"Marilyn, do you feel any better now?" Addison asked, noticing that Marilyn's breathing had evened out. Her gaze reflected concern and hope. The concern stemmed from the possibility that, while Marilyn's breathing seemed steady, her symptoms might not have genuinely improved and she was merely maintaining an outward composure. After all, something similar had happened before at the Johnston Residence. As for the hope, Addison wished that Marilyn's calm appearance reflected real improvement on the inside, with no lingering risks to her health. Marilyn inhaled deeply, realizing the discomfort in her throat had completely subsided. "I feel much better now," she said sincerely. "Thank you, Addison." Her gratitude was evident in her expression. Addison pressed her lips together before responding as she straightened up. "It's good to hear you're feeling better. "Marilyn, you need to take better care of yourself going forward. Try not to get so emotionally upset, or there's still a chance of a relapse." Her tone was firm, and her expression carried a sense of gravity. Marilyn nodded earnestly. "Alright, Addison. I'll do as you say." Seeing that Marilyn was now stable, Addison finally felt a wave of relief wash over her. But before she could fully relax, a chilling voice sounded from behind. "After everything you've done to the Johnstons, do you think she can remain calm?" Addison's brows knitted together. She turned to face the source of the voice. "Lance, I've been helping Marilyn. I went out of my way to pull her through this, and instead of thanking me, you're ridiculing me?" Lance paid no attention to her defense and continued speaking, his tone sharp and accusatory. "Why did she fall ill?" Lance's voice was eerily calm, so much so that Addison felt a tightness in her chest from his words.The question lingered in her mind. Why did she fall ill? Addison didn't respond, her silence stretching out. Lance's expression darkened as he fixed his gaze on her. His eyes were sharp, almost as if they could cut through to the truth, exposing her innermost thoughts. After a long pause with no reply, he spoke again, his words sharp, "It's all because of you." Since Addison was reluctant to admit it, Lance decided to speak on her behalf. The moment she heard him, Addison's face drained of color. Lance had clearly noticed the change in her expression, but his face remained unreadable. "Why did you lie?" He pressed her further, step by step. Addison bit her lip. She had lied. Why had she lied back then? What was the reasoning behind it? Addison no longer had the answer ... "I'm asking you, why did you lie?" Lance's questioning persisted. Addison remained silent. "How can you talk to Addison like that?" Marilyn suddenly rose to her feet, cutting in. "She just saved my life, and you're treating her this way?" Lance's tone grew colder. "But how can she treat the Johnstons like that?" "That's the result of generations of hard work from the Johnstons ... " Lance's words faltered as if something heavy had suddenly pressed down on him, leaving him unable to finish. Addison lifted her gaze, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "I did lie. I owe the Johnstons an apology." Marilyn quickly waved her hands in response. "Addison, there's no need to apologize, really, no need." "You just need to spare the Johnstons ... " Marilyn began, but she was cut off as Addison spoke again."Even if I admit that I gave the authorization, Yarrow still won't help the Johnstons," Addison finished. Marilyn was speechless ... She had hoped Addison would show mercy to the Johnstons, but now the notion of the Yarrow's director cooperating with them seemed to vanish along with the words she couldn't say. "Addison ... " Lance raised an eyebrow. "What exactly are you implying?" "Implying? Mr. Johnston, don't you understand?" Their gazes met, and Lance could sense the challenge in her tone. "I don't understand." Lance responded slowly, each word deliberate. Though his tone was calm and courteous, trying to keep his temper in check, the hidden anger and sarcasm in his voice were impossible to miss. Addison disregarded the sarcasm in his tone. Without changing her expression, she continued, "Since Mr. Johnston is pretending not to understand, let me be more direct." "Who exactly is the Yarrow's director? I'm sure the Johnstons are more familiar with him than I am. I've only known him for a short while, but I've already figured out his personality. With your sharp observation, you must have a clearer understanding of his nature than I do." Her voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for everyone to hear. "He's nothing more than a profit-driven businessman." "The Johnstons no longer offer anything that would be of any use to Yarrow. Why would he choose to assist you?" "Is he supposed to do it for your sake?" Addison fixed her gaze on Lance as she spoke, her words leaving no room for misinterpretation. Right now, Lance had no more options, and the Johnstons were beyond saving. Hearing this, Lance clenched his teeth, his face darkening with frustration. So worthless! Overcome with emotion, he almost reached out to grab Addison, but she had already turned and walked away, leaving only her back to him. Gordon quickly followed behind, glancing over his shoulder at Lance to make sure he didn't get angry and try to hurt Addison. ... The black Maybach pulled away from the white building. Addison sat in the back seat, having escaped the suffocating atmosphere from before, but her pale face still showed her troubled state. Her thoughts were in turmoil. Up front, Gordon could feel the heavy tension in the car, sensing Addison's low mood. Gordon glanced at Addison's face in the rearview mirror before speaking up for the first time, "Is this really what you want to do?" Addison turned her gaze toward him at the sound of his voice. After a brief silence, she averted her eyes and stared out at the passing scenery. "Is that what you think? "You believe I'm making the wrong choice, don't you?" Addison gazed out the window, noticing the weather had shifted to overcast, with the sun obscured behind a blanket of grey clouds. It mirrored her current state of mind. The scenery outside felt dull, and her already low spirits sank even further. "I believe you made the right choice." Gordon's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing her attention. "You really think I made the right choice?" Addison's voice was filled with doubt. "Even if you gave this authorization to the Johnstons, it only proves that Lance wasn't lying. "But beyond that, what evidence does it provide? It proves absolutely nothing. Yarrow has no intention of working with the Johnstons." "Therefore, even if you confess today that you gave authorization to the Johnstons, it won't alter the outcome." "Don't hold yourself accountable," Gordon stated, enunciating each word with precision.It was unusual for Addison to hear him speak at such length, and she focused on his words before responding quietly, "Thank you, Gordon." In truth, Addison comprehended everything he had expressed. However, surrendering her connection to the Johnstons was something she wasn't ready for. Even though she had braced herself countless times mentally, the reality of carrying it out was far more challenging than she had envisioned.