Addison's eyelashes fluttered at his words, but she remained silent. The housekeeper, sensing her quietness, stepped forward, taking the coat Addison had just removed and placing it in the dry-cleaning room next to the storage closet. "Why the silence?" Leon asked, studying her closely. Addison gave a faint smile at her uncle's persistence. "I'll go back with you to the family once you're done with your work here. How does that sound?" She hadn't been to the family's place in years, and the thought of it stirred a mix of hesitation and nostalgia inside her. Besides, the latest research in the lab was being led by Ryan, and this was his first big project. She couldn't help but feel uneasy, wondering if everything would go smoothly. Because of all this, she didn't immediately respond to Leon's suggestion. Leon's face brightened at her words. He grinned. "Great! It's settled then. As soon as I'm finished here in Halton, we'll head back to the Daves'." "Sounds good," Addison said, half teasing, half urging Leon to sit down. "Now, eat. You must be tired after today's surgery. After dinner, you should rest." Leon nodded and sat down. The housekeeper, thinking the villa had only one occupant, had set one place at the table. When she saw more guests, she hurried to the kitchen to get another set of dishes. "Thank you," Leon said as the housekeeper placed the extra dishes on the table. Addison, setting some food in his bowl, spoke. "About Steven ... " "Mm?" Addison looked up, unsure of what Leon was going to say. "Do you need me to ask your grandfather for help?" Leon asked seriously. He knew he couldn't treat Steven's illness. Only Addison's grandfather had the skill to offer any hope. Leon also realized how hard it would be for Addison to approach her grandfather after three years. He concluded that it would be more convenient for him to handle it on her behalf, thereby preventing any discomfort for her. "What?" Addison's fork nearly slipped from her hand in surprise. She quickly swallowed, choking slightly. "Take your time," Leon said, signaling the housekeeper to bring her a glass of cool tea. Addison took the tea, sipped it slowly, and tried to steady her breathing before she spoke. "No, no, it's alright." She was worried that Leon might once again act on his own and handle the Johnston family problems for her. "Are you sure?" Leon asked, his eyes full of doubt. "You don't need to worry about troubling me. I can handle this. It's not a big deal." "No, thank you," Addison said quickly, shaking her head. "Actually, I wasn't planning to get involved with the Johnstons. If Lance can find Grandpa and convince him to treat Steven, then that's his success." "If he can't find Grandpa or persuade him, that's the Johnstons' misfortune. Either way, it's fate. I won't interfere." Addison's voice remained steady, calm. "Angel, is this really how you feel?" Leon asked, his voice softening as a smile spread across his face. "Yes, really," Addison replied, giving a small nod. "Perfect. This is something Lance needs to handle himself. He can't keep relying on you," Leon said, clearly pleased with her response. At first, he hadn't been impressed by the meal. But hearing Addison's words made everything taste better. He even helped himself to a second bowl. ... Virginia stood alone on the freezing street, watching the car drive off. She clenched her teeth, feeling the weight of despair settle over her. She thought she might collapse right there in the street, the cold creeping into her bones. But just as she was about to give up, the car came to a halt. Her mood shifted instantly. It seemed Lance hadn't completely ignored her, after all. Maybe he couldn't just leave her in her fragile state. Virginia tried to move toward the car, but her legs felt weak and uncooperative.She had been wearing a violet dress and a wool coat. Inside, she hadn't felt the chill, but stepping outside had made her realize how cold it really was. Then, just as she neared the car, it started moving again, pulling away from her. Virginia froze, staring in disbelief as the car disappeared into the distance. It took her a moment to fully process what had just happened. What did Lance mean by that? Had he done it on purpose? There was no need to be so cruel. Virginia felt like a clown. A surge of anger rose inside her, and she could feel her face flush with humiliation. It was Addison's fault. If it weren't for her, she wouldn't be stuck in this situation. Without Addison, she would have been the lady of the Johnstons by now, sitting on a fortune. She would have had the freedom to purchase anything she desired and live as she pleased. Instead, she found herself frozen in the cold, barely able to stand, and on the verge of fainting. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She wanted to drag Addison out of whatever hole she was hiding in and tear her apart. Shrouded in misery and bitterness, Virginia made her way back to the apartment. Francesca heard the doorbell and rushed to answer. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Virginia, her body radiating cold. Francesca quickly pulled her inside. "Ms. Dolton, what happened?" she asked, her voice filled with concern as she turned up the thermostat. "It's nothing," Virginia replied, brushing it off. She didn't want anyone to see her in such a state, not even the housekeeper. "This does not look like nothing," Francesca said, noticing how Virginia was still trembling. She quickly grabbed two blankets and draped them over Virginia's shoulders. "I'll make a hot bath for you. You should soak for a while to warm up," Francesca suggested kindly. Virginia gave a slight nod.Francesca hurried to the bathroom, confused by Ms. Dolton's condition. What could have caused her to be this cold? She's practically freezing. Should she tell Mr. Johnston? Francesca hesitated, uncertain. Mr. Johnston had always told her to report any health issues concerning Ms. Dolton to him immediately. "Ms. Dolton, the bath is ready. You should get in," Francesca said, her tone unsure, as she stepped out of the bathroom. "I'll make you some tea. You don't want to catch a cold." Virginia remained silent. She undressed and stepped into the tub. As the hot water surrounded her, a sense of warmth slowly spread through her body. For the first time, she felt alive again. Sitting in the water, she began to calm down, but the anger inside her was as fierce as ever. She had to make Addison suffer the way she had! She would not let this wrong go unpunished. With that thought, Virginia called out to Francesca and asked for the phone. She quickly scrolled through her contacts, landing on one name. The owner of the number had once repelled her completely, but in this moment, that feeling seemed distant. She called him. "Mr. Jordan?" she asked when the call was picked up. Troy's voice came through, cool but tinged with a trace of amusement. "Well, well, what a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure, princess?" Virginia didn't waste time with pleasantries. "Mr. Jordan, I need a favor." "A favor?" Troy chuckled darkly. "Of course, nothing's free." "I'm prepared to pay," Virginia said, her voice steady, the steam from the bath swirling around her, making her form blurry. "Alright, what do you need?" Troy's tone brightened. "I need someone kidnapped."