"Lance, is that medicine expensive? Are you sure you want to give it to me?" Virginia seemed to doubt his intentions. The man had been so stern with his words earlier that she thought he would no longer care about her. But to her surprise, Lance was actually willing to give her the rare medicine from the Daves. She had always believed that their years of relationship couldn't just be tossed aside like that. And now, here he was, offering her medicine. Virginia thought to herself quietly. "Lance, are you really sure about giving it to me? That medicine must be precious," Virginia asked once more, still not fully convinced. Hearing her question, Lance lowered his gaze to see Virginia, who appeared flustered and almost overwhelmed. Her eyes twinkled with surprise. She looked like a neglected child suddenly receiving a precious candy from an adult. Her unguarded joy was almost heartbreaking, yet it made one want to give her everything they had. His gaze softened, and he pressed his lips together. "Yes, you can use it." The moment she received his confirmation, Virginia practically floated with joy. "Thank you, Lance, you're so kind to me!" She exclaimed, so excited that she almost fell off the couch. Lance saw her sudden movement and quickly warned her, "Sit still." "Mm-hmm," Virginia nodded obediently, her eyes shining with admiration as she gazed at him, as if he were a deity. But then, as if recalling something painful, her expression darkened, a trace of sadness creeping into her features. Lance noticed the change and asked gently, "What's wrong?" Although he didn't understand why Virginia suddenly looked so down, he tried to offer some reassurance. "Once you start using the medicine, your leg should heal in a few days. Then you'll be able to go out and shop again without feeling cooped up." "Lance ..." Virginia's brows furrowed, and there was an unmistakable sorrow in her eyes. Her voice carried a hint of guilt and self-reproach as she said, "I-I've made you angry. I don't deserve such good medicine. "Maybe you should just take it back," she added, clenching her teeth as she spoke the words with a touch of resolve. Lance furrowed his brow. "You're going to use it, whether you want to or not. That's an order." Virginia nervously twisted her sleeve, as if wanting to say more, but her words wouldn't come out. "But ... " She muttered under her breath for a long time, but nothing came out. In the past, when Lance saw Virginia looking so helpless, he would have immediately softened and done whatever she asked, as long as it wasn't too much to ask. But now, watching her tug at her sleeve, teary-eyed yet hiding it, sighing and stuttering. For the first time, Lance felt a flicker of irritation, even distaste. He frowned involuntarily. Lance didn't move, his gaze cold as he watched Virginia, lost in her own sadness. He remained silent, no longer trying to comfort her as he had before, acting almost like a stranger observing from the sidelines. Virginia continued to hum and fidget, waiting for him to speak like he always had. But as the minutes passed and she received no response, her anxiety grew. She couldn't help but steal a glance at his face. Why did Lance seem completely still? As if nothing was wrong? Didn't he see that she was about to cry? T-this wasn't right. Her heart, already a little cold, now seemed to freeze completely. Lance's silence was like a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. Without his usual comforting words, she realized she couldn't continue pretending. She forced a smile, albeit a strained one, and quickly withdrew her earlier comments. Wiping away the nonexistent tears, she bit her lip and changed the subject."Lance, I came to find you the other day, but you weren't around. Where did you go?" Lance turned to her and noticed that Virginia no longer had the same pitiful expression. His face softened slightly. The matter with the invitation wasn't something to hide, so he explained, "I went to ask the organizers of the Medical Symposium for an invitation. "I had already negotiated with them, just waiting for delivery, but halfway there, Jordan Group intercepted and used underhanded tactics to steal the invitation." Virginia was shocked. Jordan Group? Could it be Troy? But she didn't let it show on her face, instead putting on an expression of disdain. "I've always heard that the Jordans do shady things, always scheming behind others' backs. I didn't think they'd go this far. "The Daves are all about loyalty and honor. We can't stand such despicable people." Lance wasn't happy that Jordan Group had taken the invitation from him, and Virginia made sure to echo his sentiments. "Not only the Daves, but the Johnstons also value loyalty above all else. We've always looked down on such underhanded people, haven't we?" After speaking, Virginia looked up at Lance, as if waiting for approval. Lance, seated in his chair, didn't react to her words. His tone was indifferent as he replied, "In business, you'll encounter all kinds of people." There has always been competition where there are people. The world is full of deceit and betrayal, of masks and hidden daggers. When it comes to the business world, where money is at stake, people will do anything to get ahead. Before, Johnston Enterprise was managed by his father, and when he grew tired, Harvey took over. Even though Lance had business talent, without hands-on experience, he didn't fully understand the ruthlessness of the business world. But since taking over Johnston Enterprise, he had fought tooth and nail to save the company. Now, he understood all too well how deep the game could run. Lance's face remained impassive, his voice neutral, "Using any means necessary is Jordan Group's choice. There's nothing to be done about it." Everyone starts from the mud and fights their way to the top. He had used tactics perhaps even more ruthless than the Jordan Group. It was all about who stood at the highest point. In Halton, no one stood higher than Johnston Enterprise. Troy's actions were just a suicide mission. "So, did you get the invitation in the end? What happened to the Jordans?" Virginia asked again, still concerned about Troy. After all, Troy was a backup plan for her. If Lance ever changed his mind and abandoned her, she'd at least have somewhere to go. "Jordan Group is finished. They won't be rising again in Halton. Troy is probably struggling to save himself now." "Really?" Virginia gasped in shock. What was going on? If Troy fell, her escape route would be completely cut off! With Lance acting so unpredictable now, and considering she had angered him a few days ago, it seemed impossible to revert to the previous state of affairs. If Addison pulled any more tricks, she might end up on the streets. Troy couldn't afford to fail! Her mind raced, and her face turned pale. Lance, hearing her outburst, gave her a thoughtful look. "Why? Do you still know people from the Jordans? "Or perhaps, do you know Troy?" he asked coldly. His words hit their mark, and Virginia immediately paled, shaking her head rapidly. "No, no. I have nothing to do with the Jordan Group, and I don't know anyone named Troy." She quickly added, "I absolutely hate people like the Jordans. How could I possibly be on good terms with them?" Lance eyed Virginia's quick denial with a raised brow, his voice calm as he said, "It's alright if you don't. Why are you so nervous? Your face is pale."Virginia hastily tried to smooth her face with her hands. "No, it's nothing." Lance turned his attention to Rosa. "Francesca, do you think Virginia's face is pale?" Francesca glanced over and was about to speak when Virginia quickly interrupted. Her mind raced, and she finally muttered softly, "My face is naturally pale. "N-not because of the Jordan Group," she added hastily. "Lance, please don't misunderstand."