The Replacement He Never Wanted

Chapter 38 A Chance Encounter

Lance listened closely to Virginia's words, his fingers lightly brushing the back of her hand. "You didn't do anything wrong. Addison's just being relentless." Virginia felt a sense of contentment deep down. "By the way, when I arrived earlier, I noticed the front desk making things difficult for Addison. Even though I don't approve of her coming to the company to see you, I couldn't just stand by and watch her be mistreated. So, I confronted them. But, to my surprise, they didn't care at all and even insulted me!" Lance gave a slight nod. "I know you can't stand unfairness. Don't worry, Virginia. Once we have the report on Addison's actions, I won't let it go unaddressed." Virginia's willingness to stand up for Addison showed Lance that she wasn't easily swayed by emotions. She had strong principles and thought things through, refusing to simply reject someone based on personal feelings. He couldn't help but admire her more for these qualities. Lance slowly released Virginia's hand and spoke again, "Is Addison still downstairs?" Virginia's expression flickered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "When I was coming up with Isaac, Addison hadn't left yet." Lance nodded, his thoughts racing. She's still here? What will it take for her to leave? Does she need me to say it again for her to understand? How stubborn. Virginia gave him a thoughtful look and said gently, "Lance, why not go downstairs and try to talk to Addison? I'm worried she might think too much into things and do something reckless ... " She figured she might as well follow through with her act. After demonstrating her clear-headedness, she needed to maintain that position. Lance didn't answer immediately. Virginia tugged on his sleeve, her voice soft but pleading. "Please, Lance, go talk to her. I can see how upset she is, and it's making me feel bad too. "But, Lance, I need to make one thing clear—keep your distance from Addison. I don't want to pretend I don't care. Can you manage that?" Lance let out a quiet chuckle. "Alright, I'll go talk to her, but only because it's for you." This will be the last time I try to reason with Addison. I have already said everything there is to say, but she refuses to move on. I don't have the time or patience for it anymore. Besides, no matter how much Addison wants a divorce, she shouldn't be dragging our personal issues into the workplace. That is a line I won't let her cross.Addison spent three years at the Johnstons, claiming to love me, but she still can't understand me. How could she expect me to feel anything for her? Lance stood up, ready to head downstairs to confront Addison. Virginia's unease lingered. What if that woman clings to him like a leech? She whispered, "Lance, do you want me to come with you?" Lance shook his head. "No need to worry. I'll be back up soon." He opened the door and stepped out. Isaac was sitting at his desk when he saw Lance leaving the office. He quickly stood and approached him. "Mr. Johnston, where are you headed? Can I help with anything?" Ms. Dolton just entered, and now Mr. Johnston is heading out. Is he going to see Addison? Lance spoke with his usual calm tone, "Have you finished your work? Bring me the new drug planning proposal." He paused, his voice hardening. "Or you can go find Raven for me." Isaac stammered, "I-I haven't finished yet ... " "Then get moving." Isaac didn't dare to protest. "Mr. Johnston, I'll let you get back to your work." Lance pressed the button for the elevator, and it soon opened. As he stepped inside, he nearly collided with two people. Uncle Raymond and Aunt Teagan? What are they doing here? Addison adjusted her sunglasses and hesitated, not sure if she should intervene in the matter. But when the elevator doors opened, her gaze froze. There stood Lance, looking every bit the part in his black suit, his face as cold as ever. What is he doing down here? She quickly ducked behind a pillar in the lobby, not wanting to be seen. Raymond glanced over and recognized Lance immediately. It seems like he can't wait to pass his position as CEO to me! A grin spread across his face. Lance was taken aback. "Uncle Raymond, what brings you here? I thought you said you weren't coming back to Johnston Enterprise."When he first took on the CEO role, Raymond and Teagan had made things difficult for him. They openly challenged him at the company, going against him at every turn. But because they were Walter's siblings and he had just passed away, Lance had held back, not wanting to escalate the tension. However, when they saw he wasn't reacting to their provocations, they became bolder, even to the point of harming the company's stock price. Lance had put up with their antics for as long as he could, but by the time he was ready to confront them, it was already too late. They had made strong alliances with other shareholders, and no matter what he did, they remained untouched. When Lance was ready to admit defeat, feeling like he had failed his late father, Raymond and Teagan suddenly appeared, saying they would no longer interfere and that everything would be left to him. Though Lance had his suspicions about their sudden change of heart, he was still happy to accept the outcome. But why were they here today? Raymond grinned. "Lance, let's step aside for a moment. We need to talk." Lance frowned but followed Raymond to a quiet corner. The three of them paused, and Raymond subtly nodded at Teagan. Teagan, understanding, spoke first, "Lance, how's your grandfather doing? I've been so busy lately, I've only had a chance to visit him once. I haven't heard much about his health." Lance raised an eyebrow. They came all the way to the company just to ask about Grandpa? Why didn't they go straight to the Johnston Residence? There is clearly something more they aren't saying. He responded coolly. "Grandpa's the same. He hasn't fully recovered yet. You two should visit him at the Johnston Residence when you get a chance." Teagan nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes. We really should visit him soon." Raymond, noticing Teagan's gentle approach, grew frustrated. He couldn't stand how she hadn't mentioned the matter they really came for. He decided it was his turn to speak up. Before he could open his mouth, Teagan gently tugged at his sleeve. She knew her nephew well—he responded better to softer, more tactful methods. Lance, however, was too tired to deal with their pleasantries. He glanced around the lobby, but didn't see Addison anywhere.Has she left? He shrugged it off and spoke dryly, "If there's something important, just say it. I'm very busy." Teagan smiled, wringing her hands together. "Oh, it's nothing too serious. I just heard that there's been a problem with the new drug we're developing." Lance's eyebrows shot up. "How do you know that?" He had kept that information under wraps. Unless someone from the senior management had leaked it, there was no way they should be aware of it.

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