Addison gazed at the two individuals before her, her heart shaken by surprise. How could things align so perfectly? Why did she encounter them at this exact moment? Even though she strongly disapproved of some of Lance's actions, she recognized that Lance and the Johnstons were a separate matter. She could clearly differentiate between the two. It was evident to her that she didn't hate the Johnstons to the point of deep resentment. After all, it was something Harvey had strived to safeguard, despite her disapproval of some of its actions. Out of respect for Harvey, she could never detest the Johnstons enough to wish for their destruction. Her earlier remarks had only been made to gain the director's assistance for the Fullers. It wasn't something she truly meant, but rather something she was forced to say. Marilyn's complexion was ashen, and Addison could tell she was deeply unsettled. Her pale face was accompanied by trembling legs, leaving her barely able to remain upright. Witnessing her in such a state, Addison felt her mind go completely blank. Even though her thoughts were scattered, the sheer intensity of Lance's presence was impossible to ignore. She could sense the cold aura radiating from him as he stood behind Marilyn, along with the frosty stare directed at her. However, she no longer concerned herself with how Lance reacted to her words or the expression he wore at that moment. She paid no attention to his behavior because it didn't matter to her. She completely disregarded Lance's opinion. To her, Marilyn's view carried far more weight. After all, she truly saw Marilyn as a mother in her heart. The words I had spoken just now, surely Marilyn had heard them all, hadn't she? Wouldn't Marilyn feel deeply hurt? Hearing such harsh words from a daughter-in-law she had always trusted. How could Marilyn not feel sad? "Addison, just look at me," Marilyn said, her voice shaking as she struggled to steady her emotions.Reluctantly, Addison shifted her gaze toward Marilyn. She spoke hesitantly, "Marilyn, I ... " She wanted to explain herself but struggled to find the right words. "Addison, be honest with me. Do you truly despise the Johnstons?" Marilyn's usually kind and soft eyes now brimmed with fear and undeniable fragility. "She obviously hates our family," a voice, icy and sharp, broke the tension. Lance fixed his gaze on Addison, enunciating each word with purpose. Every word seemed to carve itself into Addison's heart, leaving a lasting mark. "I didn't ask for your opinion! Let Addison answer for herself!" Marilyn snapped, her voice cutting through as she rebuked Lance standing behind her. "I ... " Addison felt as though her throat was swarming with countless ants, making it nearly impossible to form words. If she confessed the truth now, it would mean admitting that she had lied to the director earlier. Knowing his personality, if she were to admit that she had lied to him, it would be even more impossible for him to help the Fullers. But if she chose not to explain, Marilyn's feelings would undoubtedly take a hit. Hearing such cruel words from her must have hurt deeply. And wouldn't staying silent also be a roundabout way of confirming Virginia's claims? Marilyn had always trusted her completely, dismissing Virginia's words entirely. Yet now, the situation made it feel like a humiliating reversal of everything Marilyn had once believed. Addison felt as if her emotions were stretched to their breaking point, unable to speak for a long moment. "It's alright, Addison. Speak freely. I want to hear what you have to say." Marilyn's voice was soothing, unusually soft. The gentler her tone became, the heavier Addison's heart felt. "I ... " Addison opened her mouth, but her words were trapped, struggling to escape. Before she could continue, the director's hearty voice cut in, "Look at me! I forgot we have an important guest in the next room!" He moved to stand between Addison and Marilyn, observing the distress on Addison's face and the sorrow etched across Marilyn's.He stroked his white beard, his expression unreadable. "Alex, why didn't you remind me?" The director appeared to scold, before shifting his attention to Marilyn, "Mrs. Marilyn, what brings you to Yarrow today?" Marilyn didn't spare him a glance, her determined gaze locked on Addison, as though she was waiting for her to speak. The director, noticing that Marilyn was completely disregarding him, was not upset. Instead, he seemed intrigued, observing the two with an air of mystery. After a brief pause, he asked in confusion, "What's going on? Did you two have a disagreement?" Though his voice was filled with puzzlement, to Addison, it sounded more like he was savoring the drama, almost as if he were enjoying their discomfort. "Don't wait for her to say anything," Lance's voice suddenly cut through from behind. "She's been quiet for so long. Don't you think she's just trying to figure out how to defend herself?" Lance, dressed in a sharp suit, stood with one hand casually resting in his trouser pocket. His gaze, cold and composed, never wavered from Addison as he observed her. His eyes swept past Marilyn, the director of Yarrow, Alex, and Gordon, landing squarely on her. Addison could feel the biting sarcasm in his words, yet she chose to remain silent. "Addison isn't like this," Marilyn muttered to herself. "She still hasn't found a way to explain herself, and yet you're pushing her to speak. Isn't that just making things harder for her?" Marilyn shook her head vigorously. "No, no. How could Addison be like that? She is such a good-hearted child. I just can't believe it ... "Addison, there must be a reason for what you said earlier, right?" Her gaze now held a trace of desperation. There was so much emotion in her eyes that Addison couldn't bear to meet her gaze any longer, so she turned away. Lance watched coldly, his expression unmoving. She had once sworn she had done so much for the Johnstons, always appearing to care deeply for it, but in the end?It had all been nothing more than an act. Lance gave a mocking laugh. The hatred in her heart couldn't be hidden, could it? ... "Lance?" The director finally noticed Lance standing behind Marilyn, and the smug look on his face vanished in an instant. He had known that Marilyn was in the next room, able to see and hear everything Addison did or said. But it hadn't mattered to him. It had all been deliberate. He just wanted to watch the drama unfold. The tension between the Johnstons' mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was so intense, he had stayed on the sidelines, enjoying every moment of it. But he never imagined Lance would show up too! "Mrs. Marilyn, why didn't you inform me that you brought Lance along?" Bringing a fake authorization to Yarrow, the lie was quickly uncovered. And even after everything, Lance still had the nerve to show up?! He didn't know that the CEO of Johnston Enterprise could be so shameless. His words were filled with fury, clearly showing his strong aversion to Lance's presence. "If I had known you were bringing Lance here, I would have never allowed you to step inside Yarrow!" His frustration grew as he spoke, and he nearly felt like kicking the man out on the spot. Lance turned his attention to the voice and glanced at him without a hint of concern. "Are you still upset about what happened before?" He spoke in an emotionless tone. "Do you even know who the woman beside you is?" The director gave Addison an annoyed look. "Of course I do. She's your wife." "You're wrong," Lance shot back coldly."What? You hear your wife say she despises you, yet you continue to push her toward the edge. Too embarrassed to admit she's your wife, so you just ignore her?" The director's voice dripped with sarcasm. Lance stayed unfazed, his expression unchanged by the mockery. He lifted his eyes and glanced at Addison, speaking slowly, "She is Dr. Nancy's assistant."