As soon as she finished speaking, a light chuckle rang out beside her. Lance laughed softly, his eyes narrowing as he carefully studied Addison, as if her words had been particularly amusing. Addison felt completely bewildered by the look on his face. What'ssofunnyaboutwhat I said? "Addison, if you've said it, then you've said it. If you haven't, then you haven't. "If you're bold enough to do something, you should have the courage to own up to it." Denying it doesn't exactly show integrity." A playful, teasing, and questioning smirk appeared at the corner of the man's lips as he said those words. Addison, looking completely shocked, raised her hand and pointed at herself. "What did you just say? Are you saying I'm bold enough to do something but won't admit it?" Lance's face remained neutral, neither confirming nor denying.Addison was absolutely furious. She was about to snap when Lance preemptively cut her off, not giving her a chance to explain. "Mom, don't worry, I've always been a man of my word, and I always do what I say." His words were clearly meant to mock Addison. "Since I gave my word, I'll make sure to keep it. Addison will sleep in my room tonight." As Lance spoke, the towel in his hand casually slipped from his fingers and fell to the carpet. He reached out and grabbed Addison's arm, pulling her into the room. It was hard to tell if Lance had lost control of his strength or if it had been intentional. Still, Addison didn't manage to "slam the brakes" this time and ended up stumbling straight into the man's embrace. Lance's skin felt completely different from hers— it was warm and taut, with smooth lines and just the right amount of muscle, neither too lean nor too bulky ... When Addison's hand brushed against his stomach, she could feel a subtle resilience. Her mind went completely blank.Whatis Lance doing? Whyis he pullingmeinto his armslikethis? "Mom, I'll take Addison to the bedroom first. You should go back to your room and rest. See you tomorrow." Lance wrapped one arm around Addison's waist, pulling her close to him, his gaze serious as he looked at Marilyn. When Marilyn saw the scene before her, her heart almost leaped with joy. Thisismorelikeit! She had been hoping for Addison and Lance to get closer, as that was the only way something special could spark between them. Marilyn's earlier gloom instantly vanished, replaced by a cheerful mood. "Alright, alright ... then you two get some rest. If you need anything, just let Lana know." Marilyn was grinning from ear to ear, almost eager to disappear from their sight and give them some much-needed privacy. Once Marilyn's figure disappeared up the stairs, Lance finally closed the door.Throughout all this, Addison remained trapped in the man's arms, his warmth surrounding her, the heat of his body brushing against her face. She tried to pull away, but the difference in their strength kept her from escaping. It wasn't until Lance closed the door and released her that she finally managed to break free, letting out a relieved breath. "Lance, are you out of your d*mn mind?" Who in theirrightmindwouldpull a girlintotheirchestlikethat?