Marilyn glanced at the diamond ring in Addison's hand. The crystal-clear gem had a faint crimson hue, making it impossible to look away. Tyrese's eyes widened in disbelief. "This ring?" Addison waved the diamond in front of Tyrese, who was still staring at it with wide eyes. It probably was. He had never seen a diamond worth hundreds of millions, but he could tell this one was stunning. Tyrese nodded dumbly. Even though Marilyn had seen her fair share of luxurious jewelry, she couldn't help but be captivated by this ring's beauty. But as beautiful as it was, it didn't belong to the Johnstons. Marilyn turned to Tyrese. "Mr. Sardo, are you sure you're not mistaken?" "The Johnstons never owned this ring." Her voice was calm. "What?" Virginia's eyes flickered with surprise, but only for a brief moment. Addison must've sweet-talked Marilyn into covering for her. But when Virginia had seen Addison come out with Marilyn earlier, she had already predicted this outcome. "Addison, stealing is stealing. There's no escape. Just admit it openly!" "There's no need for Mrs. Johnston to help you hide the truth. You do know that hiding the truth makes her an accomplice. Do you want Mrs. Johnston to go to jail with you?" "If you're afraid Lance will be upset when he finds out you've been stealing, don't worry. As long as you admit your mistake, Lance won't hold it against you." Addison raised an eyebrow at Virginia's aggressive words. Virginia, are you done pretending? Just a minute ago, you were playing the fragile victim, and now you're acting all fierce. Aren't you afraid of making Marilyn even angrier?Addison's smile deepened. "I don't have the power to get Mrs. Johnston to cover for me." "If you're so determined to accuse me, then show me the evidence. If you have proof, I won't say a word in defense and will go with the police right away." She didn't believe Virginia could conjure up evidence out of thin air. Virginia narrowed her eyes, looking as if she had already won. She spoke lazily, "Then why don't you explain where this diamond ring came from?" Addison no longer felt the need to hide anything. She spoke straightforwardly, "I had a friend help me bid for it at an auction abroad." "An auction abroad? You're bold." Virginia scoffed dismissively. "You're an orphan. Where would you get friends overseas? And friends who can afford a ring like this?" Just as Addison was about to speak, Marilyn's voice cut in, her face clearly showing anger. "Addison can't have friends of her own?" Even though Addison was an orphan with no formal education or particular skills, Marilyn didn't believe that meant Addison couldn't have friends abroad. "Mrs. Johnston, don't let Addison fool you," Virginia said earnestly. "I'm not saying she can't have friends abroad, but has Addison ever mentioned having any foreign friends over these years?" "For someone to help her bid on such an expensive ring, they'd have to be pretty close, right? Has Addison ever said a word about that?" Marilyn remained silent. Seeing this, Virginia boldly pushed further, feeling confident. She bet that Addison had never mentioned any of this over the years. This was a key point to convince Marilyn, and Virginia wasn't about to let it slip. "In other words, do you even know any of Addison's friends? Even one? Has she ever mentioned them once in the three years she's lived with the Johnstons?" Marilyn grew even quieter, her expression unreadable."Do you know Addison? This daughter-in-law who has seemed so quiet and obedient for the past three years—do you truly understand her? Is she as kind and gentle as she appears, with no ulterior motives?" Addison instinctively wanted to refute, but the words got stuck in her throat. The smile she'd been wearing disappeared the moment she heard Virginia's last question. It was true. She had never mentioned it. Addison had hidden everything about the Daves, along with her entire past, cutting off all ties with her old friends. For three years, she hadn't spoken to her parents, who still refused to forgive her. She had left everything behind and come to the Johnstons, and now, looking back, it seemed a little pitiful. Addison's usually composed face had paled slightly. Her lips, painted in a bold shade of red, curved into a faint smile—part resignation, part sigh. "Mrs. Johnston, don't you think it's odd that your ‘perfect' daughter-in-law has had no issues for the past three years? If she loved Lance so much, why would she suddenly ask for a divorce without a hint of regret?" Virginia's gaze remained fixed on Marilyn, her expression so sincere that it could almost move a person to tears. "I'm only thinking of the Johnstons' best interests," Virginia added earnestly. But Marilyn shook her head. "Are you thinking of the Johnstons? Then why did you leave when the family was struggling? Do you have any idea how devastated Lance was after you left? Or how hard those days were for us?" Marilyn didn't shy away from the group of officers standing nearby, speaking out loud for all to hear. Addison's eyelashes fluttered slightly. So Virginia had left during the Johnston family's most difficult times, abandoning them to go abroad? Then why had she come back now? Was it for fame, or was she after something else? Addison let out a cold laugh. "When the Johnstons were in trouble, you were nowhere to be found. Now that the worst is over and the family is flourishing, you've conveniently returned!" Marilyn's lips trembled slightly, her anger evident."Mrs. Johnston, let me explain..." "There's no need to explain! I don't want to hear it, you.." Before Marilyn could finish, she felt dizzy, her heart racing as her vision blurred and her mind became hazy. Addison's eyes shot up. This is bad! She rushed to support Marilyn. "Francesca, help me get Mrs. Johnston inside!" "No, there's no time. Quickly, find the medicine I gave her!" Addison said while gently patting Marilyn's back. Virginia, startled, let out a soft gasp before hurrying over. She hadn't intended to push Marilyn this far—if Lance found out that she had caused this, the consequences would be unthinkable. Panic flashed across Virginia's face. Tyrese also rushed over. "What's going on?" "Mrs. Johnston, it's okay. I'm here. Just breathe deeply." Addison kept her voice calm as she soothed Marilyn, her face composed, her eyes filled with an unusual calm that seemed to have a tranquilizing effect. Marilyn gazed into Addison's eyes, following the rhythm of her soothing pats, and began breathing more steadily. ... Marilyn seemed to be calming down. Francesca quickly handed the medicine to Addison. "Mrs. Johnston, take this," Addison said as she took the medicine and water from Francesca. Supporting Marilyn, Francesca slowly helped her take the pill. Virginia narrowed her eyes, watching in surprise at how skillfully Addison handled the situation. After taking the medication, Marilyn, still weak, was gently helped by Francesca as they slowly made their way inside. Virginia hurriedly moved to follow them. But Addison stepped in front of her, blocking the way. "What are you doing? You're no longer part of the Johnstons. How dare you stop me?" Virginia's expression twisted in anger, her eyes sharp with fury.Although Marilyn seemed calmer under Addison's care, Virginia still needed to confirm her condition herself. She didn't trust Addison's ability to handle this situation. If Marilyn wasn't truly better and Lance found out what had happened, it would all be over. "Are you planning to go in there and upset Mrs. Johnston again?" Addison raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Virginia glared at her, trying to push past, but tripped and fell to the ground. "Addison, what are you doing now?" a furious male voice called out. Lance had just returned from a conference and was greeted by the sight of Virginia on the ground, blocked by Addison.