Lance let out a derisive laugh, striding decisively into the clerk's office. Addison had barely begun to follow when she was intercepted by someone familiar. "Mrs. Johnston?" Addison gasped, surprise lacing her tone as she recognized the woman approaching. Upon hearing her voice, Lance turned, and his expression darkened further at the sight of his mother, disdain evident in his eyes. Has Addison called her here to prevent the divorce? After doing such a thing, does she really think she can manipulate the situation? Suppressing his mounting frustration, he forced out a courteous tone. "Mom, what brings you here?" Marilyn Johnston swiftly took the identification documents from Lance's hands. "Who permitted you to get a divorce?" Why is Mrs. Johnston here? Addison hurried to console the visibly distressed Marilyn. "Mrs. Johnston, please take a deep breath; you need to look after yourself." Lance shot Addison an incredulous glare, noticing the concern etched on her face. "You know how fragile Mom's health is. Why would you bring her here? "If you want to avoid the divorce, just say so. There's no need for all this theatrics." Addison is merely pretending to care for Mom's well-being. What a cunning strategy! "Feel free to be honest with me about not wanting a divorce. Why resort to these games? I've already offered you compensation. You agreed to the divorce on the surface while secretly informing Mom. Addison, are you trying to manipulate the Johnstons for your own amusement?" Fury flickered in Addison's chest at his words, but before she could respond while supporting Marilyn, the latter spoke up. "Lance, don't blame Addison; I came here of my own will." Lance remained unconvinced, his voice steady yet unwavering. "Mom, don't blindly defend Addison. She invited you here to pressure me. She doesn't want this divorce. "She's not as sweet as she appears," he added, recalling her earlier demeanor at the sales office. Addison rolled her eyes internally. Does Lance truly have such a high opinion of himself? Does he think I would go to such lengths to avoid a divorce? As if I couldn't survive without him! Releasing Marilyn's arm, she stepped forward to face Lance directly. "Let's go inside and finalize this divorce. I'll show you just how serious I am!" Lance narrowed his eyes, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Alright, let's see how long you can keep up this charade!" He tightened his grip on Addison's wrist, pulling her toward the clerk's office. Marilyn panicked, reaching out to grasp Lance's hand. "Lance, Addison didn't call me here; I found the divorce papers in the study myself." Lance halted abruptly, taken aback. So, Addison didn't orchestrate this? Seeing Lance pause, Marilyn let out a sigh of relief. "I acted on impulse and didn't think it through. Please don't misunderstand Addison!" Her voice was slightly shaky. Lance steadied Marilyn gently, his expression a mix of emotions. "I'm telling the truth. I saw the agreement in Addison's bedroom. I stumbled upon it while looking for her." Lance's brow furrowed, and his anger began to fade with Marilyn's repeated reassurances. Have I misunderstood Addison? Observing how frail Marilyn looked yet still defended her, Addison felt a swell of compassion and forgot about her dissatisfaction with Lance for a second. She went up to check on Marilyn. "Mrs. Johnston, you really need to stay calm." Marilyn, noticing the worry etched on Addison's face, reached out and gently grasped her hand. Her eyes brimmed with desperation and hope, her voice heavy with emotion. "Addison, Lance may come across as cold and unfeeling, but you know how difficult his personality is. "I've seen everything you've done for the family these past three years. You've been there for me when I was unwell, always taking care of me, while also handling all the responsibilities around the house."My son just isn't mature enough yet. Whatever problems exist between you, they can be resolved. Divorce doesn't have to be the answer … I can't bear the thought of losing you … " As Addison gazed at Marilyn's pleading expression, her heart softened. She had already begun to think of Marilyn as her own mother. "The Johnstons are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law like you. Lance, can't you see the dedication Addison has shown to the family over the past three years?" Marilyn's gaze shifted to Lance, disappointment evident, as if she wished for him to appreciate her sacrifices. Lance pressed his lips together, his silent gaze reflecting a tumult of feelings, but he remained quiet. "Consider this carefully. Do you genuinely deserve Addison?" "Mom … " Lance began, but the words caught in his throat. After a prolonged silence, he slowly raised his hand, signaling the driver who had brought Marilyn. "Make sure my mother gets home safely. "As for Addison and me, we can manage on our own. You should head back now." Addison felt the same way; Marilyn's health was fragile, and she had previously poured considerable effort into improving it. She didn't want to add to her burdens. Nodding in agreement with Lance, she carefully assisted Marilyn into the car. "Mrs. Johnston, we'll sort this out. Don't worry too much." Marilyn couldn't decipher Lance's thoughts. With a weary sigh, she gradually released Addison's hand. "Addison, don't hold it against him." Addison nodded earnestly as Marilyn's figure gradually faded from view. Lance stared ahead silently, gradually calming himself as the car drove away. Addison has indeed done much over the years. As Mrs. Johnston, she excelled, and despite the affection she's shown me, I haven't treated her as well as I should have ... Glancing at Addison, his tone shifted slightly, now sounding somewhat apprehensive. "You've put in a lot of effort over the years. I acknowledge that I haven't always been fair. I'm sorry." As if recalling something important, Lance hesitated before casually adding, "But that doesn't mean there's a chance for us to remain married. Do you understand?" He loved Virginia; no matter how much Addison had done, it wouldn't change anything. However, he would ensure she received compensation—that was the least he could offer.