The Replacement He Never Wanted

Chapter 24 Virginia Faces Cold Reactions

From the look on Marilyn's face, it was clear that she was aware of Virginia's presence, yet her expression was filled with shock. Did Lance not tell his mother about Virginia's return? Why not? If he wanted Virginia to marry into the Johnstons, he would have had to inform Marilyn, so why keep it a secret? Did he have some concerns? However, Addison's curiosity was fleeting. She quickly lowered her gaze, unwilling to probe further into this situation. She didn't want to get involved in the Johnstons' affairs any longer. "Addison, do you also know about Virginia?" Marilyn's voice trembled, revealing her growing anxiety. Addison nodded. Marilyn's heart pounded. No wonder Addison had been so resolute about the divorce. Virginia had somehow returned! She was so brazen about letting Addison know of her presence! It was as if she were eager to marry into the Johnstons! "Mrs. Johnston, please don't be too angry." Noticing Marilyn's rising anger, Addison hurried over to calm her down, gently patting her back. "Addison, is Virginia's return the reason you want to divorce Lance?" Marilyn asked, her voice trembling. She had been puzzled by Addison's sudden determination to end things with Lance, especially because she had always been so devoted to him and usually so gentle and compliant. "Mrs. Johnston, it's not because of Virginia. Please don't dwell on it," Addison said, gently patting Marilyn's back with one hand while offering her a cup of tea with the other. Although she wasn't fond of Virginia, she had no intention of speaking negatively about her behind her back. Besides, if Lance did end up marrying Virginia and Marilyn developed a rift with her based on what she said, it wouldn't be good for Marilyn's health. The sound of sirens pierced the air outside. Marilyn's heart sank. Why is there a police siren? After feeling angry, the sudden wail of the sirens startled her, and she nearly lost her balance.Noticing this, Addison reached out to steady her. "Mrs. Johnston, it's okay. It's probably just Virginia arriving." Seeing Marilyn in such a fragile state, Addison's usually calm demeanor softened with a hint of pity. She shouldn't have mentioned Virginia. Although she didn't know what happened in the past, it was clear that Virginia's presence had an impact on Marilyn's emotional state. Marilyn's condition was particularly sensitive to emotional turmoil. "Virginia's here? Why would she come with the police?" Marilyn's voice was tinged with anger. Before Addison could respond, a car arrived at the front of the house, and a group of serious-looking police officers stepped out. Once they all got out of the car, Virginia followed closely behind, emerging from a luxurious car. Tyrese got out of the car and gazed in awe at the grandeur of the Johnston Residence, stunned. The Johnstons are really wealthy ... "Mrs. Johnston, I'm Virginia. I'm back from abroad," Virginia said sweetly as she spotted Marilyn coming out of the house. She knew that her abrupt departure three years ago had angered Marilyn, but she believed she understood her well enough. Marilyn was the type who had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. While she might speak harshly, she was genuinely kind. Virginia was confident that Marilyn wouldn't be heartless. Her anger was likely just a facade. Once Addison's theft of the ring was exposed, she would find a way to explain herself, and Marilyn would surely accept her. She had planned it all out. Marilyn took a moment to calm herself, slowly brushing Addison's hand aside as she stepped out the door. She was a far cry from her earlier sympathetic demeanor, radiating the imposing authority of a Johnston matriarch that felt almost oppressive. Addison followed closely behind her as she walked out. Virginia caught sight of Addison trailing closely behind Marilyn, and her expression darkened for a fleeting moment, filled with an indescribable emotion. But she quickly regained her composure."Mrs. Johnston, I missed you while I was abroad," she said as she stepped closer to Marilyn. "The Johnstons do not welcome you," Marilyn replied, her gaze devoid of emotion as she looked at Virginia. "If you left back then, there's no reason for you to come back," she said firmly. Back then, a car accident claimed the lives of Walter Johnston, the CEO of Johnston Enterprise, and Harvey while they were on their way to negotiate a partnership. Upon hearing the tragic news, Marilyn was devastated and even began to suffer from mental health issues. The news of the CEO's death sent Johnston Enterprise's stock plummeting, leaving shareholders in panic, as if the ground had suddenly fallen out from under them, with everyone looking out for themselves. Everyone believed that Johnston Enterprise would never recover. Former partners took advantage of the situation, while business rivals sought to exploit their downfall. At that time, any mention of Johnston Enterprise elicited pity and scorn. It was during this turbulent period that Virginia decided to leave. Marilyn was reluctant to revisit those memories. Just thinking about those moments brought back intense pain, as if she were reliving them all over again. Virginia's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Marilyn, her gaze reflecting grievance. The hand she had reached out wavered in the air, caught in the dilemma of whether to pull back or continue forward. "Mrs. Johnston, there was a misunderstanding." Marilyn looked at them coldly. "I had no choice but to leave ... Really … " As she spoke, Virginia suddenly coughed violently, struggling to keep her balance. Marilyn's expression remained stern as she watched the frail Virginia. She had no interest in listening to Virginia's pleas. Her disappointment in her had reached its limit long ago. Marilyn clearly understood what Virginia had been thinking when she chose to leave during the Johnstons' most difficult time. As Virginia coughed, she stole a glance at Marilyn, struggling to believe that she could truly be so heartless, especially considering how much affection she had once shown her.Marilyn ignored Virginia, who was putting on a show. She turned to the police officers behind her and said coolly, "I'm not sure what happened with the Johnstons, but I appreciate your coming here." Tyrese, along with the other officers who had just been awkwardly listening to Virginia and Marilyn's exchange, was suddenly called upon by Marilyn. He stepped forward, meeting the imposing gaze of the Johnston matriarch. "We're here to investigate the theft of the Johnston diamond ring, based on Ms. Dolton's report. "According to Ms. Dolton, this diamond ring is worth over a hundred million and is very important to the Johnstons. "Given the significant value involved, we couldn't afford to delay and rush over." Virginia felt an overwhelming sense of shame and anger as she faced Marilyn's cold demeanor in front of everyone. Yet, she still managed to nod weakly from the side. "Mrs. Johnston, I truly didn't want the Johnstons to suffer any loss, so I took the initiative to call the police. "You don't blame me, do you?" Addison's lips curled into a cold smile. Seeing Addison's mocking expression, Virginia's slender fingers clenched tightly, a storm of anger brewing within her. Now you are making fun of me, but later, you will be thrown into jail, Addison! "You must be shocked to hear that the Johnstons' diamond ring was stolen, right? And by someone you never would have guessed … " Virginia glanced at Addison, her eyes filled with sorrow and disappointment. Addison remained silent, just smiling faintly, seemingly unconcerned by Virginia's "accusations." When would Virginia ever change her tendency to make baseless accusations? Addison quietly observed as Virginia continued her performance. A stolen diamond ring? When did the Johnstons ever having a diamond worth over a hundred million? Marilyn looked confused and in disbelief. Virginia caught the doubt in Marilyn's expression and felt satisfied. The disbelief she sensed now would soon transform into shock and disappointment."Officer, could I see the diamond ring? I genuinely don't remember the Johnstons ever having a diamond worth over a hundred million," Marilyn asked, puzzled. Could it been bought by Lance? "Well … according to Ms. Dolton, the ring is with Ms. Daves." With Addison? Marilyn's eyes locked onto Addison, her gaze filled with authority. "Addison, what's going on?" Addison shrugged, extending her hand. The pink diamond ring on her slender fingers was particularly eye-catching.

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