With Lance standing by her side, Virginia found her confidence growing. "From what I gather, Addison hasn't held a job in three years; she's been living off the Johnstons. There's no way she could have made this much money working…" "Addison is also an orphan, so she surely doesn't have any relatives to support her financially…" "Then how on earth did she come by all this money?" Virginia shot a fierce glance at Addison. Each theory she dismissed only deepened her belief that Addison's wealth was suspicious. Addison observed Virginia's deductions with a calm smile, intrigued by the labels this woman would attempt to assign to her. Lance's expression remained cold, and he stayed silent. Virginia pressed on. "Addison has been in charge of the Johnstons' finances all along. I assume you trust her completely, don't you, Lance?" Lance nodded; he had always placed his faith in Addison during the past three years. She had managed the family's affairs with exceptional care. He never had to worry about his mother or grandfather, thanks to Addison's capable handling of everything. After receiving the confirmation she sought, Virginia turned to Addison, her eyes full of scorn. She spoke slowly, each word dripping with contempt. "So, Addison, you must have embezzled a fortune from the Johnstons over the years, right?" Instantly, Lance's expression darkened. He had never thought to review the Johnstons' financial records, trusting Addison implicitly without ever questioning her transactions. So this is her strategy—trying to trap me with accusations of financial misconduct. Addison found the situation amusing; if there was one thing she had in abundance, it was money. This accusation seemed far too simple to make and could easily backfire on Virginia. "Addison, you've really let Lance down. Do you think you even deserve his trust?" Virginia continued, gripping Lance's wrist tightly. Lance frowned, the chill in his expression intensifying, as if an icy breeze had swept through the room. Addison let out a cold laugh. "The Johnstons' wealth is so insignificant; if I had stolen anything, do you think nobody would notice?" "Insignificant? Wow, Addison, what a daring claim," Virginia said, her tone heavy with implication. "Besides, who knows just how subtle your methods are, Addison?" Virginia replied quietly, tightening her hold on Lance's wrist as if to feign fear of Addison's potential revenge. "Do you really think your words are enough to prove I've taken any funds, Virginia?" Addison countered, her voice dripping with disdain. "Then where did your money come from?" Lance interrupted abruptly, his tone laced with skepticism. He instinctively positioned himself in front of Virginia, silently signaling her to stay behind him. "Why should I owe you any explanation about where my money originates? Who do you think you are?" Addison retorted, her eyes brimming with scorn. "Are you not aware of the revenue that Johnston Enterprise generates?" So he just believes whatever she says? Is he really that stupid? Lance's irritation flared. "Addison, I trusted you with the Johnstons' accounts because I believed in you, but that doesn't give you the freedom to act recklessly or covet our wealth." "So, despite my diligent work for the Johnstons, I'm still the one at fault?" "I can't stand dishonesty!" Lance dismissed her protest while moving closer to Addison, his expression as frigid as ice. He emphasized his warning. "A woman like you with flawed character will never capture my heart." Addison chuckled lightly, "Perhaps you should examine the Johnstons' accounts before you come here to chastise me. Wrongfully accusing the innocent shows poor character. "Or should I say that a woman like Virginia, who spreads lies without evidence, might actually win your affection?" "Isn't Virginia's baseless claim a reflection of her own flawed character?" Addison met Lance's gaze unflinchingly, her scorn evident. Hearing Addison's biting comments and recalling her earlier submissiveness only fueled Lance's rising fury. He grasped her delicate wrist, his voice low and menacing. "Addison, if you've stolen any assets, confess and return the money to the Johnstons, or I won't hesitate to make your life difficult!""Go ahead and investigate! If I've taken even a cent from the Johnstons, I'll repay it tenfold!" Addison pulled her wrist free from his grip, her steps faltering slightly. It seems that this first love of his has utterly clouded his judgment! Virginia rushed in from behind, grabbing Lance's arm. "Lance, if we clarify the accounts, we won't be wronging Addison." She was eager to uncover how this woman had come by such wealth. It had to be taken from the Johnstons! Once they clear up the Johnstons' finances, I can't wait to see Addison's clever facade crumble! As Virginia schemed, she realized this was a prime opportunity to expose the true extent of the Johnstons' current wealth. This will be both satisfying and effortless—killing two birds with one stone! "Lance, let's go examine the accounts. After we sort this out, Addison won't have a leg to stand on," Virginia said sweetly, eager to know more about the Johnstons' finances. Lance struggled to suppress his anger at her suggestion. "Once I review the Johnstons' financial history, let's see how you justify yourself!" "I hope you conduct a thorough investigation! You should see just how much I've saved the Johnstons over the years. I've meticulously managed every expense at Johnston Residence!" Addison's chest tightened with frustration, her breathing quickening as she spotted the valet bringing her car to the entrance of Pendomium Heights. The good mood she had earlier was completely gone! She climbed into the vehicle, revved the engine, and sped off, leaving the confrontation behind her.