The Replacement He Never Wanted
"I ... I was just heading to the restroom," Virginia's voice faltered, noticeably weaker. "The restroom?" Lance's sharp gaze bore into her. "Do you usually need to hide to go to the restroom?" Caught off guard, Virginia scrambled for an excuse. "I ... I wasn't hiding. I just happened to walk by. My phone slipped, and I bent down to pick it up. When I looked up, I saw you ... " "Oh, is that so?" Lance's tone remained indifferent, but his piercing stare left Virginia feeling utterly exposed. She eventually gave in to his overwhelming pressure. With her head bowed, she hurried forward as though fleeing the scene. "I-I'm going to the restroom." Lowering her head, as if someone were hot on her heels, she dashed into the restroom, flung the door open, and shut it quickly behind her. Leaning against the closed door, she paused to catch her breath. But as her heart settled, clarity struck her. Why was she the one running away? Lance was the one with something to hide.He hadn't even answered her question or revealed who he was speaking to on the phone! A wave of regret and frustration washed over Virginia. Hugging herself tightly, she sank into an overwhelming sense of self-reproach. Why did she crumble so easily whenever Lance's stern expression appeared? ... Feeling gloomy, Virginia disembarked from the plane with a heavy heart and a growing sense of regret. At the arrival gate, Isaac was already waiting. His eyes immediately locked on Lance, who stood out in the crowd with his black coat. "Mr. Johnston, over here!" he called out, waving. Lance, briefcase in hand, moved toward him, with Virginia following behind, her expression sulky and distant. Isaac stepped forward warmly, taking the briefcase from Lance. "Mr. Johnston, you must be tired after the flight. I've arranged something to help you unwind. Your favorite coffee is already waiting by your seat."Lance gave a curt nod. Once Lance was attended to, Isaac turned his attention to Virginia. "Ms. Dolton, this way, please. Let me get the door for you," he offered with equal politeness. Isaac made it a point to treat both of them respectfully. After all, Virginia wasn't just anyone—she was the woman who shared a bed with Lance. Ignoring her wasn't an option. Virginia silently slipped into the car, her head still bowed. Once they were both seated, Isaac fastened his seatbelt and glanced at Virginia in the rearview mirror. "Mr. Johnston, should I still take Ms. Dolton to the apartment first, like always?" Virginia's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively looked at Lance, her nerves on edge. Although he had promised on the plane that she could accompany him to Johnston Residence, she couldn't predict his moods and feared he might change his mind at any moment. "No, Virginia will go back to Johnston Residence with me today," Lance said. Isaac raised an eyebrow, briefly surprised. Mr. Johnston allowing Virginia to go to Johnston Residence? What a rare sight! Although Isaac didn't express it outwardly, he could already anticipate the chaos awaiting them there. Virginia stepping foot into Johnston Residence was bound to stir the pot, especially with Marilyn's fiery temperament. Suppressing a sigh, Isaac responded warmly, "Yes, Mr. Johnston." Only after the car began moving did Virginia's tightly wound nerves start to ease. Her clenched hands relaxed, and she exhaled a soft sigh of relief. At least Lance hadn't gone back on his word. Spending the night alone in that small apartment would have been unbearable. "Lance, you don't have to worry. I promise I won't upset Marilyn," Virginia said confidently. Lance remained silent, but Isaac glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable. Does Ms. Dolton not realize how much Mrs. Marilyn dislikes her? Even if she doesn't provoke Mrs. Marilyn, just showing up will be enough to anger Mrs. Marilyn.If Virginia said or did anything carelessly, Isaac wouldn't be surprised if Marilyn flew into a rage. In truth, he could already imagine the drama unfolding. He held the steering wheel as his mind raced, already strategizing ways to steer clear of the chaos awaiting them at Johnston Residence. Based on Virginia's carefree attitude, it was obvious she had no clue just how much Marilyn detested her. When the confrontation inevitably broke out, he was determined to keep his distance, steering clear of the 'war zone' entirely. Lance remained silent, his expression unreadable, but Virginia appeared completely unaware. She continued to mutter, "Lance, do you know what Marilyn likes? I didn't bring anything for her this time—it feels a bit rude. Should we stop somewhere to pick up a gift?"
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