Deanna ignored her and continued walking.
Eula stepped forward to block her path. "Aren't you going to say something?"
Deanna looked at the arrogant woman in front of her and couldn't help but smirk. "What does Miss Eula want me to say? Do you want me to comment on how you tried to please Samantha and Logan?"
She paused deliberately, meeting Eula's eyes with a cold smile. "Honestly, I find it quite degrading and shameless. But then again, those words might be hard for Miss Eula to understand since you're a foreigner."
Eula was visibly angered but didn't lash out. Instead, she laughed. "I should let Lance see how sharp-tongued you are now. So you were just pretending all along."
"Pretending? I don't think so. Even the most good-natured person has their limits. My limit is my family and my loved ones," Deanna said coldly. "Facing someone who constantly tries to destroy my family and steal my loved one, I have no reason tolerate it."
Eula was momentarily speechless with rage.
She glared at Deanna and gritted her teeth. "You seduced Lance!"
"Nonsense," Deanna scoffed, unwilling to waste more time on her. She walked away without looking back.
Watching her leave, Eula shouted angrily, "Deanna, don't be so smug! Now that Samantha and Logan like me so much, as long as I win them over, you'll never marry Lance!"
Deanna didn't care. If Samantha and Logan could stop her from being with Lance, they wouldn't still be together now.