"Did Mr. Steven really say that?" Virginia's voice sounded slightly distorted because of her anger. The bodyguard, who had intercepted the slap, stepped aside and said, "I will do as Mr. Steven instructs." Addison couldn't help but smirk. So, Mr. Steven wasn't as terrible as I had thought ... However, the fact that Steven had instructed security to throw her out of the Johnstons' residence wasn't exactly commendable either. It showed a lack of judgment. Addison sighed softly. To Virginia, however, that sigh seemed like a triumphant display of arrogance after a victory. "Don't get too cocky!" she snapped. Hatred flashed in Virginia's eyes. She would remember this humiliation and vowed to return it to Addison tenfold in the future. Addison raised her eyelids at the remark, noticing how Virginia's previously smug and domineering expression had vanished. All that remained in her eyes was unwillingness and spite. However, Addison had no interest in wasting energy on Virginia's theatrics. She turned to the bodyguard and said indifferently, "Thank Mr. Steven for me." Her mood suddenly improved. Though Steven had been foolish, jumping to conclusions about her and Keith without any evidence, he had unintentionally done her a favor at a critical moment. The bodyguard stood silently, not responding to her words. Addison didn't mind. Turning back to Virginia, she flashed a faint smile. "Aren't you afraid of retribution since you've done so many despicable things?" "Why should I be afraid? When have I ever done anything despicable?" Virginia feigned innocence. "If anyone deserves punishment, it's for unfaithful and shameless women like you!" Addison sighed inwardly at the absurdity of it all. "What goes around comes around." With that, she left without sparing Virginia another glance.There was no point in arguing further. She would never grant the authorization documents for the Johnstons. What happened to the family now was no longer her concern. She wasn't bothered whether they survived this crisis. They had burned their bridges first, so they shouldn't blame her for withholding her hand. As Addison stepped outside, the night had deepened. Stars dotted the sky, and the air was utterly still. "It's already dark ... " she murmured, gazing upward. The endless arguments in the banquet hall earlier had made her lose track of time. Shaking her head, she pulled out her phone to check the hour, only to find it powered off. Was the battery dead? She walked to where her car was parked outside the Johnston Residence. It was only then that Addison noticed her car's position. In her rush that morning, she hadn't parked properly. It sat awkwardly on the side of the road that was both comical and pitiful. The conflicting emotions mingled in her mind, highlighting just how flustered she had been earlier. Addison shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. With a press of the car key, she unlocked her vehicle and drove away from the Johnston Residence. ... Perhaps it was the frustration in her chest or something else, but Addison found herself speeding almost recklessly. Yet the knot in her heart refused to loosen. Lowering the windows, she let the rushing wind whip past her. The sharp, fresh air brought a small sense of relief as it whistled around her. The car eventually slowed to a stop at the gates of Pendomium Heights. She simply parked at the entrance before entering the villa. Only after turning on every light in the house did she feel a semblance of ease. She walked to the bar, poured herself a glass of water, and drank it slowly. Once finished, she retrieved her phone from her bag and plugged it in to charge. The moment the phone powered up, it began vibrating non-stop. One message after another poured in. Addison glanced at the screen with a frown. It was Ryan. Why had he called so many times? Did something happen? Her heart tightened as she quickly found his number and called back. The line connected almost instantly. Before Addison could speak, Ryan's anxious voice came through. "Dr. Daves, you finally answered! "I've been calling you all day, and you didn't pick up. I was so worried! I thought something had happened to you. I didn't know who else to contact, so I called Mr. Dean a bunch of times, but he didn't answer either. With both of you unreachable, I was terrified!" Warmth spread through Addison's chest. She couldn't help but smile. "What could possibly happen to me?" "How could it not? Did you forget about Lance showing up downstairs the other day? There are plenty of bad people in this world! And with your identity being so unique, you'd definitely be in danger if anyone found out about it!" Ryan's voice was full of concern as he nagged. Addison chuckled softly. He was so young yet he sounded like an old man fretting over every little thing. "Dr. Daves, if you're ever in danger, you have to tell me," he said firmly. Ryan clenched his fists as he spoke, silently vowing to protect Addison at all costs. He would never let anything happen to her. Addison nodded gently. "Alright." The tenderness in her own tone startled her. She quickly composed herself, pushing her emotions aside. Ryan reminded her of a young Harvey—bold and ambitious, fearless in the face of challenges. Both had the same burning determination to chase after their dreams, no matter the odds. Ryan truly was like a ball of sunshine. "Dr. Daves, promise me you'll let me help. Don't think I'm useless and keep things from me. I can do more than you think!" Ryan wasn't a fool. He knew Addison had agreed so quickly just to brush him off. In her eyes, he was still just a kid. If something serious ever happened to her, she probably wouldn't think of calling him. However, he didn't want Addison to see him as a child. "Alright, I'll call you," she said, her tone light and teasing. "And if you don't come to my rescue, I'll be the one upset with you." To be honest, if she ever encountered real trouble, Ryan would be the last person she'd call. He was just a kid. Involving him would only put him in harm's way, and Addison would never forgive herself for that. Still, his words warmed her heart, bringing an unbidden smile to her lips. Suddenly, she heard a car horn on Ryan's end of the line. "Are you outside right now?" she asked puzzledly. "Uh ... no," Ryan replied, his voice betraying a hint of panic. "But I heard a horn just now," Addison said, her tone skeptical. "What are you doing outside at this hour?" "I ... I'm just taking a walk," Ryan said weakly. Addison frowned but didn't press further. "Go home and get some rest. You still have to go to the lab tomorrow." "Okay," Ryan replied. On the other end of the line, Ryan stood on the street, wearing a white shirt with his suit jacket slung over his arm. Lost in thought, he gazed into the distance. Not far from him, a group of bodyguards stood in formation. They were like a dark, imposing presence that kept anyone from daring to approach.