Marilyn was shocked. "Addison, could you repeat that?" "I'm ready to give you the authorization to help you navigate this crisis," Addison declared calmly, looking directly at Marilyn. "Really?" Marilyn's voice, usually so composed, now trembled with excitement and anticipation. "Yes." After Addison's cool response, she glanced at the brooch clutched in Marilyn's hand. "I will give you the company, but I'd like the brooch back, please." Marilyn had been so thrilled earlier that she had forgotten she was still holding onto the brooch. "Addison, you want this brooch?" Is Addison really prepared to assist the Johnstons just for this brooch? Did I misunderstand something? Marilyn studied Addison with a wary, questioning look. Despite her reservations, Addison had just committed to supporting the Johnstons through their ordeal, prompting only mild curiosity from Marilyn. "Yes." Addison nodded, extending her hand to retrieve the brooch. However, she paused mid-motion, halted by Marilyn's stare. "Marilyn, is something the matter?" Marilyn shook her head quickly. "No, no," she muttered, then looked down at the brooch again. With resolve, she passed the brooch to Addison. After all, the brooch was Addison's to claim. Although Marilyn desired it, she recognized she could not take what wasn't hers. Moreover, when choosing between the family's interests and the brooch, the latter had always been a fallback. Marilyn clearly knew her priorities. So, she handed the brooch directly to Addison. Addison looked down and accepted the brooch. She knew what was on Marilyn's mind and decided to be upfront. "Marilyn, I bought this brooch at a high price, so it holds special meaning for me. I need to keep it."Otherwise, I would have definitely given it to you." "No need, no need. It's yours after all," Marilyn responded, showing gratitude. "Thank you, Addison! "You've been a great help to the Johnstons!" Addison modestly replied, "I didn't do much." She just hoped that Lance would just stop causing trouble. "You should head out now. It's getting late, and it's not safe for the driver on the road at this hour." Marilyn agreed quickly, "Okay, okay." She grabbed her bag and dabbed at some half-dried tears with a tissue. "Addison, I'm leaving now." Addison nodded. "Take care." As she was about to leave, Marilyn turned back, her voice hesitant. "Addison, I ... " "What is it?" Addison encouraged, pausing to stand up again as she heard Marilyn's hesitant voice. "Could you write me an authorization letter now? I didn't get one, so I feel a little anxious," Marilyn said humbly. Addison frowned slightly. "Right now?" Marilyn's urgency for the authorization letter struck her as sudden, but then she realized the importance of the matter for the Johnstons. Marilyn nodded. "Is it possible?" Addison considered briefly. "Yes, but I don't have the letter here. I need to go to Dr. Nancy's lab to get it. It'll take some time." Marilyn nodded eagerly. "That's okay. I don't mind waiting." She just wanted to be sure. "Okay, I'll send Gordon to Dr. Nancy's lab." Addison turned to Gordon, "Could you head to the lab and fetch an authorization letter? It's in Dr. Daves's sealed box." Gordon stood motionless."Hmm?" Addison raised an eyebrow. Realizing that Gordon was not familiar with the lab's layout, she said, "I'll have Ryan handle it." Despite it being late and her reluctance to disturb Ryan, there seemed to be no other option. ... Ryan arrived swiftly at Pendomium Heights with the authorization letter. He entered, wearing a dusty black coat and carrying a thin file bag. "Doctor ... " he began, but Addison quickly approached him and took the letter. Marilyn observed the young man who had just arrived. With a quick blink, Addison signaled Ryan, who immediately caught on, realizing he had almost slipped up. He looked at Marilyn and corrected himself, "I've brought the authorization letter for you." Clearing his throat as if to reinforce his point, he continued, "Please don't ask me to do this again. I'm at the lab to learn from Dr. Nancy, not to run errands for you." Addison lifted her head to look at him. Then, she caught his drift and responded, "Understood. Next time, you can come to me if you need anything. We're all part of Dr. Nancy's team; we should be helping each other out." "Yes, yes, helping each other," Marilyn quickly added, attempting to smooth things over for Addison. She was the reason Addison had to request the authorization letter today, which had evidently ruffled some feathers among her colleagues. Trying to downplay his frustration, Ryan remarked, "Just this once. This isn't setting a precedent." "Okay." Ryan then found a chair and sat down, making himself comfortable. Addison pulled out the authorization letter from the file bag and glanced casually at Ryan sitting beside her. "Would you like some tea?" Before she could finish, she blinked, noticing the pure black leather jacket he wore under his coat.Why did it look like there was blood inside that jacket? She squinted, trying to discern if there were bloodstains on his jacket. However, Ryan seemed to catch her gaze and quickly adjusted his coat to cover the jacket more thoroughly. "Addison, what are you looking at?" Marilyn's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Oh, nothing, I'll just help you stamp Dr. Nancy's seal." Addison unfolded the authorization letter, took out a red seal from the cabinet, and pressed it smoothly without hesitation. "Here you go." Marilyn took the sealed letter and thanked her repeatedly, "Addison, thank you." "No problem," Addison waved her off. She had heard Marilyn's thanks numerous times throughout the day. Later that evening at the Johnston Residence, the atmosphere was tense and foreboding as if a storm was brewing. Marilyn stepped out of her car, holding the authorization letter, and walked slowly into the house. Upon entering, she spotted a delicate figure inside. She frowned and questioned the woman, "Who let you in?" Virginia turned around unhappily. Recognizing Marilyn, she tried to temper her frustration, "I came to help out." "We don't need your help," Marilyn said coldly, her tone unwelcoming. What does Marilyn mean by that? "Your family is on the verge of bankruptcy." Virginia figured her offer to help was already generous. So, how could this old hag dismiss her help, acting all high and mighty? "Who said we are going bankrupt?" Marilyn frowned. Right then, Lance helped Steven walk in from outside.Steven was using a cane, sounding frustrated, "Marilyn, how can you argue with Addison right at the door of Yarrow without getting your facts straight? "Even if we are facing bankruptcy, we must maintain our dignity," he added, punctuating his words with a heavy tap of his cane on the floor. Seeing the two enter, Virginia stood by with a look of innocence and approval. "I've got the authorization letter," Marilyn suddenly announced. "Tomorrow, I can get the Levosulin supply chain running smoothly." Upon hearing this, Steven, who had just lifted his cane to scold Marilyn, dropped it. What?