"I don't really need it ... these are just responsibilities I ought to fulfill," Francesca felt a quiet joy deep inside but kept her expression neutral. She diligently attended to Virginia, never expecting any rewards in return. Sometimes, it's important to act modestly and decline a little at first. "Listen, I've decided to increase your salary next month. You care for me and work so hard every single day, it's well-earned," Virginia remarked casually, sipping her soup. Increasing Francesca's pay felt no different to her than skipping the purchase of a single dress. "Then ... thank you very much, Ms. Dolton," Francesca finally showed her appreciation and stopped resisting. "I also prepared your favorite dish, black truffle custard, for you to enjoy," Francesca mentioned before heading to the kitchen and returning with a beautifully plated serving. Virginia accepted the dish, narrowed her eyes in satisfaction, and began eating. After the meal, she planned to discuss the matter with Lance. After being turned away at the Johnston Enterprise during her first attempt, she returned twice more. Finally, on her third visit, Lance reluctantly allowed her entry into his office. She spent a considerable amount of time softening Lance's resolve with gentle persuasion. Though his expression remained icy, at least he didn't completely refuse her anymore. Reflecting on the events of the past few days, Virginia couldn't help but let out a sigh. Lance's attitude had changed so much, he used to be far more approachable. Now, she needed to get rid of Addison, secure her place in the Johnstons, and make sure she held Lance's affection firmly in her grasp. Virginia leisurely finished her meal and set the plate aside. "Francesca, I'm done. Please clean these dishes," she instructed. "Also, have the driver bring the car around. I need to go see Lance and discuss this matter," she added while heading to her room to carefully choose her outfit. "Alright," Francesca replied as she collected the dishes and quickly dialed the driver. In just ten minutes, the driver arrived at the apartment. Virginia, already prepared, descended the stairs with poise. On the way to the Johnston Enterprise, she made a brief stop at a boutique bakery to pick up some snacks to put in the car. This bakery was one she frequently visited. In the past, she would often bring snacks from there to Lance, claiming she had made them herself.However, since her return to the country, she noticed that Lance no longer seemed to enjoy those snacks. Despite this, Virginia continued to bring these elegant snacks to the office. Unlike before, her aim was no longer to please Lance but to create an impression for the company staff. She wanted the employees to believe she shared a close bond with Lance and to emphasize her significance to him. To her, these small performances were essential. Not long after, the car arrived in front of the company building. An assistant hurried down the steps to welcome her. Virginia gracefully handed the elegant wooden box to the assistant. "I prepared this for Lance. He often skips meals when he's caught up in work, so could you keep it safe for me?" The assistant hesitated and didn't take the box. Virginia arched her brow. "What's the matter? Don't feel like helping me out?" The assistant nervously rubbed his hands together. "It's not that, Ms. Dolton. It's just ... that you've come at a bad time. Mr. Johnston isn't here." "He's not here? Where did he go?" Virginia asked. "I'm not sure, Ms. Dolton. He's been extremely busy lately and hasn't been around the office much." Virginia's face darkened with a frown. Lance was busy? That was news to her. It dawned on her that he hadn't been to the apartment in two weeks. They hadn't had a single private moment together in all that time. "Ms. Dolton, are you still planning to go up to the office?" the assistant asked cautiously, noticing her displeased expression. "No, I'm not. You can go back to work," Virginia replied, gesturing for the assistant to return upstairs. She leaned back into the car seat, her mind racing. What could Lance possibly be so preoccupied with? So busy that he had completely neglected me? Could a simple authorization really keep Lance busy for so long? It was just an authorization, wasn't it? If Raven Company wouldn't cooperate, couldn't he just find someone else? She didn't see how this matter could cause any significant harm to Johnston Enterprise.Johnston Enterprise had developed over the years, and a minor authorization like this wasn't something to stress over. Lance was blowing it out of proportion. And he was ignoring her over such a trivial issue. Frustration bubbled up inside Virginia. Annoyed and uneasy, she pulled out her phone to call Lance for an explanation. The phone rang a few times before his voice came through. "Hello?" Lance's voice was low and commanding, just that single sound carrying an almost suffocating intensity. Virginia's confidence faltered instantly. The feelings she had just conjured up vanished right away, and her voice became overly sweet as she called out, "Lance ... " Lance remained silent. Virginia persisted, saying, "Lance, have you been busy recently? It's been so long since we last talked, and I've been feeling really lonely." This time, Lance answered, "Isn't Francesca around? If you're lonely, Mrs. Norris loves meeting new people and organizing events. You could go and spend time with her." "No, I want to be with you ... " Virginia's voice was gentle and charming. Once more, Lance stayed quiet. Noticing that Lance didn't reply, Virginia realized she had an opportunity, so she quickly devised a plan in her mind. "Lance, I understand you're busy and I know you've been feeling a lot of stress lately. I really miss you, but I don't want to disturb your work ... "Would it be possible for us to have dinner tomorrow, just to catch up? Afterward, you can return to your work, so it won't interfere with your schedule." She then waited quietly for his response. After a brief pause, a soft voice came through the phone, "Hmm." "That's wonderful! Let's meet at Grimwell Restaurant for lunch tomorrow!" Virginia said, filled with excitement. "Alright, Lance, I'll hang up now! Please make sure to get enough rest and don't push yourself too hard!" she added.The call ended. Tomorrow would be interesting, she thought with a sly smile. It was sure to lead to a confrontation. The following day, at noon, outside Guijun Restaurant. Virginia Dolton had already settled into the restaurant's lobby. Unlike her usual flashy style, she wore something simple today. A mask covered most of her face, leaving only her eyes visible. With her subtle outfit, most of the people entering the restaurant wouldn't even recognize her. She sat on the couch, her gaze fixed on the door, not once looking away. She was waiting for someone. Waiting for Michael to arrive. Earlier that morning, Virginia had come straight over, not even bothering to book a private room, simply waiting for Michael to show up. She was curious which private room he had reserved, so she could casually walk into the wrong one later ... a flawless plan. After about ten minutes, Michael still hadn't shown up. Virginia sat on the couch, growing restless. She frowned and took out her phone. It was nearly 11 o'clock. Had Michael already made a reservation ahead of time? The thought made her feel uneasy. Another ten minutes went by. Virginia glanced nervously at the door. Just then, a man in a brown suit walked in. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and looked very sophisticated. It's Michael! Virginia instantly stood up.