When they arrived at the Johnston Residence, Addison was taken aback to see the dining table still overflowing with food. She gave a small, frustrated shake of her head. Marilyn, with her usual enthusiasm, began piling food onto Addison's plate. Just then, Lance entered, an icy air seemingly following him. His face was tense, and his voice carried an edge. "Where is Virginia?" he asked. His question sliced through the warm, welcoming atmosphere, immediately drawing everyone's attention. Lance's voice carried a chill, making it hard to determine whether it was the cold weather outside or his presence that brought the chill into the room. The once cozy environment vanished in an instant, and everyone's gaze turned to the man who had spoken. Addison stood frozen, her mind struggling to catch up with Lance's words. It took a few moments before she truly processed what he had said. Virginia? Wait—Virginia had comehere?Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. She vividly remembered Lance being adamant about not allowing Virginia into the Johnston Residence. After all, Marilyn was known to get overly emotional when she saw Virginia, sometimes even to the point of physical illness. That's why Lance had gone through the effort of getting Virginia her own apartment in downtown Halton, far from this house. But now, Lance was asking, "Where's Virginia?" That could only mean one thing—Virginia was here? Lance had let her come? Addison's thoughts raced as she considered the possibility. She'd always thought Virginia was adept at managing relationships with men, but now it seemed she had underestimated Virginia's abilities. She had already managed to charm Marilyn, getting her approval faster than expected ... Addison knew Marilyn's temperament all too well. Unless Marilyn had agreed, Virginia, no matter how persistent, would've been sent packing the moment she arrived. But now, Virginia was here, staying peacefully in the Johnston Residence. That could only mean one thing—Marilyn had agreed. A glint of surprise and curiosity flashed in Addison's eyes. She might have misjudged Virginia's power after all."What did you say, Lance?" Marilyn's voice was filled with confusion, though whether she had truly not heard him or was pretending she hadn't was unclear. Her tone was almost distracted. "Where's Virginia? Why isn't she here?" Lance repeated, his voice softer now. He had just taken Addison's suitcase out of the car and was about to head inside when he realized he hadn't seen Virginia at all since their arrival. Given her personality, she would have rushed over the moment he got out of the car, talking his ear off the entire way. It didn't make sense that she was nowhere to be seen. Growing uneasy, Lance quickly walked around the yard, searching every corner, but there was still no sign of Virginia. His worry deepened. "Virginia ... she was just here. Where could she have gone?" Marilyn, still holding the spoon she had been using to serve Addison, mirrored his confusion, her voice sounding uncertain. She was aware that Virginia had been upset earlier, probably crying, and had likely gone off somewhere to be alone. But Marilyn, on the surface, acted as though she knew nothing, turning to Lana with a practiced look of concern.