"I'm looking for Addison," the man said, his face expressionless, his voice flat and distant. He radiated an undeniable sense of detachment. "May I ask your name so I can announce you?" "Mr. Johnston." "Alright, Ms. Daves is in the study. I'll let her know. Please wait a moment," Rosa said, turning to notify Addison. "Thank you," the man responded politely. Lance stood quietly by the door, occasionally glancing inside. He remembered that the last time he had visited, there was no maid. Now, she actually hired one? Although Lance didn't fully understand Addison's personality, after three years of interaction, he had a good sense of her usual habits. Addison was fiercely independent—anything she could do herself, she would. At the Johnston Residence, Lana often took the initiative to help her with things, but Addison was an excellent cook, and her mother adored the meals she prepared. Yet, this independent woman, living alone here, had hired a maid? That didn't seem to fit. Lance was puzzled. Furthermore, when Addison lived at his family house, she always cleaned her own room and never let Lana help with that. She had been very particular about not letting anyone assist her. Lance felt confused and uneasy. Something didn't seem right. He stood there at the door, his face calm, but his mind racing. "Ms. Daves, there's someone here to see you," Rosa knocked on the study door. Addison didn't respond, absorbed in her book. "Ms. Daves?" Rosa knocked louder. Addison finally looked up and replied without turning her head, "Come in.""There's someone outside asking for you." Someone was here to see her? Addison pursed her lips. Most of the people she was close to in this city were busy and wouldn't be coming now. Whoever was here, at this hour, must be someone she didn't know, perhaps even a stranger. She wasn't interested in meeting them. "Who is it?" Addison asked casually, kept writing, not even turning around. Her posture clearly indicated she wasn't planning to engage with whoever was outside. "It's a handsome gentleman," Rosa said with a smile. That man was undeniably handsome. He must be one of Ms. Daves's admirers. "Huh?" Addison turned her head. A handsome gentleman?" Addison thought as she sifted through the list of attractive men she knew. She couldn't find anyone who fit the description. "Did he say his name?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, right," Rosa smacked her forehead. "He said his last name is Johnston." Addison froze, her hand holding the pen paused midair. Her previously good mood instantly soured. Her expression darkened. "Tell him I'm not home," she said coldly. "What?" Rosa hesitated. "I already told him you were in the study." "Then don't let him in," Addison said firmly, her gaze still focused on her book. "Tell him to leave." With Addison's unwavering determination, Rosa nodded. "Alright." She went to close the door behind her. When she turned toward the man at the door and wanted to ask him to leave, Rosa was startled to find him already seated on the sofa. Rosa blinked, taken aback. "You ... "Lance smiled slightly at her and spoke with sincerity. "Sorry, I should've asked before sitting down, but it's so cold outside, and I'm not dressed warmly. I had no choice but to come in." His smile, while polite, seemed somewhat awkward on his normally stern face. Rosa glanced at Lance. His complexion was normal, with no signs of cold exposure. His hands were their usual color, not red or purple from the chill. She pursed her lips, unsure how to handle the situation. Lance was tall and lean. Now, he was casually reclining on the sofa. His long legs stretched out to the coffee table, and he seemed entirely at ease. He had guessed that Addison wouldn't let him in, so he took matters into his own hands. It was rude, but for Steven's sake, he had no choice. Rosa, seeing that Lance had no intention of leaving, her eyes flickered. After a brief struggle within herself, she knocked on the study door once more. "Ms. Daves, I didn't properly close the door. Mr. Johnston walked in without invitation. I'm so sorry. "And it seems like he has no intention of leaving. I'm really sorry." Rosa's voice trembled with nervousness, fearing Addison might fire her. Her last employer had done just that after a similar mistake. Addison noticed Rosa's unease and sighed. "It's fine." She knew how shameless Lance was. Even if Rosa tried to stop him, Lance would find a hundred ways to get in. Addison stood and walked into the living room. Lance was still lounging on the sofa, his left hand idly playing with a funnel on the coffee table, flipping it back and forth with an absent expression on his face. "Lance, do you really think this is your home?" Addison asked, her tone sharp. At the sound of her voice, Lance immediately stood up, his face breaking into a faint smile. "You're here?" Lance said, his smile a rare one.It was faint but warmer than his usual icy demeanor. Addison was rather surprised with that smile. Is the world turning upside down today? Lance actually smiling at me. "You ... " Addison started to tell him to leave, but Lance interrupted. "Sorry, I shouldn't have come in uninvited. But I really need to ask you for a favor," he said, his voice sincere. "I'll leave as soon as I've asked. I won't cause any trouble." His tone was genuine, and he seemed unexpectedly warm. It was a stark contrast to the coldness she was used to. Oh! What's going on? Addison's eyes flickered with suspicion. His attitude really changed so quickly after just a few days? Since Addison hadn't stopped him, Lance got straight to the point. "Do you know about the Preigh Medical Symposium?" At the mention of the symposium, Addison's vein twitched, and she looked up at him. Why would Lance ask about the medical symposium? From what she knew, her Uncle Leon had been busy with it for days. Since her grandfather hadn't finished their preparations, the event hadn't been announced yet. How did Lance know about it so quickly? "Do you know about it?" Lance asked, noticing her guarded expression, and he had some guesses. "Yes, I do. So what?" Addison replied, deciding there was no need to hide that fact. Lance's face brightened with relief and anticipation. "Do you know if Dr. Nancy will be attending?" Addison bit her lip, her mind racing. After a moment, she said, "I don't know." "That's the second question. Can we get to the point, Mr. Johnston?" Addison's tone was cool and distant.Lance, sensing her frustration, cut to the chase. "Do you have an invitation to the Medical Symposium? Or does Dr. Nancy have one?" "I'm willing to pay for it or fulfill any request you have," he added urgently. "I just need that invitation." His eyes were resolute. Addison raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a cold smile. Did Lance really think she was some sort of miracle worker? "No," she said coldly, turning toward the study. "Rosa, please show him out."