Addison managed to suppress the tumult within her, regaining her typical composure as if the previous turmoil had not occurred at all. Observing this, Michael hesitated, his voice faltering before he finally managed a subdued, "Okay." "So, any ideas on how to proceed?" Addison queried, arching an eyebrow in anticipation. Michael pressed his lips together, aware of Lance's apparent intentions to sever all financial avenues for the Fullers, compelling them into a contract with the Johnstons. His recent maneuvers seemed deliberately provocative, unlikely to bode well for the Fullers' independence. Michael had no idea what to do now. The silence was broken only by the faint rustle of the wind. Seeing Michael's uncertainty, Addison silently mulled over potential strategies, tapping on the car door rhythmically as she thought. "Dr. Daves, are you positioning yourself against Lance?" Michael suddenly inquired. Addison's eyelashes fluttered slightly. "What exactly are you implying?" "You've aligned with us, and now that we've irked the Johnstons, doesn't that place you in opposition?" Michael studied Addison carefully. Pulling back from his contemplations, Addison responded evenly, "Perhaps we should consider that." Though the notion of directly opposing the Johnstons had not been her plan, Michael's remark made it clear that her support for the Fullers might be perceived as such. "But why would Lance force such aggressive terms on the Fullers?" Addison mused, recalling a critical detail. Logically, the Johnstons would not typically concern themselves with a niche firm like the Fullers. Moreover, without her authorization, Levosulin could not be marketed, meaning the Johnstons' main revenue stream would falter. This could potentially lead to financial ruin for them in the long term. If Lance was so preoccupied with securing the Fullers' compliance, what did he stand to gain, especially if he had not even managed his own affairs? Puzzled by these inconsistencies, Addison asked, "Mr. Fuller, do you still have that contract Lance provided earlier?" "The contract agreement? Let me think." Michael recalled the scene when Lance handed him the contract. Even though he rejected it, Lance left a copy on the table before leaving. "I should have it." "Can you show it to me now?" Addison's tone was urgent. "Now?" Michael was surprised by her request and glanced at the clock. It was already late ... "Yes," Addison confirmed firmly. She was someone who acted swiftly on her decisions. Having formulated a plan, she was eager to implement it immediately. "Then I'll turn the car around and head back home," Michael decided, turning the steering wheel as Addison's determination became evident. "But at that time, Lance left the contract on the table. Because I was determined to reject him, I didn't even bother to pick up that contract. It's very likely that the servants put away the contract ... " Michael thought it necessary to mention. "It's okay," Addison replied, believing that even a slight chance must be pursued. The car soon arrived at the Fuller Residence. Michael got out first, with Addison close behind. "Mikey, you're back?" Annie Daves, Michael's grandmother, called out as she rose from her seat. "Grandma, why haven't you slept yet?" Michael's tone carried a hint of reproach. "Didn't I tell you not to wait for me?" "I'm not sleepy anyway, just waiting for you ... " Annie's voice was soft and weary. Seeing Annie like this, Addison recalled rumors she had heard. Originally, the ApexMed Group had two heirs, but a few years ago, the eldest son died in an accident. Now, Michael was the sole heir. Perhaps Annie insisted on waiting because she feared losing her only grandson to another accident. "I'm back now, so you should go to bed," Michael said, though his voice softened with concern.Annie nodded, preparing to ascend the stairs, but then she noticed the woman standing next to her grandson. "Ms. Daves?" "Hello, Old Mrs. Fuller," Addison greeted her politely. Annie's eyes widened, first looking at Addison, then back at her grandson. Why did Mikey bring Ms. Daves home? He never brought any woman home before, could it be that ... Annie abruptly pulled her grandson to the side, puzzled and slightly concerned. "Mikey, why did you bring Ms. Daves home? You've never brought anyone here before!" "Ms. Daves needed to ... " Michael began, but Annie cut him off. "Are you interested in Ms. Daves?" She peered at him, her expression laden with curiosity. Michael firmly responded, "No, Grandma, it's late. You should get some sleep." He spoke with finality. From her vantage point, Addison could only see their backs and was unable to catch their conversation. She was not one to eavesdrop, so she merely shook her head in slight frustration. "Don't deny it so quickly, I can tell!" Annie declared. "You don't care for her, yet you bring her home at this hour? What are you implying?" Exasperated, Michael clarified, "Ms. Daves is here to collect a contract." After finishing his sentence, he glanced at Addison. Noticing his gaze, Addison quickly blinked several times to urge Michael to get back to business. She did not want to disrupt the chat between the grandmother and grandson, but with time being of the essence, she opted to hint at Michael to wrap up their conversation. Catching her cues, Michael said, "Grandma, let's pause our chat for now, I have some urgent matters to attend to with Ms. Daves." "Please get me Chester," he instructed a servant nearby. Annie observed quietly, still suspicious of Michael's intentions. Chester soon appeared, asking, "You called, Mr. Michael?" "Chester, is the contract Mr. Johnston left still here?" Michael asked, hoping it had not been misplaced. Addison tensed, hoping for a positive response."Yes, I saved it in the study as you might need it," Chester replied promptly, aware of every detail in the household. Relieved, Addison waited as Chester fetched the document. "Fetch it for me please." Moments later, Michael held the contract in his hands and handed it to Addison. "Here you go, Dr. Daves." "Thank you, then I'll be on my way and not keep you," Addison took the contract and started to leave. "Wait, Ms. Daves, it's quite late for you to be going home alone," Annie called out, concerned. "It's fine, really." "Are you sure, Ms. Daves? Shouldn't you have someone accompany you?" Seeing Addison's determination to leave alone, Annie quickly turned to Michael. "Dr. Daves, let me walk you out!" Michael quickly moved to Addison's side. "There's no need, my bodyguard is already here," Addison pointed towards the door. Outside, a Maybach was parked with a security guard standing by it. Despite the distance, Michael could clearly make out the guard's features. The guard had a solid build, deep tan skin, and powerful arms barely contained by his suit. His hair was cut short, enhancing his robust and professional appearance. Acknowledging the presence of her escort, Michael did not press further. "Okay, I'll walk you to your car then." Addison accepted his gesture. As they walked towards the car, Michael glanced at the imposing figure of the bodyguard and could tell he was likely a retired special forces operative.