Addison watched with a raised eyebrow as Lance carefully removed the herbs from the woman's dress, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "What's this, Mr. Johnston? Are you going to cover Virginia's costs?" She paused for a moment, feigning uncertainty as if considering whether or not to humor him. "But like I always say, whoever causes the problem should be the one to fix it," Addison added, raising a finger and motioning toward Virginia. Her words lingered in the air, dripping with amusement. "So, Virginia will be the one to pay." Before Lance could respond, Virginia couldn't hold herself back, jumping from behind him with a sharp retort. "Dream on! "If you think you can beg and scam me, you've got another thing coming!" Addison was so full of herself before—buying the extravagant villa in Pendomium Heights without hesitation, casually splurging on a diamond the size of a pigeon's egg.But now? What has changed? Has her rich sugar daddy grown tired of her, tossing her aside like an old toy? Is that why she's now scavenging for spare change on the streets? Virginia's eyes glinted with mockery as she smirked. Addison can't hold onto a wealthy man anymore, so now she's crawling back to the Johnstons, begging for whatever she could get. It's pathetic. "If you want me to pay for that worthless herb, you'll have to cover the cost of my dress first," Virginia declared, lifting the hem of her skirt. Given Addison's current state, she probably can't even afford to replace a single piece of fabric on it. "Pay for your dress?" Addison raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Virginia's boldness. "Yes! You pay for mine first, and then I might consider paying you," Virginia replied, a sly smile creeping across her face as she watched Addison's stunned expression. Addison pressed her lips together, silent for a moment. "You're not backing out, are you?" Virginia continued, casually brushing her fingers over the green stain on her skirt, her air of elegance only adding to her arrogance. With a self-satisfied smile, she added, "That's how it works. If you make a promise, you keep it." If Addison knew she couldn't afford the dress, she never should have started this in the first place. But to Virginia's surprise, Addison agreed without hesitation. "Fine. "Say it. How much do you want me to pay?" Addison's expression remained calm, as though she had all the confidence in the world, completely unfazed. Virginia paused, unsure for a moment. Is Addison really going to pay? She hadn't expected such a quick agreement. "You're serious?" Virginia asked, still skeptical. Addison nodded, unfazed. "Of course. "You said I should pay, so how could I refuse?" Virginia's expression froze as she tried to process this. Could Addison be bluffing? Even if she has the money to pay me back, that herb can't be worth much. I'm sure I can afford it.Shaking off her doubts, Virginia quickly regained her usual arrogant demeanor. "Actually, I was just joking before. You didn't mean it, and you didn't do it on purpose. As the younger sister, I can't really make you pay. "But since you really want to, I won't stop you," she added, casting a glance at Lance with a faux innocent expression, as though she were the one at a disadvantage. Addison watched in silence, her eyebrow twitching slightly, clearly annoyed. I can't believe it—Virginia benefitted from the situation and is now pretending to be innocent, putting on an act like it's a performance. "How much do you want me to pay?" Addison snapped, no longer willing to entertain the pointless back-and-forth. Virginia raised five fingers, waving them in front of Addison, ready to speak the price. However, before she could say anything, Lance suddenly stepped forward, blocking her way. His voice, unusually low, filled the air. "Forget it. It's just one dress. If it's ruined, I'll buy you a new one."Stop making a scene." His words hit Virginia like a stone breaking the stillness of a calm pond, causing ripples in her chest. Slowly, she lifted her eyes, feeling a warm flush creep across her pale cheeks as she tried to absorb what he had just said. Did I hear that right? Lance actually told me to stop making a scene? Isn't Addison the one causing all the trouble? If Addison hadn't insisted I pay for that useless herb, would I have asked her to pay for the dress at all? Why is Lance defending Addison? A surge of anger rose in Virginia, but she buried it deep to preserve her "gentle and understanding" image. She couldn't blow up at Lance, so she silently swallowed her frustration. "Lance, I ... " She had intended to apologize, hoping to gain his sympathy, but the words got caught in her throat. She just couldn't say it. After thinking it through again, she realized it was all Addison's fault. Why should I apologize? I can't just let it slide."Lance, I'm not trying to make things hard for Addison. She just keeps coming after me," Virginia said, her voice laced with false hurt as she grabbed his hand and shook it, gazing up at him with a pitiful, almost pleading look. "If Addison hadn't insisted I pay for that little weed, this wouldn't have happened." To emphasize her point, she crossed her heart, swearing dramatically, "Cross my heart." Lance sighed, his gaze narrowing slightly, and rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. His voice was cold but firm. "No need for any oaths. I believe you." "Really?" Virginia's eyes sparkled with delight. "I'm so glad you trust me!" Addison, watching the scene unfold, felt a flicker of disbelief. She was running out of time—she needed to return to the Daves Residence to help Leon and calm Matthew. She knew continuing this argument with Virginia was a waste, and the best move would be to simply back off ... quietly collect the herbs and let everything blow over like before. But for some reason, today, she wasn't willing to let Virginia's arrogance slide.Sometimes, people like that needed to be put in their place. Addison cut to the chase, her voice calm but resolute. "So, are you going to compensate for the herb or not?" Virginia scoffed, "Addison, didn't you hear what Lance just said?" I have already let go of the dress issue, but now she's pressing for the herb. Is she deliberately trying to stir things up? Addison shrugged, her tone casual. "I heard. But what does that have to do with me? I just want you to pay for the herb." Her voice remained steady, unwavering. Virginia almost choked with laughter. "You really are hopeless, aren't you?" Lance tried to help her, but she's just too thick to get it. She keeps demanding compensation for the herb, even after Lance has already spoken. Virginia was about to respond, but Lance cut her off again. This time, he didn't scold Addison or agree with her. Instead, his voice remained calm as he spoke, "How much is it? I'll cover it for Virginia."His expression was unreadable, indifferent. Addison raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Oh? You're going to pay for her?" She had expected him to agree, but to her surprise, he shook his head. "No. Virginia has to pay for herself." Addison eyed Virginia from head to toe, making her feel uneasy. After a long moment, she finally spoke. "Let Virginia use the necklace around her neck to cover it." Her tone was casual, as though she were talking about buying a trinket from a street vendor.