Deanna looked at the man who had just sat up and apologized, "Did I wake you?"
"A little, but more importantly, I don't want to see you troubled by this," Lance said, looking at her with concern.
Deanna felt a warmth in her heart and gently shook her head. "No need. It's so late, and the roads are not good at night. I heard there's an unfinished section in town that's too dangerous. Let's go tomorrow and get a good night's rest tonight."
"Will you rest well then?" Lance raised an eyebrow.
Deanna hesitated, then coughed lightly to cover it up. "I'll try. Go to sleep."
She pulled the blanket over herself, pretending to sleep soundly.
Lance's eyes showed a mix of affection and helplessness as he lay back down and pulled her into his arms.
This time, perhaps because of Lance's words, Deanna soon fell asleep with her cheek pressed against his chest.
The next morning, Deanna woke up at dawn, her mind preoccupied with the day's tasks.
She looked at the still-sleeping Lance beside her and gently moved his arm from her waist. Just as she was about to get out of bed, she heard his groggy voice.
"Where are you going?"
"I woke up and wanted to wash up. Did I wake you?" Deanna apologized.
Lance shook his head and rubbed his temples as he sat up. "I didn't sleep well in a new place. Since we're up, let's have breakfast and then head to the town."
About an hour later, they left the manor.
The black car drove down the road, and the scenery outside gradually changed from a modern cityscape to a remote countryside, eventually opening up to vast wheat fields under a clear blue sky, creating a refreshing view.
"It's been a long time since I've seen such pastoral scenery. It's beautiful," Deanna remarked as she looked out the window.
Lance held her hand and smiled. "If you like it, we can stay for a few days after we're done here."
Deanna was tempted but shook her head, thinking of matters back home. "No, there's still a lot to do back home."
"Things back home can wait for a few days," Lance reassured her. "Although we're here on business, it's rare to visit Uyrila. Don't you want to bring some local specialties back for Gregory, Chloe, and Grandma?"
This struck a chord with Deanna. After some hesitation, she agreed. "Alright then, after we're done with our business, we'll stay for two days and look around."
They chatted and enjoyed the scenery outside the car window.
After some time, the car began to shake violently.
Killian, who was driving, warned them, "Boss, hold on to Missus. The road ahead is rough."
Lance acknowledged and pulled Deanna into his arms, protecting her head with his hand.
A few minutes later, the bumpy road ended, and the car came to a stop.
With Lance's help, Deanna got out of the car, looking pale. The rough ride had made her feel nauseous.
"Ugh..."
"Are you alright? Do you need to go to the hospital?" Lance asked, gently patting her back with concern in his eyes.
Deanna waved her hand weakly. "I'm fine. I'll be okay in a moment."
Despite her words, she felt unwell for quite some time.
After resting for about half an hour, she finally recovered and got out of the car again. She looked around and saw that they were in a typical rural area.
Scattered across the endless plains were a few country villas with large yards where cows and sheep roamed, looking like a vivid pastoral painting.
The only thing marring the scene was a burnt-out abandoned villa in the upper left corner.
"Is that the doctor's house?" Deanna asked as she looked over.
Killian responded, "Yes, Missus. Would you like to drive over or walk?"
"Let's walk," Deanna chose without hesitation after looking at the uneven road beneath her feet.
She didn't want to experience another rough ride.
The three of them walked along the roadside. Occasionally, cars passed by, and people inside curiously looked at them.
It was no wonder; Deanna and Lance's looks and demeanor were far from ordinary.
However, due to Killian's imposing presence, no one dared to approach them despite their curiosity.
Soon, they arrived at the burnt house.
Killian led the way and cautioned them, "Be careful inside. Many wooden parts have become loose from the fire and might fall."
Deanna nodded and followed him cautiously.
Lance walked behind them, observing their surroundings while protecting Deanna, his body tense in case of any unexpected events.
Fortunately, their luck held out. They encountered no collapses and made it safely to the second-floor bedroom.