"Got it!" Lana responded quickly. "I'll clear the plates from the table, then go call the chef." Marilyn continued issuing orders as though Virginia didn't even exist. She was lost in her world. Standing there, Virginia felt utterly out of place ... merely watching the scene unfold. She instantly felt aggrieved. She had gone to Kreshill with Lance, only to end up "locked up" in the hospital for no apparent reason, constantly under someone's watchful eye wherever she went. She had finally begged him to take her to Johnston Residence, hoping for a chance to prove herself, to show Marilyn she was worthy of a good impression. Yet, despite all the effort she'd put into preparing breakfast, Marilyn had dismissed it without a second glance, leaving it for the servants to handle. Lance had once doted on her, but now, he was distant and cold towards her like a stranger. Even the title of "Mrs. Johnston" had been stolen from her and given to Addison.Now, she was being mocked by Marilyn, who made it clear that Lance and Addison were the real couple, and she was nothing but an outsider. The more Virginia dwelled on it, the more suffocating her emotions became. Her eyes welled up with tears. She tried to fight them back, but her emotions betrayed her. The tears slid down her soft cheeks, unbidden. "Ms. Dolton, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Lana had just finished clearing the table when she turned and noticed the tears streaming down Virginia's face. Although Lana had often heard from Marilyn about how Virginia was prone to crying, especially in front of Lance, today was the first time she had seen it. Virginia stood there, her eyes shining with unshed tears, her face flushed from the emotion. She looked so pitiful that anyone's heartstrings would tug at the sight. Lana felt a jolt in her chest. Nowonder Mr. Johnstondoteson Ms. Doltonsomuch. The wayshecriesevenmakesanoldwomanlikemefeelheartbroken. Howcould a youngmanlike Mr. Johnstonresist? Thisissoheartbreakingtosee.As Lana thought this, her mind couldn't help but wander to Addison. Ms. Davesisalwaysgentleandcomposed in front of Mr. Johnston. Shenevercriesorcomplainsevenwhensheisbeingwronged. Sheradiates a quietstubbornness. Nowonder Mr. Johnstonisn'tfondofher. Nowitallmakessense. "Ms. Dolton, what's wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden? Do you want me to get you a tissue?" Lana asked though she wasn't particularly fond of Virginia. Still, Virginia was Lance's guest, so some basic courtesy had to be extended. "I'm fine, Lana," Virginia murmured, her voice clear but trembling. Her eyes were already brimming with unshed tears before she spoke. "Don't tell me you're fine. Look at yourself—tears are streaming down your face. How can that be 'fine'?" Lana quickly grabbed a tissue and handed it to Virginia, urging her to wipe her face. Virginia took the tissue, but even she didn't understand what was happening. She hadn't planned on crying today, but the tears just kept flowing as if they had a mind of their own. The hurt she'd been holding in for so long, the frustrations and grievances, had built up inside her, and today, what happened with Marilyn was the final spark that ignited it all.