"The road over there is slippery. I'm worried that Ms. Addison might slip and fall." "Go ahead, quickly!" Matthew replied with a nod. With permission granted, Morris put down his tools and walked toward the two, who were still playfully bantering. Matthew felt much more at ease knowing Morris was heading off to protect Addison. He was about to sit down and rest when he noticed something odd. He glanced over in the direction where Morris had gone. Immediately, he could tell that after Morris arrived, the laughter from that side had grown louder. Addison's laughter, which sounded like silver bells, seemed to echo brighter after Morris had appeared. From this, it was clear that Morris wasn't there to protect Addison—he was there to make her laugh even more. Matthew shook his head with a smile. After the group had worn themselves out from their playful antics, they made their way back inside."Back already? Wash up and come eat! I've already prepared the meal." Holding a spoon, Matthew saw Addison walking in from outside and called out. "Got it! Washing up now!" Leon was the first to respond, quickly washing his hands before helping Matthew set the table. Once everything was set, the four sat around the table to eat. Morris was holding a bowl of soup, and there were still bits of mud on his face and arms. However, this mud wasn't from working on the furnace; it was something Leon had sneakily smeared on him. Morris noticed the mud on his arms and looked a bit distracted by it. Seeing Morris looking confused, Addison suddenly thought of Ryan. She often saw this kind of dazed expression on Ryan's face. Addison pursed her lips, her gaze going distant, and for some reason, she felt a little nostalgic for him. She couldn't help but wonder whether he was eating well on his own in Kreshill and whether he was working on his experiments properly.With that thought, she looked down at the soup Matthew had scooped up for her. Tentatively, she spoke, "Grandpa, I might need to go back to Halton tomorrow." "Tomorrow?" The mood at the table instantly became tense. "Yeah." Addison lowered her head, not daring to meet Matthew's eyes. "Because Mr. Steven's condition is severe and can't be delayed. The sooner I get back, the better." As she said this, what was really on Addison's mind was that the sooner she left, the sooner she could get the signed contract. "I'll head back to Halton first, and then once everything is ready on your side, I'll pick you up at the airport. "Because I remember you mentioned a new research project for the Daves a few days ago that needs your guidance, right?" Seeing that Matthew didn't respond, Addison continued, pushing through nervously. "I plan to wait until you finish guiding that project, and then I'll pick you up once you arrive in Halton."After speaking, Addison anxiously closed her eyes, bracing herself for any scolding from Matthew. But to her surprise, Matthew merely nodded and spoke softly, "Okay." "I'll go check on the progress tomorrow, and once the Daves' matters are settled, I'll head straight to Halton. We can't waste any time with Mr. Steven's condition." "Really?" Addison's eyes widened in surprise. She had expected Matthew to reprimand her for not keeping her word. After all, she had said she would stay for a long time, but now she was leaving before even a week had passed. "Mm, of course, really." "Would I lie to you?" Matthew said with a kind expression, adding some meat to Addison's plate. "Eat more, this is good for your health." Addison, still surprised, nodded obediently. Virginia was suddenly lifted into Lance's arms, and she was a little dazed. It wasn't until they boarded the plane to Halton that she regained her senses and could think clearly.She had just cried so earnestly, and yet she hadn't gained anything, and now she was being carried by Lance onto the car in a haze? This was clearly a significant loss for her. At the very least, the man should have comforted her more. Maybe she could have even asked for a blue diamond. Why did her romantic feelings take over at such a critical moment? Sitting in the first-class seat, Virginia felt regret, and her heart was full of remorse. But unfortunately, now that she was already on the plane, even if she wanted to change her mind, it was too late. "Lance, can I come with you to the Johnston Residence after we get off the plane?" Since she hadn't gained any benefit earlier, Virginia's eyes twinkled as she tried to come up with a new idea. "I don't want to stay alone in the apartment. It feels so unsafe." She grabbed the corner of Lance's coat. Lance felt the pull at the corner of his coat and looked down at Virginia.