"I don't think it's very likely that I won't have to contact Michael at all in the future," Addison thought for a moment before speaking. Even though she hadn't added Michael on WhatsApp and had him contact Ryan instead, she was still technically the one in charge of the project. Michael might not reach out to her directly, but Annie would still need to. It would be impossible to avoid communication with him entirely. However, Addison was certain that their contact would be much less frequent than normal work interactions, especially once the project moved into its later stages. "Ah ... " Ryan's voice lingered a bit. While his tone wasn't too obvious, Addison could hear the disappointment in it. The way his voice sounded, almost like a sad puppy with drooping ears and big eyes, made Addison's heart soften. She continued, her voice unconsciously taking on a soothing tone, "I can't avoid contacting Michael completely, but it'll be rare. We'll only reach out to each other when necessary, especially during the middle or later phases of the project." "Really?" Ryan sounded unsure. "Yes. I haven't even added Michael's WhatsApp. You should believe me, right?" Addison wasn't sure why she felt the need to reassure him so much. On the other end of the phone, Ryan's mood lifted. "I believe you!" His earlier disappointment was now gone. He had been worried that Michael would keep bothering Addison. But now that she hadn't even added him, it felt like Michael's chances were slim. The kettle's whistle broke through the moment. Addison turned her attention to the kettle, holding her phone in one hand while reaching for the kettle with the other. Ryan continued, "Dr. Daves, don't worry. Now that you've entrusted this project to me, I won't let you down!" Addison had reached the table by now, carefully pouring the hot eyebright tea into a cup. The steam rising from the kettle carried a faint, bittersweet scent. "I gave you this project to help you gain experience. After working with me all these years, it wouldn't be right if you didn't make significant progress in pharmaceuticals," she said calmly as she took a sip of her tea."How could that be? I've been working with you every day on experiments and sourcing herbs. There's no way I haven't made progress!" Ryan quickly disagreed with her comment. Addison smiled faintly. "But I still want you to keep learning." She took another sip and remembered that she hadn't gotten around to finishing the notes in her leather-bound book. It was something she had meant to perfect for a while, but the busyness of recent days had kept her from it. She felt a bit upset. "In any case, I want this project to be a practice for you. If it gets to be too much, don't push yourself. Your health matters more than work." Addison didn't want Ryan to end up like her—neglecting basic needs like food and rest to stay locked in the lab. Even if he couldn't complete the project on his own, she could always guide him. He didn't need to overwork himself. Ryan listened to her advice and felt a sense of pride. To Addison, that project was just practice, but he knew it was a big deal. He admired her ability to approach something so significant with such ease. But more than that, he wanted to prove to her that he could handle it perfectly. He wanted to show her that his time spent learning from her had value, and he hoped it would allow him to stay by her side longer. "Don't worry. I can handle it," Ryan reassured her. "And if I get too exhausted, I'll take a break." Addison felt relieved at his confidence. "Okay, then. I won't keep you. Take care of yourself." After hanging up, she stood there for a moment, sipping her tea slowly. The tea was bitter, but she drank it without hesitation, finishing the entire cup. She would never have been able to drink something so bitter before. Even if she had, it would have been Harvey coaxing her into it. But after everything, bitterness no longer had the same effect. Since Harvey left, Addison had been enduring a lot of hardship. The bitterness had become a familiar feeling, no longer something she feared. His leaving was the start of her suffering, and she used the sting of bitterness to mask the pain in her heart. She had grown used to this feeling. ... Meanwhile, Virginia walked slowly toward the CEO's office, her emotions mixed.The employees, who had been slouched over their desks in exhaustion, now looked up at her with eager, hopeful expressions. "Isaac, do you think this will work?" one person asked, nervously tugging at Isaac's sleeve. "Whether it works or not, we don't have any other options right now. All we can do is try." Isaac sighed, his eyes on Virginia. If he hadn't been pushed to the limit, he wouldn't have risked angering Virginia by asking her to help persuade Lance. "Besides, Mr. Johnston cares about Virginia. I think we have a good chance," Isaac added. "Don't worry. Isaac is handling this for us. We just need to watch. Plus, Isaac's right. Mr. Johnston likes Ms. Dolton. He'll likely do her a favor," a secretary chimed in. The group fell silent. Virginia knocked gently on the CEO's office door. After a brief pause, a cold, indifferent voice sounded, "Get lost." The words rang out clearly in the silent corridor. Virginia's expression immediately darkened. But she hesitated only a moment before knocking again. "Lance, it's me. It's Virginia." No response came. She paused and then called out again, "It's Virginia. Lance, let me in. You wouldn't turn me away, would you? "I know you're upset today, so I came from the apartment to be with you. Please, just let me in." Her voice was full of pleading. Still, no sound came from the office. The people standing nearby froze, watching in silence. One of them whispered, "Does Mr. Johnston truly care about Ms. Dolton? It doesn't seem like it right now." This time, even Isaac kept quiet. Virginia's expression grew even darker as she made one last attempt. "Lance, if you don't speak, I'm coming in." Still, no response came.Everyone watched Virginia in silence. The hopeful looks in their eyes turned to doubt. She gritted her teeth, made a final decision, and reached for the door handle, ready to enter.