Virginia was taken aback. Was Lance really siding with Addison? She could not believe it. "Lance ... " she began, but before she could finish, he cut her off. He walked over to the expansive French window, looking down at the bustling streets of Halton. During rush hour, the roads were packed, and there was a sluggish flow of vehicles like a pot of slow-stirring porridge. ... Lance gazed at the shimmering lights and the glamorous cityscape of Halton, then slowly said, "Why can't Addison be Dr. Nancy's assistant?" "I didn't say she couldn't be ... " Virginia was more cautious this time, knowing better than to anger Lance. "I just think, given that Addison didn't graduate from a prestigious university and lacks a pharmaceutical background, how could she possibly be Dr. Nancy's assistant? Maybe for another doctor, but Dr. Nancy? That position is highly coveted, even by pharmaceutical experts." Lance remained silent. "And if she really were Dr. Nancy's assistant, then she'd already be part of Raven Company. But remember? She asked me for help applying to Raven—that doesn't add up." Virginia felt more convinced that something was off with Addison's story. Lance frowned. "Did you say Addison begged you to help her get into Raven? Wasn't that the day you showed up with a bunch of bodyguards to intimidate her?" Virginia's eyes widened in shock, her body trembling slightly. How could Lance know about that? Had Addison told him? "Lance, you misunderstood, I didn't go there to cause her trouble. I just had something to discuss with her," Virginia scrambled for an explanation. "Something to discuss?" Lance's tone was icy. Virginia's expression brought back memories of an embarrassing moment for her at a Johnston event, rejected by Keith. She hesitated, struggling to respond."Wasn't it you who told me to find out who was competing with Johnston Enterprise for medicinal herbs? And when I asked around, everyone pointed me to that little building by the road ... "I followed the directions they gave and entered the building, only to find Addison inside. I truly didn't intend to make things difficult for Addison," she tried to clarify. Lance narrowed his eyes, pinpointing the essence of her statement, "So Addison is the one competing with Johnston Enterprise for medicinal herbs?" Virginia bit her lip, realizing her slip might have implied more than she intended. Did this inadvertently confirm Addison's role as Dr. Nancy's assistant? Lance continued, "If she's competing with us for medicinal herbs, why doubt her position? Wouldn't Dr. Nancy's assistant need to acquire significant amounts of herbs? "Wouldn't an assistant to Dr. Nancy openly compete with Johnston Enterprise's for medicinal herbs like this?" His tone was both assertive and accusing. In Halton, the only entity bold enough to directly challenge the Johnstons was Raven. Virginia remained silent. Lance glanced at her and added, "Since you claim not to know Keith well, why then did you act so familiar with him during that phone call at the banquet?" Virginia opened her mouth but found no words to defend herself. Why was Lance dredging up past issues now? She thought she had navigated past these waters. She had not expected him to revisit them. "Well?" "I was just trying to ... lessen the burden on the Johnstons. After all, the Johnstons depend on Raven for authorization. I pretended to know Keith to smooth the path for the Johnstons to secure that authorization. "I did it all for your family," Virginia claimed, her voice tinged with bitterness and grievance, and she sighed deeply as if to emphasize her selflessness. However, Lance appeared utterly unaffected by her display today. He stood rigidly in front of the panoramic window, overlooking the thronging streets below. Despite hearing Virginia's plaintive tone, he did not even turn. "Is that supposed to justify your deception?" His voice remained even, and Virginia could sense his emotional detachment."If Keith hadn't rejected you then, you wouldn't have told me, would you? If Addison hadn't challenged you, you would've continued to target her, right?" He was not naive. All of Virginia's actions and words had been calculated attempts to make life difficult for Addison, driven by her disdain for her. Virginia was devastated. She had positioned herself in Mrs. Johnston's role, eager for him to part ways with Addison soon. Lance realized all of this now. He had not wanted to believe it before, thinking Virginia's actions were just playful antics, nothing serious. Now, Virginia's behavior seemed increasingly over the top. ... Virginia felt these accusations pierce her heart. "Lance, how could you see me this way? Is this what you think of me?" Tears filled Virginia's eyes as she spoke, her voice breaking with sobs. Lance remained unmoved, his back to her. Seeing no response from Lance, Virginia gritted her teeth and cautiously stepped toward him, reaching out to clutch at his clothes. This approach had worked before. Appearing vulnerable often swayed Lance's decisions ... After all, he had always been somewhat pliable when it came to her. Virginia's fingers tentatively tugged at the fabric of Lance's shirt. However, Lance immediately frowned after sensing the touch. "Let go." Virginia, however, held on. Releasing him now would mean forfeiting her last chance—she was not about to concede. "Lance, I know my mistakes, okay?" Her voice, typically melodious like chimes and endearing as a kitten's mew, aimed to soften him. Lance stepped sideways, distancing himself. Usually, such a tone from Virginia would mollify him. Today, he only found it irksome. Virginia's grip met empty air. She stood, stunned.Suddenly, a knock on the door echoed through the room. Virginia's attempt to elicit sympathy was abruptly interrupted by a knock. "Who is it?" "I'm here to deliver Mr. Fuller's order," the waitress announced as she entered the room, immediately noticing Virginia's red-rimmed eyes. Glancing up, she saw Lance from Raven Company standing off to the side with a stoic expression. "D-Do you need some tissues?" she asked, setting the dishes down and offering a sympathetic look toward Virginia. "No, thank you," Virginia responded, her embarrassment evident. Lance stepped forward, addressing the waitress, "We won't need the dishes. I'll take care of the bill," he stated firmly. Then added, "And for the lady who accompanied Mr. Fuller, if she visits again, charge all her expenses to my account." Virginia's eyes widened in surprise. Was Lance making arrangements for Addison's expenses? The waitress nodded politely before adding, "I apologize, Mr. Johnston, but Mr. Fuller has already settled the bill for this meal." Lance's expression grew even more severe. "He also mentioned that this meal is his treat to you and your guest, Mr. Johnston, with his best wishes for a lifetime of happiness," she relayed cheerfully. Lance's countenance turned even frostier. What was Michael thinking?