Ryan watched as Addison pushed the door open and walked out. As her slender figure gradually disappeared beyond the doorway, the softness in Ryan's eyes faded. He withdrew his gaze, returning to his usual stoic demeanor. Across from him, Michael raised an eyebrow and shot Ryan a sidelong glance. Michael wanted to strike up a conversation with Ryan since building a good rapport with him could only benefit the Fullers. However, Ryan's icy expression and distant demeanor stopped him in his tracks. That untouchable aura of Ryan's was hard to break through. Michael couldn't help but wonder. Just moments ago, Ryan had been all smiles and even obedient around Dr. Nancy. But the moment she left, he transformed into this cold, unapproachable person. Shaking his head in confusion, Michael gave up the thought of making small talk. Unaware of Michael's internal musings, Ryan reached for Addison's teacup. Finding it lukewarm, he stood and emptied the cup before brewing her a fresh pot of tea. Michael arched an eyebrow. Ryan's level of attentiveness went beyond that of a mere assistant—it felt like something more. His gaze toward Ryan shifted subtly. Perhaps to pass the time or to distract himself from recent worries, Michael gestured for a server and requested an empty glass. He poured himself a drink. The rich liquor released a strong, aromatic fragrance that filled the room and overpowered the previous gentle scent of tea. Michael sipped the liquor leisurely and his expression turned more relaxed. ... In the hallway. Addison answered her phone. "What's the matter?" she asked. Keith rarely used this number unless it was important."It's about the Levosulin authorization," Keith answered. Addison could hear the irritation in his voice. "What about it?" she asked with a frown. "I need to ask—do you actually want to grant the authorization to the Johnstons? That kid from their family, what's his name again ... " "Lance," Addison interjected. "Right, Lance," Keith said, his voice rising. "That guy's been calling me non-stop recently. When I don't answer, he shows up at Raven looking for me. "Chris is the only one at Raven Company right now. And with Lance's overbearing presence and constant scowl, do you really think Chris can handle him?" Addison tried to respond, but Keith answered his own question. "Of course, Chris can't! So, Chris ends up calling me, and now my phone's practically blowing up." Keith's frustration was palpable. For some reason, Addison recalled Lance's earlier visit to see Michael. Why had he come? The Fullers hadn't been granted the authorization, so Lance's visit couldn't have been about that. "Why don't you just turn off your phone?" Addison said lightly. "You managed to do that a few days ago. Why not now?" Keith paused. "You're not still mad at me for not answering your calls when my phone was off, are you?" Keith asked, his tone carrying a hint of nervousness. To him, her words sounded slightly passive-aggressive. Why had he turned off his phone? The answer was obvious—it was because Lance had been calling. Keith figured Addison would piece that together easily enough. After all, she used to be so in love with Lance. However, he wasn't sure of how Addison truly felt about Lance now, after the divorce. If her feelings hadn't changed, it would complicate how Keith should deal with him. Addison had always been fiercely loyal to those she cared about. If Keith outright rejected Lance without her approval, it would undoubtedly cause friction between them. "Of course not," Addison replied emotionlessly. "And I won't be granting the authorization to the Johnstons. "You can tell Lance that Raven has no plans to cooperate with them and that he should give up." Keith hesitated. "Are you sure? "If the Johnstons don't get this authorization, it could lead to their downfall—maybe even bankruptcy. Are you okay with that?" Addison's voice was firm. "Lance and I have nothing to do with each other anymore. Since that's the case, I won't grant the authorization to the Johnstons." Her decisive words left Keith feeling oddly proud as if his daughter had finally grown up. "Alright, if that's what you've decided, I'll turn him down." He hung up quickly, as though afraid Addison might change her mind. Addison was taken aback at the abruptly ended call. That was ... fast. Keith's words lingered in her mind, though. Without the authorization, the Johnstons could face bankruptcy. Lance wouldn't just sit back and let that happen. So why did he visit the Fullers today? Was he looking for another opportunity to collaborate, or had the Fullers leaked information about my whereabouts? Her eyes narrowed as she considered both possibilities. Either one seemed plausible. Lost in thought, she returned to the private room. As soon as Addison stepped inside, the rich aroma of alcohol hit her. Her gaze immediately landed on Michael, whose cheeks were faintly flushed due to the alcohol. "Doctor, you're back! Would you like a drink? "This liquor is specially made by the Fullers—you won't find it anywhere else. It's exceptional. You should give it a try!" Michael said enthusiastically, raising his glass. Addison waved her hand. "Thank you, but I'll pass." She turned to Ryan. "What about you? Do you want to try it?"Ryan shook his head. "I don't drink either," he replied while pulling out a chair for her. Addison took her seat and looked at Michael with a serious expression. "Mr. Fuller, have you kept my visit confidential? Can you guarantee that no one knows I'm here today?" She needed to confirm that the Fullers hadn't let anything slip. "Of course. You can rest assured, Doctor. The Fullers understand discretion." Addison nodded. Her expression was unreadable, leaving it unclear whether she genuinely trusted his words. She then picked up the contract on the table and carefully reviewed it before speaking. "No issues here." Michael turned to the server and gestured. "Bring the Doctor a pen." The server handed Addison a pen, which she used to sign the document without hesitation. "Doctor, I look forward to working with you," Michael said, standing up. His smile was so bright it was almost contagious. "Likewise," Addison replied with a slight nod. Feeling relieved, Michael held the contract tightly and his tone became even more enthusiastic. "Doctor, how about celebrating our partnership with a toast? You should really try the Fullers' liquor!" He raised his glass with an earnest gaze. Addison found it hard to refuse this time. After a brief hesitation, she accepted the glass handed to her by the server. The two clinked glasses. Michael drained his glass in one go, setting the empty glass back on the table with a flourish. Addison sipped hers slowly. The liquor was undeniably good. She ended up drinking more than she intended and finishing the entire glass without realizing it. ... After the dinner, Addison and Ryan walked side by side out of Olive Oasis. "Dr. Daves ... " Hearing her name, Addison turned her head.Her hazy eyes rested on him. "What is it?" she asked gently. Her eyes shimmered as they were slightly misty. There was a delicate flush to her cheeks, and her lips were glossy and alluringly red due to the alcohol. Ryan's heart skipped a beat. "I ... um ... Since you've been drinking, let me take you home," he stammered. Addison was about to respond when a familiar figure entered her line of sight. It was Lance. She wouldn't mistake him for anyone else. Lance hadn't left?