However, neither of them said anything about the two little ones.
Especially Deanna, who not only didn't lecture but also showed great support.
"Mr. Grant, I'm happy for you and Julia, but let me be clear, Julia is not just a friend to me; she's family. If you ever hurt her, I won't forgive you."
Hearing this, Julia looked smugly at Lionel. "See? If you dare wrong me, I have someone to back me up."
Lionel looked at her triumphant expression with indulgent eyes. "I can't guarantee the future, but as long as I'm with Julia, I promise never to do anything to hurt her."
Lionel's gaze was firm as he looked at Deanna. Deanna nodded lightly, signaling her approval.
Then everyone began to dine formally. Julia and Deanna took care of the two little ones while Lionel discussed financial topics with Lance. Although Lionel was a researcher, he also had some involvement in finance.
Later, Julia took the two little ones to the children's area to play, while Deanna stayed behind to discuss matters regarding the research institute with Lionel.
"Mr. Grant, now that you're better, I plan to prioritize the development of the special medicine. I won't hide it from you; my grandmother has been diagnosed with brain cancer and needs this medicine to inhibit the cancer cells."
"How could this happen? How is the old lady doing?" Lionel was shocked and looked at Deanna with concern.
Deanna explained briefly, "It's in the early stages. As long as my grandmother isn't stressed, she shows almost no symptoms. But you know she's quite old, and her body's functions aren't what they used to be. It's hard to say if the condition will worsen quickly."
Lionel understood Deanna's feelings and agreed immediately. He then asked, "Julia doesn't know about this yet, does she?"
"Julia indeed doesn't know. She was already worried about you before, so I didn't tell her. You can inform her later," Deanna admitted.
The two discussed the development of the special medicine for a while longer before it got late. They bid farewell at the club entrance.
Perhaps due to exhaustion from playing, the two little ones fell asleep in the car, each resting their head on Deanna's and Lance's laps. Deanna and Lance quietly discussed their plans.
"In a couple of days, Mr. Grant and I will start developing the special medicine. I might not be able to take care of things at home, so I'll need you to help look after my grandmother."
"Fool, that's my responsibility. You don't need to be so formal with me," Lance said, lightly flicking her forehead.
Deanna covered her forehead and playfully wrinkled her nose at Lance, pouting, "It hurts."
"It should hurt. Maybe then you'll remember not to be so formal with me," Lance said, but his actions were gentle as he removed her hand from her forehead and saw a slight red mark. Regret flashed in his eyes.
Deanna noticed his concern and smiled sweetly. Later, they returned to the manor, each carrying a child upstairs.
After settling the children and returning to their room to freshen up, Deanna's phone rang. Seeing it was Julia calling, she guessed it was about her grandmother's condition.
"You go ahead and freshen up; I'll talk to Julia," Deanna told Lance before walking to the window to answer the call.
As soon as she answered, she heard Julia's angry voice, "Deanna, how could you not tell me about grandmother's illness? Am I not your best friend?!"
Deanna could also hear Lionel trying to calm Julia down in the background. "Julia, don't be mad. Miss Jones didn't tell you because she didn't want you distracted while taking care of me."
"Don't talk!" Julia snapped.
The next second, Deanna couldn't hear Lionel anymore and couldn't help but laugh. It seemed Mr. Grant was completely under Julia's control.
Thinking this, Deanna apologized to Julia, "Julia, don't be mad. I didn't mean to keep it from you. There was just too much going on at the time, and I forgot. Later, when I remembered, I saw how tired you were taking care of Mr. Grant and didn't want you to worry about me too. Besides, grandmother is doing well; there's no need for you to worry."
"How can you say there's no need to worry? It's brain cancer! And grandmother is so old," Julia said, genuinely concerned for Old Ashley as if she were her own elder.
Deanna felt warmth in her heart and said softly, "I know all that. Trust me; I won't let anything happen to grandmother. The doctor said she's doing well now, and most importantly, her mindset is positive. As family members, we need to stay calm so we don't add pressure on her. Do you understand what I mean?"