Virginia's eyes widened in shock as the words she had just heard sank in. I must have heard wrongly, right? What did Addison just say? The nonchalant tone and casual way Addison spoke rushed through Virginia's mind. "I was in a hurry and forgot my key. Thanks for opening the door for me" Virginia replayed those words over and over in her head, and it hit her. Addison has completely lost it. Who does she think she is? She forgot her keys? Does she really believe she can just waltz into the Daves Residence like she's one of them, like she's the heiress of the Daves herself? Is she still dreaming? If Virginia hadn't been waiting for Addison to honor their bet, she might have slapped her back to reality. Lance, equally stunned by Addison's words, couldn't keep quiet. "Addison, have you lost your mind? "If you want to make a fool of yourself, go back to Halton. This isn't the place for nonsense like that."Virginia may have caused him some embarrassment in Halton, but now Addison was dragging the Johnstons' reputation through the mud in Kreshill. Lance's frustration boiled inside him. There are better ways to win my favor, but none of them involves making a scene like this. Has Addison really sunk this low? Is this her idea of proving how genuine her love for me is? I have no need for her kind of "sacrifice." "I've lost my mind?" Addison's lips curled into a slight smile as she repeated his words, her voice soft and amused. Virginia scoffed. "What's wrong with that question? "Thinking you're part of the Daves family ... That's pretty out there, don't you think?" At this rate, Virginia wouldn't have been surprised if Addison started claiming she was the richest person on the planet. "Well, if you say I'm crazy, I guess I must be ... " Addison nodded slightly, as though conceding to their point. But in the next instant, her expression darkened. A sharp, cold smirk twisted at the corners of her lips, and her voice grew louder."But whether I'm crazy or not, that's not for you to decide." Her eyes grew colder, more calculating, as she shifted her gaze to the bodyguard standing nearby. "Go on and tell them if I'm crazy." The bodyguard's eyes locked with hers, and suddenly, all the attention in the room was focused on him, awaiting his judgment. Virginia had been certain that Addison had no business being inside the Daves Residence. But the way Addison spoke—so certain, so confident—made her pause. Could Addison have some kind of special status? Virginia's mind raced, trying to connect the dots, terrified that she might have missed something important. There's nothing about Addison that suggests she's anything special. So where is this confidence coming from? Confused and on edge, Virginia held her breath, her heart thumping loudly in her chest, waiting for the bodyguard's response. The bodyguard had only been assigned to the Daves Residence earlier that morning, after Leon had called for him. Prior to that, he had been stationed at Herbs Valley, guarding rare herbs there. So he was completely unaware of what had been happening at the Daves Residence lately—and had no idea that the heiress of the Daves had returned from Halton, causing quite the stir within the estate. The bodyguard studied Addison carefully. She wore a light green gown that hugged her slender waist, her dark hair framing her face like a delicate painting—graceful and captivating. There's something about her face ... She looks so familiar. In his mind, the heiress's face and this woman's face seemed to blend together ... She's Ms. Daves?! The bodyguard stood frozen, unable to believe his realization. His mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. After all these years, the staff at the Daves Residence still recognized Addison immediately. "You're ... " he started to speak, but trailed off before he could finish the word "Ms. Daves."Hasn't she cut ties with the Daves three years ago and married into the Johnstons in Halton? How can she possibly be here now? Addison raised an eyebrow and studied his reaction. "Are you new?" she asked, clearly noticing his shock. If he were experienced, he wouldn't be so taken aback. The bodyguard quickly shook his head. "No, I'm not new. I've been serving the Daves for years. I was just stationed at Herbs Valley recently, but I was called back to the residence this morning. When I heard noise outside, I followed my instincts and came to open the door." It seemed that Addison's simple question had caused the bodyguard to reveal everything, as if the words had spilled out uncontrollably. It seemed strange. His obedience to her, as though she held a certain authority over him, was unmistakable. In fact, the only person at the Daves Residence capable of making him act in such a manner was probably the heiress herself. The bodyguard's gaze became more intense as he looked at Addison again.By chance, he noticed a faint, clear talisman hidden beneath her dress. Only Ms. Daves would possess such an object. At that moment, everything clicked. "You ... you've really come back?" he asked, his voice full of disbelief and astonishment. "You've truly returned!" His face lit up with joy, and it was as though he was about to rush off to tell Matthew the news. Addison smiled warmly and stopped him. "I've been back for a while. Mr. Matthew already knows. I was just in a rush today and forgot my keys. Thank you for helping me open the door." "Oh, it's nothing ... Please, come right in," the tall and bulky bodyguard said, nearly bending over backwards in respect. "The main door is a bit far from your courtyard. Would you like me to call someone to escort you?" he asked, concern filling his voice. "No need, I can walk this short distance. It's just a quick stroll," Addison replied as she entered the Daves Residence. The bodyguard followed closely behind, his excitement and concern clearly evident, trying his best to be attentive.As they walked, Addison seemed to remember something and turned around. Her gaze flicked to Lance and Virginia, still standing outside the door. Casually, she remarked, "I think I heard someone say I was crazy just now." Virginia froze, her body going rigid. Her face drained of color, almost as if she had seen a ghost. She couldn't believe what she was witnessing. There had to be some mistake. How could this be happening? Addison, a mere substitute, is walking into a place that I myself can't enter. But when Virginia saw the bodyguard bowing respectfully to Addison, all doubt vanished. It was clear that Addison wasn't some naive person acting out of turn—she was genuinely entitled to be there. Addison had been confident before, not because she was unaware, but because she was absolutely certain of her position. Virginia felt as if everything she believed was falling apart. In the end, am I the real fool here? I've even gone as far as betting against Addison ... Now, the weight of her mistake sank in.Addison smiled as she observed Virginia's stunned reaction. "I don't think I'm crazy. Ms. Dolton, what do you think?" Virginia could only stare at her, unable to form any words. "Ms. Dolton, why aren't you speaking?" Addison's smile grew, clearly enjoying Virginia's discomfort. Virginia felt a cold chill spread through her, as Addison's grin sent shivers down her spine. "I-I ... " The shock left Virginia speechless, her mind unable to keep up with the bizarre reality unfolding before her. Addison raised an eyebrow, a cool gaze fixed on Virginia. "Ms. Dolton, what's the matter? Are you speechless now? Are you feeling unwell?" Her tone was tinged with mock concern, but her indifference was clear. Virginia instinctively took a step back, her mind still reeling. She pinched her own arm hard, as if to prove to herself that this wasn't some twisted dream. The sharp pain confirmed it—this was real. Words could not describe the storm of emotions she was feeling right now. Addison took a step forward, her heel lightly touching the threshold. When Virginia didn't respond, her gaze shifted to Lance, who was equally stunned. "Mr. Johnston," Addison said playfully, her voice filled with sarcasm, "aren't you going to check on your first love?" Lance's face was frozen in disbelief. His handsome features were locked in an expression of shock. "Wh-who are you?" His voice trembled, the words struggling to leave his mouth, as if he could hardly believe what was happening. "Addison, what is your relationship with the Daves?"