Lance first met Virginia at a grand outdoor banquet. At that time, the Johnstons not only dominated Halton but also held a prominent position in the numerous wealthy families of Kreshill, where they were well-known. Because of this, the Johnstons had the opportunity to attend that banquet. At just 12 years old, he followed his grandfather and brother to the event, though he had long forgotten which prominent family was hosting it. What he remembered was the extravagance of the banquet—elegantly dressed guests surrounded him, exuding opulence and glamour. Even though he had attended many such events at a young age, he felt intimidated in the midst of this gathering of social elites. His grandfather chatted incessantly with the surrounding elegantly dressed individuals, wearing a flattering smile. Lance was naturally quiet and somewhat reclusive, unlike his outgoing brother, who quickly made many friends upon arriving. They sat together, laughing joyfully. Noticing Lance sitting awkwardly, his brother called for him to join them, but he stubbornly shook his head in irritation and ran away instead. His brother's voice faded as he continued running, not stopping until he reached a bridge, where he finally collapsed, breathless. After sitting down, he observed the wildflowers and grasses blooming around the river, which looked vibrant and alive. Impulsively, he rolled up his pants, took off his shoes, and sat at the water's edge. He lost track of time, until he suddenly heard his brother calling for him. At the sound, Lance stood up but didn't notice the wet and slippery ground by the riverbank. He lost his balance and slipped into the water. The rushing river enveloped him almost instantly, and he felt a suffocating sensation. He gasped for air, but he was quickly submerged. Desperately trying to scream for help, he only swallowed more water. Just when he thought he wouldn't be able to breathe again, he heard a splash nearby. Struggling against the feeling of drowning, he looked up and saw his brother. However, his brother could only reach out a hand toward him, and even then, he was too weak to pull him back. His figure bobbed up and down in the water, the waves nearly swallowing him whole. Seeing the situation getting worse, Lance desperately tried to swim towards his brother, but he couldn't make it.... "Stop thrashing in the water! Don't struggle!" Lance heard a soft, childish voice calling out. He looked up to see a girl on the riverbank, her figure faint but clearly visible. Without hesitation, she jumped in, reaching out for his hand. But by that point, he had already exhausted all his strength and didn't even feel the process of being rescued. Lying on the grass, the bright sunlight dazzled his eyes. He struggled to open them and saw the girl with bright eyes and a beautiful smile looking back at him. He felt dazed. Her enchanting gaze captivated him, and in that moment, his heart skipped a beat. Is she a fairy? Have I died and is a fairy here to take me away? He tried to focus on her features, but distant voices of adults filled the air with urgency. "Virgy, where are you?" Hearing the call, the girl turned and left. Lance could only catch a glimpse of her luxurious attire and the ring-shaped talisman she wore. ... Emerging from his memories, Lance looked at the woman before him. Her face was flawless, untouched by time, still possessing the same captivating beauty from his childhood. But the years had wrought significant changes in her heart. That proud, radiant girl, brimming with elegance, had transformed into someone so different ... Lance felt a deep ache in his heart. He had failed to protect her, to stand by her side during her times of difficulty. Virginia noticed the unmistakable regret in Lance's eyes when he saw the talisman. She had an inkling of what he was thinking but feigned ignorance as she slowly picked it up. She began to gather her scattered belongings and lifted her leg to leave. Lance furrowed his brow and said in a low voice, "Stop." She didn't pause, clearly resolved to leave. As she approached the door of the Johnston Residence, Lance felt a surge of panic. He waved his hand, signaling the bodyguards.Upon receiving the order, the bodyguards immediately moved to block Virginia's way. She feigned anger, saying, "Let me go! I can't stay here any longer ... " Lance took long strides towards Virginia, who was blocked by the bodyguards, and gently pulled her inside the house. Virginia lowered her gaze. Lance looked at her and sighed, "Virginia, don't make a scene." She remained silent, not looking at him. After a moment of silence, his tone softened slightly. "You've worked hard all these years." Hearing this, Virginia felt a surge of happiness in her heart. She knew Lance was letting go of some of his pride and offering her a way out. It was time for her to take that opportunity. Continuing the act could worsen what was already improving. She responded, "Lance, as long as you don't dislike me ... I promise I won't place so much importance on money in the future." Stepping closer, she grasped Lance's arm, her gaze sincere. His brow eased, and he spoke gently, "It's also my fault for not considering it." He called out to Tim, "Tim, please issue a supplementary card for Virginia. The sooner, the better." "Alright, I'll take care of it right away," Tim replied, bowing his head. Upon hearing Lance's words, Virginia's smile widened, though she struggled to hide the joy in her eyes as she looked at him. It seemed that the talisman was indeed effective, granting her not only Lance's forgiveness but also a supplementary card from him. Lance gently brushed Virginia's hair aside, his tone tender. "Don't worry about money anymore. Spend as you like, without any reservations in your heart." Virginia nodded obediently. Meanwhile, Marilyn lay in bed, just waking up. Lana had just come up from downstairs and quickly stood up when she saw her awake. "Madam, how are you feeling now? Are you feeling better?" Marilyn nodded, still thinking about what had just happened. As she sat up, she asked, "Lana, where's Addison?" Lana hesitated, unsure of how to tell her about the earlier events. "She's already left." Left? Could it be that she was taken away by the police? Marilyn's heart tightened, panic creeping into her voice. "What about Virginia?" Lana hesitated even more. She didn't know whether to tell her or not. "Virginia ... she ... " "Just tell me already!" Marilyn urged, anxiety rising. Gathering her courage, Lana whispered, "Ms. Dolton is still downstairs ... " She hasn't left? After chasing away my daughter-in-law, she had the audacity to stay in the Johnstons, completely disregarding me? Marilyn felt a surge of anger and almost immediately got out of bed to head downstairs. Lana rushed after her. "Madam ... Mr. Johnston is also downstairs ... " Marilyn scoffed; so that was it—she was relying on her son's affection for her to act so arrogantly, chasing away his wife-to-be. If she was so bold now, how would she behave once she was officially part of the Johnsons? As Marilyn walked into the living room downstairs, she raised her eyes and saw Virginia sitting on the sofa. Her arm was linked with Lance's, with a bright smile on her face. Her anger flared even more. Marilyn strode over.