Gordon noticed Addison grabbing her bag and getting ready to leave, so he quickly followed her. "Ms. Daves, are you leaving already?" The director saw Addison about to leave and rushed to catch up with her. "What about the Greenhill ornitongue you mentioned earlier?" Gordon couldn't help but frown, irritated by how clueless he still was. Addison also furrowed her brows, holding back her annoyance, but didn't stop walking. As she walked, she responded, "Once you've decided on the amount, just let me know." Feeling a bit awkward, she casually added, "I'll bring the Greenhill ornitongue to you as soon as I have it." "That's great! That's great!" The director repeated "great" two times, feeling extremely pleased. The Greenhill ornitongue he had painstakingly secured was running low, and having Addison get more for him would perfectly fill the gap. Addison was eager to leave and walked quickly, but the director stepped in front of her, clearly blocking her path. Gordon scowled. At that moment, Addison's voice sounded unusually urgent. It was hard to tell if it was from anxiety or frustration. "Sir ... " Before she could finish, Gordon interrupted her. "Step aside." For the first time, Gordon spoke, his voice laced with irritation. His short crew cut only enhanced the air of danger that surrounded him. The director was taken aback, especially after seeing Gordon's actions with Alex. He silently stepped aside. "Blocking Ms. Daves' way, am I? I'll move out of the way." Gordon passed by him with a cold look, clearing the way for Addison. As the path ahead cleared, Addison felt a bit lost. Trying to avoid making a decision, her walk shifted from uncertain to a jog. The more unsettled she became, the less steady her steps felt. As she neared the door, Gordon paused and said, "Wait here. I'll get the car."Upon hearing Gordon, Addison instinctively nodded and responded, "Okay." Gordon then walked off to get the car. Addison's mind was in turmoil, like ripples on water, endless and disordered. Lost in her thoughts, she rushed ahead. As she exited the pristine white building, a shadow cast over her. Adjusting her pace with her head lowered, she tripped and bumped into a man, feeling his icy breath surround her. Frowning, she looked up to find a man dressed in black with piercing eyes. Lance?! She was immediately taken aback. Quickly stepping back, she distanced herself from the man standing before her. Wasn't Gordon standing right in front of me? If he was, how could Lance be so close? She instinctively turned to look for Gordon. But he was nowhere in sight. She frowned. Where had Gordon gone? She replayed the scene in her mind, remembering he had mentioned something about parking. It finally hit her. She had been so lost in her thoughts earlier that she hadn't really paid attention to what Gordon said. Had she listened, she would have definitely stayed by his side, never leaving. But now, it was too late to say any of this. She fought to keep her racing thoughts under control, managing to appear composed as she asked in a steady voice, "Mr. Johnston, is there anything else you wish to say?" Lance stayed quiet, his eyes fixed on her. His expression was intense and unwavering. With no hint of a smile, his handsome features conveyed a cold, serious energy. It was unsettling. "If you're done, please move aside," she said stiffly, attempting to push him aside. However, he didn't move an inch.Addison's brow furrowed. She asked, "What do you want?" "What do I want?" Lance chuckled mockingly. Without warning, he extended his long fingers and gently grasped her chin, forcing her to tilt her head up as his eyes, sparkling like stars, locked onto hers. They stared at each other. A mixture of emotions passed between them in their gaze. Lance held her chin firmly and clearly spoke, "You ask me what I want to do? Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? "How can you be so heartless? To consider bringing down the Johnstons with your own hands? "The Johnstons have been built over generations. How could you tear it down so easily?" His voice was frosty. Even the edges of his eyes were touched with a hint of red. Addison furrowed her brow, fighting desperately to break free from the hands holding her, but no matter how much she struggled, she couldn't escape. Lance's fingers brushed against her face, sending a sharp sting through her. She attempted to pry his firm grip open, her fingers trying to loosen his hold, one by one ... But the man only tightened his grasp, making her wince in pain. "Let go of me!" she demanded. Addison steeled herself, thinking that if Lance didn't release her, she would have to take matters into her own hands. But before she could make a move, a familiar voice called out from behind her, "Addison!" Without needing to see the face, she immediately recognized the voice. It was Marilyn. As Addison began to turn away, Marilyn rushed forward in a panic, trying to follow her. However, after a moment of hesitation, she decided to try reasoning with the director of Yarrow once more, reluctantly asking him for help. However, the director's stance was unyielding. Marilyn's pleas went unheard, and with no other choice, she went out to search for Addison. Lance clearly heard Marilyn's voice too and slowly loosened his grip on Addison's chin.The sudden release caused Addison to stumble back a step. Marilyn remained unaware of their exchange. She said, her voice filled with emotion, "Addison, I understand you despise our family. I know about your struggles, but our family cannot survive without Johnston Enterprise! "If you think the Johnstons are despicable and you need to take out your frustration, then go ahead and hit me." Marilyn took Addison's hand and placed it on her own body. As she guided Addison's hand, she repeated, "Hit me, hit me ... " Her emotions were clearly on the brink of breaking down. Addison pressed her lips together, stepping back as she spoke with a quiver in her voice, "Marilyn, please, don't do this. It makes me uncomfortable too." She tried to pull her hand away. But Marilyn wouldn't relent, as though it was necessary for her to release her anger, "Addison, hit me, I mean it!" "I'll apologize for the Johnstons. Please don't be upset ... " Addison's voice wavered as she saw the tears welling up in Marilyn's eyes. "Marilyn, please don't ... " The sorrow, the hopelessness, the hurt from having her full trust shattered. Marilyn clung to her plea. "Addison, please save the Johnstons ... " Addison's face turned ashen, and she bit her lip, shutting her eyes tightly in anguish. "Marilyn, please, don't be like this." Lance frowned and quickly moved to grab Marilyn's hand, asking, "What are you doing?" Marilyn's hand, which had been holding Addison's, was yanked away. She appeared like someone struggling to stay afloat, desperately trying to grasp her hand once more, only to be stopped abruptly by Lance. "What are you doing?!" Lance's eyes hardened with a chilling glare, his tone sharp, "Do you really think our family isn't being humiliated enough?!"