Virginia was the first to react, her face lighting up with unmistakable joy. "Marilyn, what did you just say?" As she absorbed the news, the trace of sorrow on her face melted away, replaced by sheer happiness. Virginia raised an eyebrow, relieved that Addison seemed to have some decency, not leaving the Johnstons in their dire straits. Yet, she smirked inwardly. Addison had not really gained anything by helping the Johnstons. She was certain that Lance would not marry Addison just for her actions; he would marry her instead! If Addison thought authorizing Marilyn was a ticket back into the family, she was sorely mistaken. Virginia glanced at Lance, but instead of happiness, his face showed seriousness and a hint of displeasure. Puzzled by his reaction, Virginia's frown was fleeting before she managed to smile again. "Lance, aren't you glad? With this authorization, your family can finally escape their troubles!" Lance remained silent. An annoyed voice interrupted, "What does our situation have to do with you?" "I ... " Virginia hesitated, fumbling with the hem of her skirt, her words trailing off awkwardly. After all, she was set to marry into the Johnston family; how could their affairs not concern her? She knew Marilyn did not want her to join the family. Despite the celebratory news, Virginia did not want to stir up trouble or risk Marilyn's wrath. Seeing Virginia's hesitant and timid manner, Marilyn's eyes flashed with displeasure. How could someone so meek and insignificant be right for Lance? A strong objection surged in her heart, prompting her to disregard Virginia altogether. Yet, Virginia was not upset. Her smile remained intact, silently relieved she had not abandoned the Johnstons when she had the chance. Leaving them might have meant never being able to return."Lance, did you hear that? Marilyn got the authorization," Virginia exclaimed as she quickly approached Lance, grabbing his sleeve in excitement. Lance, who had just helped Steven to the couch, turned to Marilyn, his voice steady, "Addison agreed to give you the authorization, huh?" He showed no signs of excitement. Marilyn nodded in confirmation. Lance narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, seemingly deep in thought. Just then, an exuberant old voice broke the silence, "Really? That's fantastic! The family is saved!" This burst of energy was a departure from his usual dignified demeanor. Steven, who had seemed frail and shaky, now stood up, his face showing a renewed vigor and a hint of redness from excitement, in sharp contrast to Lance's stoic expression. "Dad, please sit down," Marilyn urged, walking over to help the visibly thrilled Steven back into his seat. "Addison is so kind-hearted. You publicly embarrassed her at that banquet, leaving her humiliated," Marilyn reminded everyone. "Yet, she chose to rise above it and granted us the authorization, showing grace that few others would have. "If it were someone else, they might not have been as generous as Addison in granting the authorization to us," Marilyn remarked, casting a meaningful look at Virginia. Virginia caught the look, and her brows knitted together. Was Marilyn referring to her? Had she ever been that petty? Steven stroked his beard, his voice filled with remorse, "I remember now. We really did wrong Addison back then ... " "Addison has always been kind-hearted. Even when you were ill, she never left your side," he reminisced about the times Addison had stayed with them at the Johnston Residence. "Yes, and despite everything she's done for us, we drove her out. I feel ashamed just thinking about it," Marilyn added, her expression one of guilt. Yet, Lance seemed detached from the conversation, his concern elsewhere as he furrowed his brows and asked pointedly, "What did you exchange for the authorization?" Marilyn blinked, not quite grasping Lance's intent."What did you give in exchange for the authorization from Addison?" Lance repeated his question more directly. "She wouldn't just give the authorization to Johnston for nothing." What does Lance think of Addison? Does he believe Addison had ulterior motives in granting the authorization? Marilyn was so upset she remained silent, but Virginia was quick to speak up, "Is Addison only agreeing to authorize because of Lance? "Is she using this as leverage to avoid a divorce?" Lance's eyes narrowed. "Addison didn't ask for anything!" Marilyn shot Virginia a disdainful look. "Really, she didn't demand anything at all?" Lance was still skeptical. Marilyn frowned and added, "I initially thought Addison wouldn't agree, so I was going to ask her for a brooch ... " She still felt that the brooch was very similar to one at Johnston. "But Addison decided to give the authorization to us and kept the brooch for herself." "A brooch? What brooch?" Lance quickly latched onto the mention of the brooch. "Oh," Marilyn hesitated, not wanting to continue. She knew that mentioning the brooch would inevitably bring up Harvey and the strained relationship between the brothers. Since Harvey's death, Marilyn had hoped Lance's resentment might fade and that he would start to recall his brother's better qualities. Yet, contrary to her hopes, Lance's animosity seemed only to grow, a development she found deeply troubling. Marilyn tried to shift the conversation. "Dad, it's getting late. Let me help you to bed?" However, Lance was not ready to drop the subject. He persisted, "What brooch were you talking about?" Marilyn remained silent. The standoff continued. Suddenly, the sound of a cane striking the ground broke the tense silence. "Regardless of whether Addison requested anything in return for the authorization, she remains a benefactor to our family!"Her willingness to grant the authorization is an honor for our family! "Why are you concerned about whether she took something in exchange?" Steven grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, his cane tapping the ground more rapidly. Each tap echoed as if striking directly on Lance's heart; he stayed quiet, his lips tightly pressed. "You should take Addison out to dine alone tomorrow and properly express our gratitude." The Johnstons pride themselves on valuing loyalty. Addison's assistance during our difficult times deserves sincere appreciation. Not to mention, Addison is also one of them. "What?" Virginia's eyes widened, her voice inadvertently loud. Steven was suggesting Lance invite Addison to dine alone? How could that be acceptable? That minx would surely cling to Lance! She could not let that happen. Hearing Virginia's loud reaction, Steven gave her a stern look. "Did you hear what I said?" he directed his question to the quiet Lance. Lance's demeanor remained detached, his eyes cold and deep.