Addison approached Robert Parker, the Johnstons' private doctor, repeating in a strained voice, "He won't make it through tonight?" Robert glanced at her with a heavy heart. He sighed and shook his head. "We've done everything we could, but Mr. Steven's condition ... his body just can't hold on." Lance's expression shifted dramatically. His usually composed demeanor cracked, and his eyes turned bloodshot as the weight of the news hit him. Without hesitation, he stormed toward Robert, grabbing the doctor's collar and tightening his grip. A menacing intensity burned in Lance's eyes. Robert froze as Lance suddenly advanced on him. His grip was like iron, and Robert's collar twisted tightly in his hands, cutting off Robert's air. Robert felt a bit suffocated. "Mr. Johnston ... " His voice quivered with fear, his body trembling. Lance's grip tightened further, his scarlet-tinged eyes glaring down at him. "What's the point of keeping worthless people like you around? At any cost—save him!" Robert's face drained of color, terror overtaking him as he felt utterly powerless under Lance's domineering presence. At that moment, he likened Lance to a demon, one who could crush him with a single step. "I'll ... go ... save ... Mr. Steven ... now," Robert stammered, struggling to speak as the pressure on his neck hindered his blood flow. His voice faltered, barely audible. Lance's sharp gaze remained fixed on him, his hand only loosening after Robert managed to choke out his response. Gasping desperately for air, Robert collapsed to the ground, clutching his throat. He looked as if he might suffocate any second. "Get moving!" Lance's cold command sliced through the air, leaving no room for argument. "I-I'll go now," Robert stammered, stumbling to his feet and rushing back to the operating room. The fear that lingered in him propelled his hurried steps. The operating room lights flickered back on. Addison stood nearby, silently observing the intense scene that had just unfolded. A complicated mix of emotions churned within her—shock, unease, and guilt. The accident that had befallen Steven left her shaken as well. She didn't want him to die. His death would bring her no gain, only a heavy burden of remorse. She had once promised to look after Harvey's family, but now she couldn't even ensure their safety. Harvey's memory weighed heavily on her. Yet, unlike Lance, she held herself together, her emotions carefully contained. Addison turned to Lance and said, "Intimidating the doctor won't accomplish anything. "All you're doing is instilling fear in him, which will only destabilize him emotionally. That's hardly conducive to performing a critical surgery." Lance rubbed his wrist, his tone icy. "It has nothing to do with you." "You don't need to interfere," he added, his hand diving into his coat pocket in search of a cigarette. After a few moments of fumbling, he realized he had none. Frustration surged within him, his composure crumbling. In a sudden outburst, he kicked a nearby trash can, sending it clattering loudly across the ground. Addison initially felt a flicker of anger at his dismissive response but quickly swallowed it. Watching the overturned trash can in the distance, she exhaled slowly, choosing not to stoop to his level. Without another word, she strode toward the operating room. Her hand was just inches from the cold steel door handle when someone stopped her. "Miss, I'm sorry. The surgery is still ongoing. You can't go in," the man said nervously. Addison raised an eyebrow. "Didn't the doctor just finish the procedure?" The man hesitated before answering in a low voice, "Mr. Johnston ordered Dr. Parker to continue trying to save him." Even though Robert was fully aware that trying to save Steven was futile, he had no choice but to comply. Lance had issued a direct order, and judging by the look in his eyes, defying him could mean instant death. Left with no alternative, Robert reluctantly went through the motions. Addison could read the man's thoughts as clearly as if they were written on his face. Raising an eyebrow, she questioned him sharply, "Do you think Dr. Parker can save him now?" Her piercing gaze seemed to cut straight to the man's core.He hesitated, his voice shaky as he replied, "These ... these are Mr. Johnston's instructions. We don't dare defy him. Please, don't make things harder for us." Addison pursed her lips. She didn't want to make trouble for someone who was already living under Lance's oppressive rule. Seeing the man's nervous expression, she relented, stepping back and deciding not to push further. "Thank you," he stammered, bowing repeatedly. "It's fine," Addison said with a wave. With no way to get inside, Addison could only linger outside, waiting anxiously. Time dragged on, but Robert still hadn't emerged. What was happening in the operating room? Addison's nerves were on edge as she cast a glance at Lance. Seated on a small chair in the hospital corridor, his tall frame seemed awkwardly out of place, as though he didn't belong there. Yet, he seemed unaware of that. He sat in silence, staring at the falling leaves outside the window, his thoughts far away. However, his tightly clenched fists betrayed the storm brewing within him. Addison pursed her lips and moved toward him, stopping a few steps away. "Have you informed your mother? "No," he answered weakly, as though drained of energy. Marilyn's health was already compromised, and the news of Steven's condition could potentially worsen her condition. Lance wanted to avoid putting her through that. Addison studied his somber expression, her heart filled with comforting words she couldn't bring herself to say. Those words remained stuck in her throat. Instead, she stayed quiet and turned her gaze to the falling leaves, mirroring him. The warm glow of the setting sun poured over them, casting shadows of stillness as they sat and stood silently. Suddenly, the creak of a door breaking the quiet made them both turn. Lance's attention snapped to Robert, who was approaching with slow, heavy steps. Robert's expression told him everything he needed to know. In an instant, Lance rose to his feet and strode toward him. Robert instinctively backed away, but Lance closed the distance too quickly.Without hesitation, Lance kicked him hard, sending him sprawling to the ground. Robert struggled to rise, but Lance pressed a foot against his chest, pinning him down. Dust from Lance's shoe smeared the once-clean white coat Robert wore. As Lance prepared to strike again, Addison's pulse quickened. Her lashes fluttered lightly as she rushed forward and seized his hand just in time. "Lance, calm down!" "Calm down? How can I calm down?" Lance roared, his voice filled with rage. "Why should I? I don't need people who can't do their job! What's the point of keeping them if they can't even save a single life?" His anger was escalating, and Addison knew she had to act fast. Summoning her courage, she raised her voice, her tone firm and resolute. "I can save Mr. Steven!" At her words, Lance froze. His tense body relaxed as he turned to look at her, his voice filled with a mix of doubt and hope. "You can save Grandpa?"