With her experience from the last time, Addison stepped back just in time to avoid Virginia's grasp. Calmly, she reminded her, "There's a camera at my door." It seemed that she didn't learn her lesson last time. Virginia looked up in panic, spotting the glaring camera, and she quickly withdrew her hand. "Just wait!" Addison wouldn't be getting a single thing from the Johnstons! Let's go. Virginia spun around and stormed off, the sharp clack of her heels punctuating her frustration as her bodyguard hurried after her, umbrella in hand. "Bye," Addison said calmly, watching Virginia angrily slip into the car. She turned to head back inside. It was then that she noticed the divorce papers lying on the ground. With a slight raise of her brow, she bent down, picked them up, and casually placed them on the entryway counter. She was so angry she forgot to take the agreement with her. Addison straightened her clothes and put on some makeup. She picked out a brighter lipstick color and slowly applied it to her lips. For the past three years, she had always chosen softer, more subtle tones. The sudden switch to such a striking red felt unfamiliar. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Her features were refined and elegant, and the bold red lips, paired with her bright, captivating eyes, created a look entirely different from her usual gentle style. Satisfied, Addison nodded of approval to her reflection. "Are you there yet?" Keith's message popped up. "Not yet, I haven't even left," Addison replied. Thanks to Virginia, I'm probably going to be late. "The invitation is at your door. Don't forget to grab it." Just as she read the message, the doorbell rang. She opened the door to receive a package. Inside was an invitation—lavishly designed, with "Raven Company" embossed on the cover. "Use my identity to get in. It's best not to reveal yours." Keith had sent her this message earlier that morning. There was a pharmaceutical conference held in Halton today, and because she was planning to resume work, she had to go and take a look. It had been three years since she'd been back to the company, and although she'd been reading all the latest medical journals, she wanted to see for herself how Halton's pharmaceutical companies were doing. After all, you can't beat someone at their own game if you don't know how they play. Just as she was about to leave, Virginia interrupted her. But watching Virginia leave in frustration had left Addison in a surprisingly good mood. She slipped the invitation into her bag. The top-tier pharmaceutical conference wasn't open to the public, reserved only for renowned medical experts and pharmaceutical companies with IPO eligibility. It was difficult for outsiders to gain entry. Even reporters were confined to waiting outside the exhibition hall, unable to access the main event. Addison drove her car to the entrance of the exhibition and took off her sunglasses as she stepped out. But the moment she emerged, she was taken aback by a swarm of reporters brandishing bulky cameras, almost completely obstructing the entrance. … Without hesitation, she put her sunglasses back on. Addison lifted her skirt as she approached the entrance, but the receptionist greeted her with a blank expression. "Hello, miss. This is a pharmaceutical conference, and relatives are not allowed inside." He then scanned Addison from head to toe, his gaze implying his thoughts. Despite her sunglasses, her beauty was undeniable, and her graceful figure suggested she was likely the mistress of some company executive trying to sneak into an event meant for top talent to network with the elite. "I'm not a relative. I'm here to attend the conference," Addison replied softly, maintaining a polite tone. With so many reporters outside, she didn't want to cause a scene. The receptionist snorted, impatient. "Then please show me your invitation." Addison retrieved the golden invitation from her bag. Upon seeing it, the receptionist's eyes narrowed in surprise, and he hesitated, glancing back at Addison. A golden invitation? Only someone of significant status could receive one, likely an executive-level individual. This young and stunning woman was somehow linked to Mr. Johnston? His mind raced, and in an instant, he suddenly showed a warm smile. He bowed slightly and gestured, "Please, this way to the VIP area." Addison made her way through the corridor and entered the VIP hall. The lobby was dazzling and opulent, filled with groups of people engaged in lively discussions. She took off her sunglasses, picked up a glass of champagne, and settled into a corner seat. "I heard the PhD candidates from Raven Company are supposed to be here today, but I don't see anyone yet." "Are they really coming? I heard that Raven Company's new drug has been stalled at the clinical research stage for a while with no updates." The man next to him nudged the one who had just spoken with his shoulder. "Even Raven Company's development has come to a standstill. Just look at the pharmaceutical companies these past few years—who has made any real progress?" Addison raised an eyebrow at this, quietly listening without interjecting. "I heard Johnston Enterprise is currently screening new drugs. The direction they're taking seems promising. If they succeed, they might just surpass Raven Company." Voices of agreement filled the air. "Since Lance took over at Johnston Enterprise, their growth has been impressive, something we small companies can't compete with." A man in a suit approached, shaking his head. "Once Johnston Enterprise finishes screening and moves into clinical trials, who knows how long that will take? Honestly, I think it'll be tough for them to catch up to Raven Company." "Besides," another chimed in, "Isn't it rumored that the best-selling drug from Johnston Enterprise was licensed through through Raven Company?" A silence settled after those remarks. Addison swirled her wine glass, contemplating their conversation as she watched the crowd mingling at the conference. She felt a wave of disappointment. After spending years with the Johnstons, she couldn't help but notice that Halton's pharmaceutical companies had made little progress. She had hoped to see some new drugs that captured her interest … Just then, she heard someone call out, "Mr. Johnston, you're here!"Addison instinctively lifted her gaze. The man's eyes were icy, his lips pressed tightly together, and the tailored wine-red suit accentuated his striking features. Lance? What's he doing here? His sharp gaze scanned the area, prompting Addison to subtly shrink back into the corner. "Mr. Johnston, how is the progress on the drugs your company is developing? We smaller businesses rely on you for our livelihoods," a man quickly stepped forward with a flattering smile. The people around her were eager to approach the young Mr. Johnston, all hoping to strike up a conversation. A connection with Lance could provide them with enough pharmaceutical resources to sustain their companies for years. Lance remained silent, his gaze scanning the room as if he were looking for someone. Addison narrowed her eyes, curious about whom he was searching for. From what she knew of Lance, he typically disliked attending events like this. His unexpected presence today surely had a specific purpose. The man beside them chuckled awkwardly as Lance scanned the crowd, seemingly unable to find the person he was looking for. Disappointment flickered in his eyes as he casually took a champagne glass from a nearby server, ignoring the men trying to talk with him. "Mr. Johnston, are you looking for someone from Raven Company?" a voice called out. Addison looked up in response, spotting an older man with a wrinkled face. She recognized him as the renowned pharmaceutical expert, Sean Jones. He was well-respected internationally for his academic achievements, but was also known for his pride and aloofness. It was only with a major company like Johnston Enterprise that he would consider engaging in conversation. As soon as Lance spotted him, he raised his champagne glass to clink with Sean's. "Nothing can be hidden from your sharp eye," he said with a smile. Sean grasped the meaning. While Johnston Enterprise had seen rapid growth, it lacked strong pharmaceutical experts, making new drug development difficult. Consequently, they had to rely on authorization from Raven Company. It seemed he was there to poach talent from Raven Company. "I just saw someone come into the banquet holding a Raven Company invitation," Sean said, his gaze deep as he looked meaningfully at the corner where Addison was.Addison's heart raced.