Virginia stood quietly behind Lance. A mocking sneer tugged at her lips when she listened to Addison's resolute tone. She doesn't need it, huh? Her words sounded firm, but isn't she secretly hoping that Lance would insist on buying her a meal? Despite Addison's harsh attitude and cutting remarks, Lance didn't seem to be offended at all. Instead, his voice remained calm. "It's the Johnstons' etiquette." "The Johnstons' etiquette? When have the Johnstons ever cared about manners?" Addison waved dismissively. "I've got experiments to run for Dr. Nancy. If there's nothing else, you can leave now." Lance fixed his gaze on her. "Beyond etiquette, the Johnstons want to restore your reputation." The words hung in the air. He had previously misunderstood her due to his tendency to draw conclusions without allowing her to provide an explanation. He now realized how deeply it must have hurt her. Moreover, Lance had observed her more closely over the past few days. Addison was a fiercely strong woman, and he wanted to at least apologize to her. She was sometimes confrontational, sometimes weak, and occasionally protesting. She resisted helping the Johnstons and even claimed she wanted to see its downfall. Yet, when it truly mattered, she softened, granting the authorization when they desperately needed it. For the first time, Lance saw how alive she was. She used to be meek, obedient, and selfless, always prioritizing the Johnstons. Now she could be gentle or furious, reserved or bold, all depending on her mood. Lance Johnston has never paid much attention to Addison's personality. After so much experience, the woman's every move seemed dynamic and eye-catching, making her stand out. Yes, her liveliness made her stand out, so much so that Lance couldn't ignore it, even if he wanted to. "If you need it, the Johnstons can hold a public banquet to formally apologize to you," he offered sincerely. Addison raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sardonic smile. "No need." Her tone remained light, but the rejection was absolute. She didn't want a public apology. She didn't care for such gestures. "What's done is done. Do you think restoring my reputation matters anymore?"Lance frowned, his eyes darkening with unspoken thoughts. "Don't you want to clear your reputation?" "Those who are innocent don't require others to prove it. Besides, I couldn't care less about how the so-called upper class views me," Addison responded calmly. Ryan, who was standing quietly nearby, was momentarily stunned by Addison's words. Then, a small smile formed on his lips. Dr. Daves is fearless about public judgment. This is the woman I admire. However, Lance was less amused. His brows furrowed further, and his piercing gaze grew even more intense. "Well, Ms. Daves, you certainly have a lot of nerve," came a sharp, cutting voice. Virginia had been holding back for too long, and Addison's words finally pushed her over the edge. "Don't care, you say? Do you know what your status is now? Everything you do reflects on the Johnstons! Do you think you can simply dismiss it all? "And don't think for a second that being Dr. Nancy's assistant makes you something special. Stop flaunting it like it's a badge of honor." Ryan's eyes widened, a sharp glint flashing within them. This woman said that Dr. Daves is just Dr. Nancy's assistant?! "I'm flaunting?!" Addison echoed, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Ms. Dolton, you're trying to show off your power, right? "I've never claimed being Dr. Nancy's assistant was extraordinary, but I think you are even more extraordinary compared to me," she added with deliberate ease, her tone laced with subtle mockery. "Oh," Virginia's expression shifted slightly. "Am I more extraordinary?" Hearing Addison's words, the anger in Virginia's eyes lessened somewhat. Well, at least she knows how to recognize talent. However, the mocking glint in Addison's gaze only deepened as she watched Virginia's reaction. When Virginia caught the disdain in Addison's eyes, her heart sank. Realization struck her like a slap to the face. Addison was mocking her. "You!" Virginia's voice trembled with rage, her entire demeanor on the verge of exploding.Meanwhile, Addison remained cold and unbothered, her composed demeanor forming a sharp contrast to Virginia's fury. "Get out." A low and commanding voice cut through the tension. Virginia turned and locked eyes with Lance's cold stare. She shivered. In her earlier fit of anger, she had completely disregarded his warning. "Are you telling me to leave?" she muttered, disbelief flashing across her face. She hadn't followed Lance's instructions, sure, but was that enough for him to throw her out? "Yes, get out," Lance repeated, his tone devoid of emotion. When Lance said something twice, there was no need for a third time. Virginia's frustration finally boiled over. She had lost count of how many times Lance had sided with Addison against her. Addison stood back, letting the two confront each other. For some reason, she sensed a scorching inferno between them. "Fine," Virginia snapped, her voice tight with suppressed anger. Then, she turned and stormed out, leaving only the resolute outline of her retreating figure. Addison raised an eyebrow. Virginia's abrupt departure genuinely caught her off guard. She hadn't clung to Lance or tried to coax him as she usually would. Instead, she simply walked away. "Your precious woman has left. Aren't you going to chase after her?" Addison asked lightly, picking up her lab equipment as though the drama had been a passing breeze. It was obvious that Virginia had stormed off in anger because of Lance's words. If anything, now would be the time for him to go after her. Yet, Lance showed no inclination to move. His face was devoid of emotion when he returned to the topic at hand. "Would you consider allowing the Johnstons to restore your reputation?" Addison chuckled softly, finding the situation amusing. "Your beloved has just fled in tears, yet here you are, discussing the possibility of clearing my name. Why? Do you even mean it, Lance?" Her lips pressed into a thin line. Once, he hated her. Now, he was desperate to set things right. "I mean every word," Lance replied earnestly. "Are you doing this because I'm Dr. Nancy's assistant?" Addison asked, tilting her head. "If so, you don't need to worry. I'm not that petty. Even if the Johnstons wronged me in the past, I've let it go. When it comes to medicine, I treat everyone equally. You don't need to treat me any differently."Her tone carried a knowing air as if she had already deciphered his motivations. Lance's brow furrowed. "The Johnstons don't stoop to currying favor. You've been with us long enough to know our character." Just then, a sharp voice broke through the conversation. "The Johnstons' character? Are you referring to the integrity of publicly kicking your granddaughter-in-law out of the family? What an excellent display of moral character!" It was Ryan, his tone dripping with scorn. The man who was usually calm and composed now wore an uncharacteristically harsh expression. "And by the way, Dr. Nancy's lab isn't someplace where just anyone can come and go. Ms. Daves has already made it clear that you're not welcome. Please leave." Lance turned his piercing gaze toward Ryan, his expression unreadable. "It's you again, huh?"