"You once blamed me for abandoning the Johnstons during their time of crisis and walking away. Isn't Addison's behavior now exactly the same as mine back then?" Virginia fixed her gaze on Marilyn earnestly. Her eyes shimmered with emotion, carrying a hint of grievance. Marilyn was at a loss for words. Deep down, she didn't want to believe Virginia's accusation. She wished to defend Addison, to argue against it, but no words came to her mind. After all, Addison herself had openly admitted she couldn't do it. Lowering her head, Marilyn stayed silent, unsure of what to say. Meanwhile, Lance's expression remained unchanged as if he had anticipated Addison's answer. He had long foreseen the possibility of her refusal. He wasn't surprised. When he invited her to Grimwell Restaurant and offered her a spot at Steven's banquet in exchange for the authorization document, she declined without hesitation. It was entirely plausible she would refuse again this time. What caught him off guard, however, was her complete lack of explanation. She didn't utter a word to justify herself. The reason Addison had refused back then was likely because, even though she didn't have an invitation to the banquet, she could still attend. That gave her the confidence to decisively decline. But judging from the current situation, Lance realized he had been wrong. Addison didn't seem to care at all. Lance's eyes narrowed slightly as Virginia's earlier words echoed in his mind. It made sense—she had Keith now. She wouldn't be bothered with the Johnstons now. Gripping his wine glass tightly, Lance's fingers turned white with the strain as though he might crush it at any moment. "Addison, are you unwilling to help the Johnstons? Are you going to watch history repeat itself and let us fall into ruin again?" Steven's voice broke the silence. He hadn't expected Addison's refusal, and when she refused, his disappointment cut deep. Yet decades of navigating the cutthroat world of business had taught him to mask his emotions. He couldn't afford to show his frustration, not when the Johnstons' only chance at securing the authorization document lay with Addison. His demeanor remained outwardly polite and composed. "I can't," Addison repeated, her tone unwavering. Her words, once spoken, were impossible to take back. And, she had no intention of changing her mind. "Mrs. Johnston, look at her! She's still so stubborn and unrepentant!" Virginia was annoyed at Addison's indifferent demeanor. She couldn't stop herself from speaking up and glared at Addison disdainfully. What was she acting so high and mighty for? She had only gained her current position of power through underhanded means, seducing men to get her way. Addison shot Virginia a cold glance. What a foolish and obnoxious woman. "I'm only friends with Keith," Addison said icily. "There's no way I can convince him with a simple request to hand over the authorization document." "Then why don't you try a little harder?" Virginia scoffed, determined to knock Addison off her pedestal. Addison rolled her eyes inwardly. Her tone turned biting. "Ms. Dolton, it's easy to make demands when you're not the one who has to follow through." "Oh, please. How hard can it be? A little pillow talk would do the trick," Virginia sneered, her voice laced with mockery. She lowered her tone for the latter part, so only those nearby—Steven, Marilyn, and Lance—could hear her insinuation. Lance's face darkened instantly. Steven noticed Lance's reaction and narrowed his eyes. Could it be that there was truth to Virginia's insinuations about Addison and Keith? Until now, Steven had dismissed Virginia's claims as the product of her enmity with Addison. But Lance's expression gave him pause. If it were all lies, why would Lance react this way?Virginia was about to press further when Marilyn's voice cut in. "Addison." Addison turned around. The cold mask she had worn softened the moment she met Marilyn's gaze. Of all the people present, Marilyn was the only one Addison cared about. She wasn't entirely firm with her decision and Marilyn's presence stirred her inner conflict. "Are you sure you're refusing to help the Johnstons?" Marilyn's eyes carried a mix of emotions. Most of all, hope. She hoped that Addison would say, "Yes, I'll help the Johnstons secure the authorization document." That way, Marilyn could convince herself Addison wasn't as heartless as she seemed. Addison dreaded that look in Marilyn's eyes. She couldn't pinpoint why—was it fear of disappointing Marilyn? Or worry that this might worsen her mental state? She didn't know. Addison pressed her lips together, struggling for words, but nothing came out. Just then, a voice suddenly broke through Addison's internal struggle, shattering her hesitance and swirling emotions. "Mrs. Johnston, when I thought I knew Keith, my first thought was to help the Johnstons secure the authorization. But I didn't realize it was all a misunderstanding, and all my hopes were dashed ... " Virginia's voice rang clear across the table, cutting through the tense silence. Her usual soft, delicate tone now carried a subtle sadness. Whether it was due to the atmosphere or her own deliberate effort, her words came across as tinged with melancholy. Addison raised an eyebrow. "I thought that if she could contribute to the Johnstons, it would make up for the mistakes of the past ... " Virginia continued. "But when I learned it was all a misunderstanding—that Keith didn't know me—you can't imagine how I felt." Marilyn stayed silent, so Virginia had no choice but to continue her act. "I felt powerless ... and endlessly frustrated. Why didn't I know Keith? Why couldn't I do something for the Johnstons? "Why does Addison get to know Keith instead?" Virginia lowered her gaze, her voice turning wistful. "If only it had been me ... " The longer Steven listened, the darker his expression grew. Virginia lifted her head, her eyes glinting with jealousy. "So, Addison, do you know?" Addison turned to look at her, her gaze indifferent. "Know what?" she asked coldly. Know that you're putting on a show? Or perhaps know that your acting skills are excellent? Addison sneered inwardly. She had no idea what game Virginia was trying to play. Virginia hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I ... " "Enough," a commanding voice interrupted. Virginia was abruptly cut off just as she was reaching the climax of her emotional performance. It was Steven. "Addison, you're unwilling to help, aren't you?" Steven's tone was now laced with cold indifference. Before Addison could respond, he continued, "And your relationship with Raven Company's CEO, Keith ... Do you have anything to say in your defense?" "We're friends," Addison replied calmly. Only she knew how close she was to losing patience. Steven's abrupt change in demeanor annoyed her, but she didn't care to figure out why. She had repeated herself countless times today. If they asked again, she might explode. Steven's expression grew darker. Addison's repeated denials lacked any concrete evidence to back them up. In his mind, the truth was clear."Someone, escort Ms. Daves out! "The Johnstons do not welcome her here!" Steven's voice rang with authority, leaving no room for argument.