Addison gave a small smile and commented, "I appreciate your honest nature." "Alright, here's the deal. You help the Fullers get their finances back on track ... " Addison stopped midway through her words, as if recalling something important. Her lashes fluttered briefly. "You won't go back on your word, right?" The director replied with a cheerful voice, "Of course not! Do I seem like the type of person who would go back on my word?" His mood was clearly lifted after making a connection with Dr. Nancy's assistant, and he spoke with an extra dose of enthusiasm. "Ms. Daves, don't worry! I will get the Fullers' financial situation back in order today!" It was just a simple act. A small move led to such a strong partnership, making the deal one that was bound to bring great returns. Addison nodded, her face glowing with a bright smile. Marilyn stared at Addison with a complicated look, trying to shake off the emotions that had just taken over her. She wasn't naive. It was clear to her that Addison had been dodging her questions. If there was nothing to hide, why not answer them? Having been the lady of the Johnstons for so many years, Marilyn had witnessed all kinds of situations, both big and small. She had also attended countless high-profile events in Kreshill, and maintaining composure in such social settings was second nature. Even if her emotions were in turmoil, she had learned to keep up a calm facade. Regaining some of her composure, Marilyn turned her attention back to Addison, standing next to her, carefully analyzing every little gesture she made. Addison, who was now engaged in conversation with the director of Yarrow, seemed like a completely different person from the one at the Johnstons. Her words were measured and calm, and she spoke with confidence. Even in the presence of the serious and commanding director, she remained sharp and composed.Marilyn noticed a subtle sharpness in her that hadn't been there before. A mix of emotions washed over her, and she suddenly felt somewhat distant from Addison. While she knew Addison was skilled, she hadn't anticipated her to be this capable. And to be Dr. Nancy's assistant ... that was Dr. Nancy, a globally respected figure in the pharmaceutical world, someone the Johnstons could only dream of associating with. Addison was directly connected to her, as her assistant. Marilyn struggled to come to terms with this revelation. Being around such a talented person every day, it was clear that Addison must have been highly capable as well. She had always been sharp, working on experiments with Dr. Nancy on a daily basis. It wasn't surprising that she radiated such confidence. Addison was already ahead of Virginia, and now, being Dr. Nancy's assistant, she had far surpassed Virginia in ways Marilyn couldn't even measure! "I'll leave this matter to you, Sir. It's a bit urgent, so it would be ideal if you could assist me as quickly as possible," Addison said earnestly, her voice tinged with urgency, though her demeanor remained calm. "Don't worry! If you need anything else, just let me know!" The director immediately agreed. Having the chance to owe a favor to Dr. Nancy's assistant was an opportunity the director knew he needed to seize. It would be even more beneficial if Addison could owe him a few favors in return. Meanwhile, Lance stood off to the side, quietly observing everything unfold. The bright smile on Addison's face at that moment especially irritated him. "It's not a big deal, but I would be truly grateful if you could assist me with this," Addison said with a warm smile. As she finished speaking, she noticed the man's gaze. She had planned to ignore it, but his intense stare was impossible to overlook. Her face was devoid of any emotion as she inquired, "Mr. Johnston, do you need anything from Yarrow today? Am I disturbing your work?" She wondered, confused by the cold gaze he was giving her.Lance let out a mocking laugh. She already knew the answer. She was fully aware of her actions, which were aimed at completely undermining the reputation of the Johnstons in Yarrow's eyes. Losing such a significant ally like Yarrow would be a severe blow to him. Didn't Addison despise the Johnstons? Wasn't she trying to destroy it? Lance's gaze turned even colder. Very well, she had clearly accomplished her goal. Addison observed him, noting how his gaze grew even more frosty. His eyes seemed to cloud over occasionally, as though he was struggling to keep his emotions in check. "Mr. Johnston, if you have something to say, just say it," she said. Lance's cold stare persisted, making her feel increasingly uneasy. "Don't keep your thoughts to yourself. Speak up." The director of Yarrow, still savoring the moment, was pulled from his thoughts when Addison addressed Lance. He recalled the mother and son standing at the side. "Mrs. Marilyn, what exactly is the matter today?" "If there's something to say, just say it now. "Anyway, Addison is still considered somewhat part of the Johnstons, so there's no need to be concerned," he added, continuing to stroke his beard. When Addison heard this, she couldn't help but look at the director, realizing that practical benefits still held sway. This person could say anything after securing advantages. Where did the "part of the Johnstons" come from? She was about to leave the Johnstons and had no interest in it anymore. However, Marilyn seemed oblivious to any shift in the situation. With the director's prompt, she recalled that she was there to discuss a potential partnership with Yarrow. She tucked away all the emotions she had just felt in her heart. Regaining her composure, she said, "Let me be straightforward. I'm here today to clear up the misunderstanding about Lance bringing in a fake authorization. It was truly a misunderstanding." Marilyn continued seriously, "Lance just mentioned it. I hope you will give us a chance."Since the authorization had expired, the Johnstons had been dragging their feet for a long time. If this continued, the company would truly face bankruptcy. If the situation weren't so urgent, she wouldn't have brought Lance directly to Yarrow Hospital. After hearing this, the director seemed to be lost in thought. Marilyn quietly observed him, waiting for his reply. After a brief pause, he finally said, "But didn't Ms. Daves just mention that she didn't give the authorization to the Johnstons? "If Dr. Nancy didn't give authorization, how could you have obtained it? Doesn't that mean you were lying?" Marilyn's eyelashes fluttered slightly, clearly taken aback by the statement. "Did Addison really say that?" Marilyn had been deep in thought and missed what Addison had said. The director nodded, speaking calmly and clearly, "Ms. Daves said it herself." Marilyn was stunned. "Addison, what are you talking about? You didn't give the authorization to us?" Marilyn stared at her in disbelief. How could Addison say something like that? Was she truly willing to ruin our family and forget all our past ties? ... Addison was speechless, gazing at Marilyn's disappointed look, torn inside. She felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, uncertain of how to respond. Could she truly stand by and watch the Johnstons face ruin and eventually collapse? If they did end up bankrupt, it would be her fault. Was she really willing to let this happen? Her thoughts were chaotic, with the Johnstons' future hanging in the balance, entirely depending on her decision. Marilyn's voice became more insistent, "Addison, answer me. Why are you not being honest? "Do you really want to see the Johnstons destroyed? I know Lance has wronged you before, treated you badly, and caused you a lot of pain. "And he even brought Virginia along ... "The moment Virginia's name was mentioned, Lance's expression turned icier. Marilyn ignored the chilling look he gave her and pressed on, "Lance brought Virginia without asking for your approval. That was a mistake on his part. "You've always worked so hard for our family, yet he still treats you like this. Our family even had the nerve to expel you in front of everyone ... "All of this is our fault. You have every right to be angry with us." Addison squeezed her eyes shut, took a slow breath, and softly pleaded, "Please, stop." Marilyn continued, seemingly ignoring her plea, "Addison, it's our family who wronged you, but ... " "Please, stop!" Addison raised her voice, cutting Marilyn off. With determination in her voice, she added, "I should go." She grabbed her bag and walked out.