Lance looked up and saw Marilyn, standing up to greet her, "Mom, you're here." Virginia quickly stood up beside him, her demeanor obedient. Marilyn let out a cold snort. "Do you even still think of me as your mom?" Lance took a cup of tea from Tim and placed it beside Marilyn, unfazed by her words. "Mom, what do you mean by that? "Have you taken your medicine today? How is your health?" Lance asked with concern. Marilyn pointed to Virginia, who was standing quietly nearby. "Ask her what I mean. Ask her what just happened!" Virginia remained silent. Lance glanced at Virginia before speaking. "Mom, it's my fault for not telling you about Virginia returning home. She just got back recently and didn't have a chance to inform you, but you can't take your frustrations out on her. "Perhaps Addison told you something, and that's why you have a strong opinion about Virginia. But Virginia is a wonderful girl, not at all like what others say ... " Marilyn sneered. "Do you know why Virginia came back this time? "She chose to leave when we were at the most vulnerable. Now that we're doing better, she's back. Lance, do you really not see what her intentions are? Virginia is not a good person!" "Mom, Virginia left the country for a reason. Please don't misunderstand her ... At that time, she was ... " Lance's words were cut off by Marilyn. "I don't want to hear any reasons! Let me make this clear: I will absolutely not agree to Virginia marrying into the Johnstons, and I won't agree to your divorce with Addison. If you insist on divorcing, then you can consider me as having no son!" Marilyn was fuming. She did not want to see this woman at all. Virginia stood quietly beside them, still not saying a word. She was afraid that if she spoke, it would only provoke Marilyn further. If Marilyn's condition worsened in front of Lance, her chances of marrying into the Johnstons would be even more difficult. She quietly watched without saying a word. Lance, visibly angry after hearing Marilyn's words, replied, "If you continue to stubbornly believe that Virginia is not a good person, then I have no way to change your mind." Addison had brainwashed Mom! Otherwise, how could she have such a strong dislike for Virginia?He stood up and pulled Virginia close. "Let's go." As Virginia was being led away, she glanced back at Marilyn. "Lance, is this really okay?" Lance ignored her, his face dark as he opened the car door. "Lance, don't act like this ... It's all my fault. Don't take it out on her. She just cares too much for Addison ... "I don't mind," Virginia said, worry evident in her eyes. Seeing how understanding and gentle Virginia was, Lance felt a surge of affection for her. He placed his hand on the car door to prevent her from bumping her head, gently guiding her into the vehicle. Once Virginia saw that Lance had made up his mind, she sighed and got into the car. After she sat down, her expression turned cold, and she cast an indifferent glance at Marilyn, who stood at the entrance of the Johnston Residence, her heart feeling utterly unmoved. Lance pressed the accelerator. "Lance, you ... " Marilyn stood at the door, watching as Lance's car sped away. Her heart was racing and her mind was in a daze, unable to finish her sentence. Lana hurried over. "Madam, take care of your health. Don't let Virginia upset you. Mr. Steven's health isn't good yet, and you can't afford to fall ill." Marilyn leaned against her waist, breathing heavily, then sighed. Virginia, you absolutely may not step through the doors of the Johnstons! ... Virginia sat in the car, looking at Lance, whose expression was dark. "Lance, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make things difficult for you. I don't know why Mrs. Johnston has such strong hostility towards me. Did I do something wrong? I can change." Lance spoke in a low voice, "Don't blame yourself; it's not your fault. It's my mom who's being unreasonable. Don't worry, I'll find time to talk to her properly. "I don't know when Mom became so unreasonable, unable to control her emotions. When you marry into the Johnstons in the future, it'll be a burden on you to handle her," he added. Virginia fiddled with her fingers, looking contemplative. "Uhm ... Lance, will you come sleep at the apartment tonight? It's so late ... " Since getting to know Lance, she had never slept next to him. Her previous hints had been unsuccessful, and she wanted to try again.If she were to have Lance's child, Marilyn's attitude would undoubtedly change, giving her a stronger reason to marry into the Johnstons. "I'll sleep at the company tonight. Right now, I'm just dropping you off at the apartment," Lance replied flatly. The company had been facing many issues lately, and the new drug he was developing had hit a standstill, leaving him at a loss. During the last medical conference, he had specifically gone to recruit capable pharmacy PhDs at a high price, but he hadn't seen a single one from Raven Company. He was overwhelmed with various problems that needed his attention. In fact, he hadn't returned to the Johnston Residence for several days and hadn't had a proper rest. After rushing back from the conference today and dealing with all those issues, he didn't have the time to rest again. Virginia couldn't hide her disappointment from her face but still said softly, "Then you take care of yourself and don't stay up too late, okay?" "How about I make you a bowl of vegetable noodles? I remember that you love the vegetable noodles I make, Lance," Virginia suggested, hoping to keep him around. Lance recalled the vegetable noodles he hadn't had the chance to eat on the night he proposed divorce, which also reminded him of Addison. A wave of disgust washed over him again; she had only thrown him Virginia's divorce agreement, not the one that was genuinely effective for him. How long would this cat-and-mouse game go on? How many times would she use these divisive tactics? He snorted coldly before saying to Virginia, "Make them for me when you have time. "Also, make some for Grandpa. He's unwell right now and needs something light to eat." ... At Pendomium Heights. As Addison arrived home, she noticed the delivery guy standing at her door. She walked up to him. The delivery guy looked up and raised the box in his hands. "Hello, this is your package. Please sign for it." Addison glanced at the luxurious black box, which appeared heavy.After signing for it, she took the box inside. Only when she was in the house did she notice the gilded letters embossed on the all-black box: "To Addy." Her brows arched in surprise. It had been a long time since anyone called her "Addy." While living in Halton, no one knew her nickname; only her family used to call her that. Was it sent from the Daves? With a sense of curiosity, Addison opened the box. A strong herbal fragrance wafted out, revealing a collection of rare herbs inside. As she flipped through the contents, she noticed some exceptionally rare medicinal materials. Who could have sent this? She had initially thought it might be someone from the Daves, but that idea quickly faded. She hadn't been home in three years and hadn't contacted anyone from her family. There was no way her parents could know where she lived. As she carefully examined the herbs, she found that the most abundant one was "King Dragon Plant." It was exactly what she needed for her research on a new drug. Using medicinal herbs to create modern medicine was her forte. This particular herb thrived in shadowy conditions, and the only place it could grow like that was in the famed Herbs Valley in Kreshill.