Everyone sitting at the luxurious dining table widened their eyes in shock, staring at Steven. Is he kicking Addison out? Even Virginia was stunned, looking at Steven with a dazed expression as if the words had left her speechless. Addison raised her head to look at him. "You're kicking me out?" Marilyn was the first to react. She hurriedly spoke up, "Dad, what are you doing? "Today is your 70th birthday. Everyone's gathered here to celebrate happily—why get upset over the younger generation? "And besides, with so many guests watching, if you kick Addison out like this, what will people think of us? What kind of reputation will the Johnstons have after this?" Steven snorted coldly. "Are you worried about embarrassment? "If she's afraid of losing face, why did she go around fooling with other men? If she dares to do such things, she should be prepared to face the consequences!" Steven grew more agitated as he spoke, "Her staying here is a disgrace to the Johnstons! What reputation do we even have left?" Addison's lashes quivered slightly as her voice remained calm. "I'll say this for the last time—I didn't fool around with anyone. Keith and I are just friends." She couldn't understand why everyone so easily believed that she had an improper relationship with Keith. A baseless accusation, yet people actually bought it! This kind of low trick was something Virginia clearly excelled at. Addison looked at Steven with determination, wanting to defend her innocence. After all, anyone falsely accused would feel an overwhelming sense of frustration, especially when framed by someone they despised. But when she met Steven's gaze, she saw that his once kindly face had turned stormy. The disgust in his eyes was unmistakable. The words Addison was about to say suddenly felt meaningless. "Just friends?" Virginia finally snapped out of her shock. A surge of joy lit up her heart—this time, she wouldn't even have to lift a finger. Addison would be kicked out on her own!"Then explain where you got the money for that mansion. For the luxury brands? For that diamond ring?" Virginia's voice grew louder with each question. She was confident with her accusations. The commotion had grown loud enough to attract the attention of the guests at the nearby tables, who all turned to look at them. Troy, seated nearby, watched the scene unfold with great interest. Though he couldn't quite hear what was being said, he could clearly see Virginia's face shift between delight and embarrassment. He found it endlessly entertaining. "Is it just me, or has the atmosphere with the Johnstons been odd from the start of this banquet?" "I felt it too," someone nearby nodded in agreement. "Well, it doesn't help that Mr. Lance brought a date with him. That's practically a direct slap in Mrs. Addison's face. How could the atmosphere not be tense?" another chimed in with a teasing tone. "Wait a second." The first person suddenly caught on to something. "Doesn't Mr. Lance have a first love?" "Oh, you're right! He does have a first love!" the man in the suit replied with gossiping enthusiasm. He rubbed his chin, then lowered his voice a little. "Remember all the rumors a couple of years ago? They said the current Mrs. Johnston only married into the family because she looks like Mr. Lance's first love. "Though, nobody talks about it anymore ... " "Hold on," another interjected. "The woman Mr. Lance brought today kinda looks like Mrs. Addison, doesn't she?" Lisa hadn't planned to join the conversation. Gossip wasn't her thing. But hearing this, she abruptly raised her head. Nearly everyone at the nearby table turned their astonished gazes to Virginia. Could Mr. Lance's date tonight actually be his first love? Lance, noticing the looks from the nearby table, instantly narrowed his eyes.He glared daggers at them. The guests quickly turned back, avoiding his piercing stare. Mr. Lance's look was downright terrifying. Lisa couldn't help but mutter inwardly. All we did was glance at Virginia—was that not allowed? Was he that protective of her? I'd never seen Mr. Lance defend anyone so fiercely. Could Virginia truly be his first love? "I'm not allowed to be rich?" Addison smirked. "I have to fool around with a man to buy stuff like this? "So, rich women must have gotten their money from men in your eyes, right? "No wonder you rely entirely on the Johnstons for your livelihood. You don't work because, deep down, you believe spending a man's money is the norm. "Your life revolves around baking desserts to please men, keeping them happy so you can get more money. Do you really think that gives your life value?" "You—!" Virginia was so furious she practically steamed. "That's not how I think! Stop putting words in my mouth!" "What are you waiting for? Throw Ms. Daves out already!" Virginia barked at the bodyguards, fearing Addison would say something even more damaging. The bodyguards didn't respond to Virginia. Instead, they looked to Steven, waiting for his orders. "Didn't you hear Mr. Steven? What are you still standing there for?" Virginia suppressed her impatience as best she could; she badly wanted Addison to leave now. Steven raised his eyes. "Throw her out," he said coldly. "Dad, must you make things so ugly?" Marilyn pleaded on Addison's behalf. "Marilyn, don't bother," Addison interrupted, taking Marilyn's hand. "I'm fine. "I'll leave if he wants me gone. It's not a big deal." Addison's face remained calm. There were many ways to clear her name, she realized, and arguing with words was the weakest among them. This realization had dawned on her just moments ago. She no longer felt like saying anything more. Her patience was nearly gone. The only regret was that she couldn't meet Marilyn's expectations tonight. After all, as long as Virginia was here, a peaceful meal was out of the question. Seeing Addison's calm expression, Virginia felt a surge of disgust. She hated that indifferent look on Addison's face more than anything. "Mrs. Johnston, why do you keep defending her? In the end, you're only hurting yourself—" Virginia said with a feigned tone of concern. "Enough." Lance suddenly set his glass down on the table. His voice was neither loud nor soft, but it carried clearly to Virginia's ears. The warning was unmistakable. Virginia instantly fell silent. The bodyguards stepped up to Addison, clearly intending to escort her out. Marilyn jumped in fright. Addison frowned, her tone tinged with impatience. "Don't touch me. I can walk by myself." With that, she stood up. In a room filled with seated guests, her standing figure was striking. The entire banquet hall turned its attention to Addison, puzzled by the situation. Troy, finding the scene still lacking in entertainment, called out in a loud voice, "What's this? Mrs. Addison standing up to give a speech?" His tone sounded as if he was fanning the flames. Though he couldn't hear the specifics of their conversation, he could tell that Virginia clearly disliked Addison. If Addison was unhappy, Virginia would naturally feel better, which would, in turn, please him. Addison turned toward him upon hearing the voice. She frowned. She didn't recognize the man who had just spoken.