"Virginia, go back," Lance blurted out. He seemed startled by his own words and paused for a moment before awkwardly adding, "I already promised Mom. I can't go back on my word." Lance's unnatural expression stemmed from the sudden realization of something unsettling. Deep down, he genuinely didn't want Addison to leave the room. Whywould I feelthatway? Coulditbethat I actually ... caredfor Addison? For a brief moment, Lance's usually stoic face showed cracks, his expression shifting unpredictably. No. Impossible. Lance forcefully crushed the thought in his mind. He had spoken so quickly because of his grandfather's wishes. Tomorrow was the critical day for welcoming the Divine Healer, and Addison was the key person facilitating the connection. Her presence and satisfaction were crucial—they would directly influence the Divine Healer's attitude.If Addison was unhappy, the Divine Healer certainly wouldn't be pleased either. He couldn't afford to upset Addison at such a pivotal moment. This was the only reason for his change. Lance's expression softened slightly as he forced himself to suppress the unease stirring in his heart. To mask his discomfort, he picked up his cup and took a sip, deliberately avoiding Virginia's gaze. "Lance ... you can change your mind," Virginia pleaded, her voice trembling. "I'm begging you. Just let me stay here tonight." Sensing Lance's firm stance, Virginia's tone softened, resembling the low cry of someone cornered with no way out. For the first time, a flicker of amusement appeared on Addison's otherwise indifferent face. She raised an eyebrow. Interesting. This time, Virginia's words carried a shred of real emotion. Before, everything about Virginia—the tears on her face, the quiver in her voice—had been pure performance. But now, confronted with Lance's resolute attitude, she finally seemed to grasp the danger she was in. Addison smiled with a glint of amusement in her eyes. If Virginia didn't inject a bit of genuine emotion into her act now, she might really get kicked out. It was only natural for her to muster up some real tears at this point. "Ms. Dolton, if you're truly scared, you could always ask Lana to stay with you," Addison said lightly as if offering a perfectly reasonable suggestion. "Or better yet, call in a few bodyguards to stand in your room. How about that? That way, you definitely wouldn't feel scared." There was no way she would give in today. She wouldn't allow Virginia to have her way. Unlike Lance, who softened easily at the sight of a few tears, she felt no pity for someone like Virginia. "With so many people keeping you company, one stationed in every corner of the room, wouldn't that be much safer than just having Lance with you? "Don't you agree?" Addison's tone was casual, yet Virginia could detect a hint of mockery and disdain. It was a provocation—a blatant one at that. "I don't want that," Virginia said, forcing herself to ignore Addison's provocations. She turned back to Lance stubbornly. "I'm a young woman. How could I possibly let a group of men stay in my room? "I don't even talk to other men, much less share a room with them. "And besides, I'm not that kind of girl."