"The Johnstons is, after all, the largest pharmaceutical company in Halton," Gordon remarked in a composed tone. This offhand comment deepened Addison's already heavy heart. She couldn't resist a self-deprecating laugh as she muttered, "If you were part of the Johnstons, you'd surely despise me, wouldn't you? "Having the ability to save the Johnstons but standing by as they crumble ... " And to make matters worse, she was the so-called daughter-in-law of the Johnstons—how utterly ironic. "You're not wrong," Gordon replied seriously, noticing how burdened Addison still seemed. "Don't be too hard on yourself." "Really?" Addison's voice trembled slightly as if she were speaking more to herself than to Gordon. Though the question was directed at him, it felt like she was searching for her own answer. Her emotions surged and swirled—one moment icy, the next burning—leaving her unable to grasp her true feelings. Outside, the car sped forward, the scenery blurring past. Before long, they reached the gates of Pendomium Heights. Addison glanced out the window and noticed that the weather had shifted from gloomy to bright. The once shadowed sky now stretched clear and blue, completely free of clouds and radiating a serene clarity. Addison stepped out of the car, her movements unhurried. "The weather's beautiful now," she murmured, as a gentle breeze caressed her face, carrying with it a soothing freshness. She inhaled deeply before speaking again. "Gordon, you should head back." Her tone was calm but firm. "Come by tomorrow to take me to the lab." Gordon's gaze lingered on her, his rugged features betraying a flicker of unease. There was a glint of concern in his eyes, as though he was silently questioning whether she was truly okay. Addison gave a faint smile. "You don't need to look at me like that," she said. "I'm just feeling a bit lost right now, but everything else is fine. You can go without worrying."Gordon gave a nod of understanding. As his figure vanished from view, Addison steadied herself, trying to push aside the events that had just unfolded. With measured steps, she made her way back toward the mansion. Before Addison could grab her keys from her bag, a pair of hands suddenly reached out, interrupting her. Startled, she recoiled, her voice rising as she shouted, "Who's there?!" There was no response. As soon as her words faded, a figure darted past her, moving with quick, fluid motions. In mere seconds, the person was captured. Addison furrowed her brows, quickly collecting her thoughts as she looked up. To her surprise, Gordon was holding down a slightly smaller woman. Hadn't she just told him to leave? How was he still here? Had he never left at all? The woman in Gordon's grip suddenly began to struggle, and the sound of her movements snapped Addison back to reality. She squinted, her gaze sharpening as she took in the person's face. Shock spread across her features. "Marilyn?" "Why did you follow us?" Seeing it was Marilyn in Gordon's hold, Addison frowned and immediately gestured for him to let go. "Release Marilyn!" At her command, Gordon loosened his grip. Addison swiftly caught Marilyn as she stumbled, supporting her, before glancing over her shoulder. "Did Lance not come with you?" She couldn't believe that Marilyn had come alone; Lance must have been with her. With that thought, she turned her attention to the space behind Marilyn, but all she saw was a car parked at a distance. It was too far for her to make out the license plate, but she could tell it wasn't the car Lance usually drove. Marilyn suddenly clutched the edge of Addison's dress, her voice soft but clear. "Lance didn't come. I came alone." Addison snapped back to reality, her eyes locking on Marilyn as she asked, "You really came by yourself?" Marilyn nodded affirmatively. Addison's eyes widened in disbelief. After Marilyn had just recovered, Lance actually allowed her to come all the way here alone? Was he really that unconcerned? "Lance didn't want me to come, so I came on my own," Marilyn said softly. "Addison, I didn't give you a heads-up before coming to find you ... are you upset with me?" "I ... " Before Addison could finish speaking, Marilyn suddenly seemed to lose her balance. "Marilyn!" Addison quickly stepped forward, supporting her to prevent her from falling. Marilyn rested her head against her hand, her voice faint. "I'm sorry ... I haven't fully recovered yet, so I'm still a bit unsteady." "You're still too weak," Addison said with concern. "You just got through something so serious. Instead of resting properly, you come all the way here to find me. Isn't that reckless?" The latter part of her sentence already carried a touch of reproach. Noticing Addison's growing frustration, Marilyn quickly tried to clarify. "Addison ... I just wanted to talk about the Johnstons ... I couldn't wait any longer. I was feeling anxious." "Please don't be mad ... " Marilyn's legs wobbled, and it seemed like she could barely stand on her own. At that moment, her weakness was so apparent that if Addison let go, she would undoubtedly fall. Seeing Marilyn's frail state, Addison couldn't bring herself to be harsh, despite the anger bubbling inside her. As she noticed how much thinner Marilyn had become, a wave of frustration and sympathy washed over her. After a brief pause, she relented, "If you have something to discuss, come inside and sit down first." After all, Marilyn's health had to come first. "Gordon, help her inside," Addison called to him. The two of them carefully helped Marilyn inside, one supporting her on each side. As soon as they entered, Addison quickly stepped away to search for the medicine Marilyn typically took. Meanwhile, Gordon carefully helped Marilyn sit down, his movements somewhat stiff. Although Marilyn had shown signs of improvement, it was still best to give her some medication to help stabilize her condition further. Addison hurried upstairs to her bedroom and began searching through the drawer for the pills Marilyn usually used, but they weren't there. Addison frowned, puzzled. She distinctly remembered placing the medication there, so how could it be gone? She quickly descended to the study on the lower floor and began looking around but still found nothing. As she searched through the clutter, a cardboard box was knocked over, causing its contents to spill out. Addison immediately crouched down, trying to gather everything back in order. Among the scattered items were various old possessions. Addison picked them up one by one—books, keychains, train tickets, and other small trinkets. These were all remnants from her time spent studying abroad. As she continued to sift through the items, a small object caught Addison's attention. It was a black wooden box, intricately carved with bamboo designs. The box had yellowed with age, and images of mountains, water, and poetry adorned its surface. Addison's breath caught in her throat. She carefully lifted the lid, revealing a piece of soft cotton paper wrapped around a beautifully crafted brooch. This was the brooch Harvey had given her. "Addison, what are you searching for?" Marilyn asked, unable to stay calm as she watched Addison pace back and forth. She couldn't sit still, the situation at the Johnstons pressing on her mind. Addison paused, still holding the brooch, and replied, "I'm looking for the medicine you usually take, but I can't seem to remember where I put it." Marilyn spoke softly, "It's still at Johnston Residence. Don't worry about it. When I return, I'll take it," she said as she tried to stand up. Seeing Marilyn attempt to stand, Addison quickly rushed over, still holding the brooch in her hand, to support her. "Please sit down. I won't keep looking," she said urgently.Marilyn settled back down. "Addison, are you really refusing to help with the Johnstons matter?" She asked gently. Addison pressed her lips together, her thoughts weighing heavily. "If we're going to discuss that, there's no need to bring it up again," she said quietly, her resolve firm. Thud. Marilyn suddenly dropped to her knees, as tears streamed down her face. "Marilyn, what are you doing?" Addison's eyes widened in shock.