Addison feared that Lance might turn his anger on her, so she made a conscious effort to fade into the background, hoping to avoid drawing his attention. When it came to the situation with Virginia and the Johnstons, Virginia tried her best to stay out of it, avoiding getting more involved than necessary. Lance held his gaze on Addison for what seemed like an eternity, his eyes piercing and unwavering. Finally, he grabbed his phone from the chair, pivoted sharply, and walked out of the room with determined strides. Once Lance had left, the suffocating tension in the room eased, and Addison could breathe again. Marilyn, who had been sitting beside her, seemed to release a deep breath, as if the weight that had been pressing on her chest had finally lifted. After Lance's departure, she exhaled and slowly lowered herself back into the chair. "Mrs. Marilyn, are you okay?" Lana asked, her eyes tracking Marilyn's every movement. Noticing the woman's disheveled state, she rushed over to her. "I'm fine," Marilyn waved her hand, brushing off the concern. "Do you need anything, maybe some medicine?" Lana asked, her worry clear in her voice. "No, I know my own body. I'm fine, really," Marilyn reassured her, though there was a slight tremor in her voice. Addison observed Marilyn carefully. The calm and collected exterior Marilyn displayed when Lance confronted her seemed to be a facade. The moment he'd lost his temper, even she had struggled to keep it together. Marilyn breathed heavily, trying to regain her composure, while Addison handed her water and gently massaged her shoulders. It wasn't until then that Marilyn's breathing began to slow. "I'm okay now, Addison," Marilyn said softly, pulling Addison's hand toward her. "Lance really did scare you, didn't he? It's fine, don't worry. Let's just eat," Marilyn added, trying to bring some comfort to Addison. Addison didn't respond right away. She wasn't particularly scared, as she had seen Lance in much worse moods before. If anyone had reason to be frightened, it was Marilyn. "Marilyn, I'm fine. I've tasted all the dishes, and they're delicious. I saved you some too," Addison said gently, trying to calm Marilyn's nerves.Lance's temper was notorious, but his manners were impeccable. He had never disrespected an elder, at least not until today. Virginia's sudden disappearance had clearly shaken him, and that had caused him to lose control and lash out at Marilyn. Virginia held a special place in Lance's heart as his first love, and if anything had happened to her, Lance would have been beside himself with guilt. Marilyn quietly picked up the food Addison had set aside for her. The room, once filled with light conversation, now felt heavy. Marilyn's mood had visibly shifted after Lance's outburst, and she appeared far less composed than before. After a quiet and tense meal, Lance finally returned, bringing Virginia with him. A gust of cold air swept into the room as they entered. Virginia was wearing a thin dress with Lance's black coat draped over her shoulders. Her face was pale, her hair a tangled mess—she looked utterly exhausted and disheveled. Marilyn, who had been seated on the couch talking to Addison, stood the moment she heard the door. Lance and Virginia walked in, one after the other.Addison, out of politeness, set down her teacup and stood as well, following Marilyn's lead. Standing by Marilyn's side, Addison could clearly sense the relief wash over her when she saw Virginia enter the room. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her.