Addison stood quietly, not offering any response either way. Michael straightforwardly stated that she was Dr. Nancy's assistant, which made sense and seemed like a reasonable explanation. It worked well as a solution. However, this excuse effectively took away Ryan's role as her assistant. Addison once again recalled the look of frustration that he often wore, and just the thought of it made her smile. Michael noticed the change in her expression and couldn't help but glance at her again. "Ms. Daves, what's so funny? Did I say something incorrect?" he asked seriously, his voice firm, feigning confusion. It was clear he was trying to signal her. "Well, there's nothing wrong," Addison replied, trying to control her smile as her voice became more serious. "I am Dr. Nancy's assistant. Lately, she has been occupied with several international projects, so she has entrusted all the authorized tasks in Halton to me." She's Dr. Nancy's assistant? Lance's eyes were fixed on her, a mix of thoughtfulness, surprise, and a peculiar curiosity in his gaze. "What? You don't believe me?" Addison raised her eyebrows, challenging his stare. Lance quickly shifted his gaze, "Of course, I believe you." The contract was already on the table, and only Michael and Addison were present. Given that Addison could be Dr. Nancy's assistant, there really wasn't any other explanation. Before reaching out to him, Lance had spotted Addison several times in the research building. What other surprises does she have that I'm not aware of? Lance wondered to himself. If Addison is Dr. Nancy's assistant, does that mean she's also an employee of Raven? He worked through it in his mind, step by step. Addison works for Raven, so she must be quite familiar with Keith as well. Could it be that the situation between her and Keith last time was just a misunderstanding? Had I been wrong to accuse her? His heart was filled with conflicting emotions at that moment.Seeing Lance deep in thought, Addison felt a chill run down her spine as he muttered, "I believe what you said." He actually believed me now. Addison couldn't help but recall how he had scolded her with such confidence before, always siding with Virginia. She remembered it all too clearly. "So, what about you and Keith Dean?" Lance's mind was racing, and after thinking it over, he finally voiced his lingering concerns. Addison's brow furrowed. "Me and Keith? Are you seriously bringing that up again? Do you think it's even worth discussing?" She had explained it countless times, but he never believed her. Aside from Marilyn, no one in the Johnstons had ever taken her side. She had no interest in explaining herself to someone who refused to listen. It was just too tiring. Michael, standing nearby, frowned, wondering, Keith Dean? Isn't Keith the CEO of Raven Company? How did he end up getting involved with him? "I didn't mean to bring up the past, I just wanted to ask again ... " Lance started, but perhaps feeling guilty, he couldn't bring himself to continue. "What? Do you want to know how Keith and I ended up together? You want to know what happened between Keith and me?" Addison's tone was laced with mockery. Lance frowned, his sharp features tightening, a hint of helplessness creeping into his expression. "Could you please not be so harsh with your words?" Addison nearly laughed in frustration. "After all the false accusations, do you still expect me to stay calm?" She looked at him, her tone serious. "Let me say this one more time. I don't have the kind of relationship with Keith that you think I do, nor with Michael." Her voice was resolute, each word striking with certainty. He had truly wronged her, subjecting her to so many unjust accusations. For some reason, hearing those words come from her mouth brought Lance a sense of relief. ...Michael finally understood. Not only had Lance falsely accused Dr. Nancy of having an inappropriate connection with him, but he had also wrongly suspected her of being involved with Keith. Was it possible that Lance had trust issues? Did he suspect everyone of having some sort of relationship with Dr. Nancy? "Mr. Johnston, how can you talk about your wife in such a manner? Isn't trust supposed to exist between a husband and wife? How can anyone feel good when you're always doubting Ms. Daves?" Michael glared at Lance, his voice filled with anger and completely unwelcoming. Lance stayed quiet, which was unusual for him. Michael said sarcastically, "I sincerely hope your company avoids any future projects with Dr. Nancy. If you don't, it will be the Johnstons' downfall. Do you really think Ms. Daves will still want to collaborate with you after this?" Lance tried to speak, but Michael cut him off, muttering to himself, "Of course not." The statement was firm and without hesitation. The words were firm and resolute. "Someone who fails to treat others with respect clearly doesn't respect themselves as a person." Lance grasped the implication in his words. Michael was implying that he wasn't human. His expression darkened and his attempt to control his anger was evident. "When you love someone, respect for them must come first. And Mr. Johnston, you clearly don't deserve to be with Ms. Daves." Michael, now fully enraged, spoke without pause, leaving even Addison a bit taken aback. This was unlike his usual demeanor. The Fullers place great importance on manners, and Michael is the most meticulous in following them. Normally, he speaks softly and behaves with great politeness. He has never raised his voice like this toward Lance, and now his tone is so firm and unwavering. This was a side of him Addison had never witnessed before. "Ms. Daves, shall we leave?" Michael suddenly turned to her and asked. "Huh?" Addison was momentarily confused. "I said, shall we leave?" Michael repeated, emphasizing each word.Let's leave, move away from the person who has caused Addison distress, away from all the sources of her pain. She shouldn't have to endure this. "Alright," Addison nodded. Michael turned, grabbed the contract, and led the way for her. As he passed by Lance, he walked on. The door to the restaurant was abruptly yanked open by Michael. Virginia, who had been eavesdropping, lost her balance and stumbled forward toward him due to the momentum. Michael quickly stepped back. Virginia had expected him to reach out and catch her, but to her surprise, he stepped back instead! With no support, Virginia couldn't keep her balance and ended up falling to the floor in a very awkward way. She felt a sharp pain as her arms and shoulders collided with the hard surface. "You! How dare you be so rude!" Virginia yelled, furious. How could he watch as I, a helpless beauty, fell like that! "Sorry, I didn't expect someone to be eavesdropping by the door, or I would've opened it more gently," Michael said with a smirk. Although his words sounded apologetic, anyone could tell from his tone that he felt no regret and was instead mocking Virginia for eavesdropping. Virginia's anger only grew stronger. "You!" Michael ignored her and turned to Addison, his tone polite as he asked, "Shall we leave?" Hearing his voice, Addison stepped toward Michael without hesitation. Lance remained motionless, watching as she walked past him with not a hint of reluctance. A gentle breeze swept by, carrying the subtle scent of her hair, which lingered faintly around Lance. ...Without thinking, he suddenly reached out and grabbed Addison's wrist. Addison was suddenly halted, prompting her to turn around and look back.