Marilyn looked at the frail woman in front of her, knowing full well that some of this was probably an act. However, the injury on her leg was real and clearly visible. Even if she wanted to be angry, she couldn't bring herself to speak up. She couldn't very well refuse to receive medical treatment at her house and throw her out, could she? "Let's treat you first," Marilyn said reluctantly, her tone neutral, as she turned to go upstairs. Out of sight, out of mind. Georgina, always quick-tempered, couldn't sit still after hearing Virginia claim the injury was an accident. "How can it be an accident? You were kidnapped!" Kidnapped? Lance turned sharply, his eyes cold as ice. "Say that again? Did you just say kidnapped?" "Virginia was taken to an abandoned warehouse. All the injuries are from the kidnappers," Georgina said, her voice laced with sympathy. "How could you be so foolish? You go through something like that and don't even tell anyone? You keep it all inside?" Georgina continued, shaking her head. If it were her, she'd want the whole world to know. Especially her dad. That way, she could squeeze more money out of him. Virginia seemed desperate. She frantically waved her hands behind Lance, signaling for Georgina to stop. "Ms. Hamilton, thank you for bringing me back, and thank you for saving me," Virginia said quickly, her voice filled with gratitude. "It's getting late. Maybe you should head home?" Jim had been wanting to take Georginia away for a long time. Hearing Virginia speak up, Jim added quickly, "Ms. Georgina, Mr. Curtis is still waiting for you to deliver those documents. If you don't leave soon, what are you going to tell him?" Documents?! Georgina slapped her head. In her rush to help, she had forgotten all about her duties. "Right, right, let's go!" she said, hurrying toward the door. If she didn't get those files out, she could forget about getting her dream car. "Goodbye, Ms. Hamilton! Be careful!" Virginia called out, watching Georgina rush off. The car drove away. The living room was left with just Virginia and Lance. The air was thick with awkwardness. Virginia quickly averted her gaze, only to look up and meet Lance's intense, scrutinizing eyes. His gaze was so piercing it felt like he could see right through her. Terrified, she quickly lowered her head. She muttered softly, "Why isn't the doctor here yet?" Lance looked down at her and commanded, "Look up." Virginia didn't dare. "Look up." Lance repeated, his tone firm. Reluctantly, Virginia lifted her head. The moment she did, she looked at him with a remorseful expression. "Lance, please don't be angry. "I shouldn't have lied. I shouldn't have kept secrets from you. "I just wanted you to be happy. I wanted you to pay more attention to me, to think that I'm not a burden, that I'm useful to your family. "I know I have made a mistake." Lance's words caught in his throat at her confession. His expression was complex as he avoided her gaze, falling into silence.They sat there, the awkwardness in the atmosphere stretching, until the doctor finally arrived, rushing in with his medical kit. "How did Ms. Dolton get such a serious injury?" the doctor asked, squatting down to tend to Virginia's wound. Since Virginia wore pants, the blood had already started to clot and stuck to her pants. "Mr. Johnston, I'll need to cut Ms. Dolton's clothes to treat her. Is that alright?" The doctor asked cautiously, aware that Virginia was Lance's partner and wanting to be careful with his words. "Yes," Lance nodded and answered curtly. He stood on the side, still watching every move the doctor made. The wound was now fully exposed, bloody and raw. Lance looked at Virginia, who was gritting her teeth, trying not to make a sound. She was putting on a brave face. Lance studied her face, his thoughts clouded by their previous issues. After the deception, Lance had felt nothing but disgust for Virginia. He didn't even want to look at her face. But now, as he watched her expressions—every furrowed brow and every small gesture—and thought back to what she had just said, something changed. She had been hiding her pain, not wanting him to worry about her. Even after being kidnapped, she hadn't wanted him to know, refusing to burden him with her suffering. Every word she spoke was aimed at protecting his family. The bitterness he had felt toward her because of the lies she told seemed to have lessened, almost fading away entirely. ... Leon had finished with his last patient for the day. He was massaging his sore shoulders as he made his way toward Addison. She had just helped Ryan reunite that lost little girl with her mother. As soon as Ryan saw Leon was done, he hurried over, eager to help. "Leon, you look tired. Let me give you a shoulder rub."Without waiting, Ryan began to knead Leon's shoulders with enthusiasm. Addison watched the scene with amusement and shook her head. "What's the matter? Young man, aren't you sharp?" Leon's fatigue seemed to melt away as Ryan worked his magic on his shoulders. "I have to admit, Ryan, you're good at this!" "Really? I'm glad you think so!" Ryan said, rubbing harder with a grin. Addison could only smile and shake her head at the sight. As Ryan focused on the massage, a loud rumble came from Ryan's stomach, cutting through the cheerful moment. Both Leon and Addison turned to look at him. This is embarrassing. "Hungry?" Addison asked with a smile. Ryan scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He had been cooking all afternoon and still hadn't eaten anything. "Well," Ryan quickly added, "I made dinner. I've already delivered it. Leon, would you like to have some?" Trying to avoid further awkwardness, he hurriedly changed the topic. Leon laughed heartily and patted Ryan's shoulder. "Relax. I haven't eaten all day either. I'm starving." Ryan dashed to the car and brought back the remaining three portions of meals. He handed one to Addison, then to Leon, and finally took one for himself. They found an empty table and sat down to eat together. Addison opened her meal, the warmth and delicious aroma hitting her senses immediately. "Did you make this yourself?" she asked. "Yes," Ryan nodded proudly. Before Addison could say anything else, Leon spoke up with an appreciative tone, "Really? After that meal I had last time, I've been thinking about your cooking. I'm so glad to get another delicious meal from you!" Ryan was flattered. "Well, Leon, you should eat more!" As the meal was winding down, Leon's phone suddenly rang. Addison glanced down at the screen, her eyes widening in surprise. A phone call from Grandpa? She froze. Since marrying into the Johnstons, she hadn't seen or heard from Matthew in ages. He had always doted on her, but after she left home, she hadn't received a single call from him. Leon put down his fork and picked up the phone. Addison quickly turned her attention elsewhere. "Dad, what's up? I'm at Halton right now," Leon answered. Addison couldn't hear the other side of the conversation clearly, but she could guess based on Leon's responses. "I'll be home soon," Leon continued. "I'll bring Addison back with me," he added, looking over at Addison as he spoke. The words sent a jolt of shock through her. She hadn't fully made up her mind about going home, still feeling uneasy and uncertain about it. However, Leon's statement completely eliminated any possibility of retreating. She shot him a glare. Leon met her eyes and gave her a reassuring look in return. Then, just as she was about to say something, Leon's voice sounded surprised. "What? You're going to the Medical Symposium?" His tone was filled with astonishment. The mysterious divine healer of the Daves hadn't attended a public event like this in years. Addison looked up, startled.