"Mr. Johnston, did you just ask me ... who I am?" Addison couldn't help but find the question strange, a slight frown appearing for a moment. Then she shrugged casually, her voice relaxed as she answered, "Who else could I be, other than Addison? "Are you, like Virginia, feeling unwell? "Maybe you both should head to the hospital and get checked out." Her words seemed simple, but there was an undeniable trace of mockery that landed sharply in Lance's ears. "Addison, stop playing games and give me a real answer! "I'm asking you—what is your connection to the Daves?" Now was not the time for jokes. This was serious, and he needed to know the truth. Lance's gaze turned icy, far colder than it usually was. It was a coldness that carried a touch of rare irritation. The idea that Addison was hiding something from him unsettled him deeply, making him feel as though he were losing control, a sensation he couldn't tolerate. Addison stood silent, her gaze steady on him as her soft smile remained unchanged, just as it had been for the last three years. There was something disconcerting about her calm demeanor. Her smile was warm, yet her presence was distant, almost indifferent. She stood at the door, smiling as if everything was just the same—but it wasn't. Something had changed, and it was that change that caused a tight feeling in Lance's chest, one that he couldn't quite explain. "Answer me." His voice was gritted, frustration evident as he spoke through clenched teeth. The more he stared at her, the more he realized how little he understood her now. He had always struggled to keep up with her shifting moods, but now he realized it was more than that—he couldn't even comprehend who she truly was anymore. Though they were physically close, the distance between them felt impossibly vast. The Daves Residence loomed between them like an unpassable wall. On the other side of the bronze door, the powerful and influential Daves family, on the other, a family like his—insignificant in comparison. The gulf between their social standings was too great for Lance to believe that Addison had easily crossed it. This wasn't the Addison he knew. The Addison he remembered had been gentle and kind—a perfect fit for a Johnston. She had been from humble beginnings, a girl with no power in Halton, raised in an orphanage and utterly dependent on the Johnstons. How could someone like that be tied to the Daves, a family renowned for their wealth and influence in the medical world? No matter how much his expression darkened or how the chill seemed to settle into his bones, Addison remained unchanged. She didn't even acknowledge him as her attention shifted to Virginia. "Ms. Dolton, although you seem unwell, I must remind you of something," Addison said coolly."Don't forget about our bet. "I'm sure you remember what it was about." Those words seemed to snap Virginia out of her daze. Her fists clenched, and her body trembled with suppressed fury. A heavy weight pressed against her chest, suffocating her, leaving her unable to look up. This was a humiliation she couldn't have imagined. And the worst part was, it was coming from Addison—a woman who had always been a stand-in, someone she had underestimated. "Ms. Dolton, with your supposed high morals, I'm sure you'll keep your word," Addison said, the word "high" practically dripping with sarcasm. Anyone listening would have easily caught the biting sarcasm in her tone. If this had been before, Virginia would have slapped Addison without hesitation for that kind of provocation. But now ... For the first time, Virginia felt an overwhelming surge of hatred for Addison's calm, smiling face. To her, that smile was nothing more than the smug expression of someone who'd gotten their way in a petty manner. In the past, Virginia wouldn't have thought twice about striking her across the face. But now, that wasn't an option. Virginia had come to realize that if Addison was capable of walking through that door, her true background was far from ordinary. Since direct confrontation wasn't viable, Virginia had to find a different way to approach this. "Addison ... " Virginia's voice wavered, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she continued. "It seems like I can't honor the bet ... "I don't want to leave Lance ... "I was reckless earlier and offended you by accident. Please, don't hold it against me ..." she continued, her voice trembling. "As for the bet ... it was just a thoughtless joke on my part. It's nothing that should concern someone as important as you. "We're considered sisters, after all. Please forgive me ... " Virginia's words faltered as she lowered her head, her posture one of deep humility that was rare for her. Addison was momentarily taken aback by the drastic change in Virginia's demeanor. She raised an eyebrow in surprise. When it came to adapting to situations, Virginia was second to none. "Don't call me your sister. It's nauseating," Addison snapped coldly. Virginia lowered her brow, feigning panic and desperation, hiding her true motives behind a well-rehearsed act. "Fine, I won't call you that," Virginia murmured softly. "But I do have a request ... I may not know the full extent of your position, but since you can enter the Daves Residence, I'm hoping you can help me save Mr. Steven's life." With that, Virginia groveled in front of Addison, the sound of her knees hitting the stone floor ringing out in the quiet room. Lance heard the loud thump of her knees connecting with the cold ground. Addison watched her grovel, her face impassive, but her brow furrowed as though she was encountering something distasteful. She took a step back, as if trying to distance herself from the scene. How annoying. She's doing this like I'm forcing her, when she really brought this on herself.Virginia noticed the disgust in Addison's eyes, but she gritted her teeth, stifling the humiliation bubbling up inside. She remained kneeling, even moving farther down if needed. "Mr. Steven's life is uncertain. Only you can save him now ... " Virginia's voice cracked, her face contorting with desperation and pain. "To you, it's just a small favor, but to him, it means everything." Virginia had set aside her pride, partly to prove her sincerity to Lance, but more importantly, to test Addison's influence with the Daves family. Will she be able to take us to the Divine Healer? "What are you doing, Virginia?" Lance frowned and stepped forward to pull her up. But Virginia refused to move. It was clear she would keep groveling until Addison agreed to help. Addison let out a cold laugh. I have to say, this is a clever play of moral manipulation. But while this act might have worked on Lance, it held no weight with her. "If you love to grovel, then stay down. If you want to prove your sincerity to the Johnstons, I'd suggest you stay down for 24 hours. Otherwise, how will anyone know if you're just pretending?" Addison's blunt words struck right to the heart. I'm not Lance, and I'm not going to just let her get her way every time. A flush of embarrassment spread across Virginia's face as her façade crumbled. Having made her point, Addison seemed to grow tired of the drawn-out confrontation. She turned on her heel and began to walk away. Just as she was about to leave, Lance's voice called out to her. "Addison, forget about the Johnstons for now. But a life is at stake. Are you really not going to save my grandfather?" Addison paused, mid-step. A flicker of hope ignited in Lance's eyes. She turned back, her voice as cold as ever, slicing through the tense air. "The Johnstons' matters have nothing to do with me." Lance's hope withered in an instant."Oh, and just so you know, I don't recognize these two. If they ever show up at the Daves Residence without an invitation, don't let them in." With that, she addressed the bodyguard, who nodded in agreement. Then, she entered the house, her figure fading as she disappeared beyond the door, leaving only the graceful curve of her silhouette behind. Lance stood frozen, staring after her. Meanwhile, Virginia remained groveling on the cold stone floor, her lips pressed tightly together, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The weight of the humiliation felt like an unbearable pressure on her chest. Virginia had never experienced such a humiliating insult.