"What's the issue?" "Well, the gentleman who was dining with you earlier has an insufficient balance to cover the bill and requires your assistance with the payment." "What?" Addison's grip on the phone tightened, her expression one of complete shock. Was she misunderstanding something here? Lance doesn't have enough money to settle his bill? And now she has to go back and cover the cost to get him out of this bind? Is this really the Mr. Johnston she knew? "I'm sorry, could you repeat that? I must have misheard," Addison requested, still in disbelief. Surely, she had misunderstood. How could Lance be short of funds? "Of course," Selena replied politely and reiterated, "We're from Hawthorne. The gentleman who dined with you earlier has an insufficient balance in his account and may need your assistance to settle the bill."This time, Addison heard everything clearly, confirming she had not misheard. Still, she was puzzled. How could the CEO of Johnston Enterprise be unable to pay for a meal? It was truly bizarre. "And what if I don't return?" Addison's voice was calm as she glanced at the steering wheel, contemplating the inconvenience of turning back. She was mere minutes away from Daves Residence, returning now seemed like a real hassle. Her tone was serious, devoid of any humor, prompting Selena to respond anxiously, "Um ... "If the bill isn't settled, he cannot leave." Selena attempted to relay the situation with a soft approach. Lance, standing beside her, felt a surge of embarrassment and annoyance upon hearing that Addison would not come back to resolve the issue. "Oh, so he's stuck there, then? "I told you earlier, just put it on my account. Just charge it directly to my account." "Sorry, your account is currently inaccessible for some reason. "Perhaps you could send the payment directly to this gentleman?" Selena suddenly suggested. However, Addison's brow furrowed. She had deleted Lance as one of his contacts. She did not have his number. She certainly did not want to re-add him. "I'll just come over." Left with no other options, Addison ended the call, turned the steering wheel, and headed in a new direction. ... When she pulled up in front of the restaurant, she immediately spotted Lance by the entrance as she exited her car. Lance was by the entrance, looking suave and sophisticated, with his black suit jacket casually slung over his arm. He wore a crisp white shirt that was buttoned neatly. Yet, this only seemed to accentuate his composed demeanor. Addison raised an eyebrow. However, her reaction was not just because of Lance; it was also due to the throng of young women clustered around him. It looked like a fan event. What is happening? Addison removed her sunglasses, surveying the scene with a look of bewilderment. Had Lance changed his profession to become a celebrity? As Addison walked toward the gathered crowd, she started to hear snippets of conversation. "He's so handsome!" "I think he's really handsome too! I've never seen anyone this handsome in person," one girl whispered excitedly while another squealed in agreement. "I wonder if he has a girlfriend," another voice speculated, filled with hope, "I'd love to be his girlfriend." Hearing the chatter around her, Addison's lips quirked up in a half-smile, and she halted in her tracks. The crowd was thick with eager young women, making it nearly impossible for her to push through. Perhaps it was better to turn back. Lance did not appear to be detained by the restaurant staff anyway. Rather, he seemed like a celebrity who had stopped by for a meal and unexpectedly ran into a horde of fans, now trapped into signing autographs. Deciding to retreat, Addison swiftly turned to leave. However, just as she was about to make her escape, a familiar voice halted her. "Addison!" She stopped and looked back at the call. Lance was there, standing tall among the crowd, his shirt sleeves rolled up, signaling to her. From where she stood, Addison could see his defined facial features—the straight nose, his thin, slightly parted lips, and those deep, penetrating eyes. Honestly, he could have passed for a pop star. Caught in her attempt to slip away, Addison resignedly ceased her retreat. The young women around Lance noticed this interaction, and their attention quickly shifted towards Addison.At that moment, she found herself the focus of various gazes—some envious, others puzzled, a few curious, and many openly hostile.