"Ms. Daves, we're so sorry! "We didn't notice the box on the stairs. That was our negligence! It was entirely our fault that you almost fell! "We sincerely apologize!" The servant was slightly shaky, and their voice trembled as they spoke. It was clear they were genuinely terrified. "It's alright. "It was my own carelessness for not noticing the box. It's not your fault," Addison said gently. "You can go back to your duties now." "But we ... " The servants hesitated, unsure whether to leave. They glanced nervously at Lance, awaiting his permission. In the Johnstons, the ultimate authority rested with Lance. Unless he explicitly dismissed them, they wouldn't dare to leave, no matter what Addison said. "Did you not hear her?" Lance sat back at the dining table with an air of leisure. His expression was cold as his eyes swept over the servants."Mr. Johnston, what do you mean?" Impatience flickered across Lance's face. He elegantly picked up a set of utensils and said, "Did Addison just tell you to leave? "Are you ignoring her words?" "No, of course not!" "Thank you, Ms. Daves, for forgiving us!" After saying this, the servants turned in unison and said to Lance, "Thank you, Mr. Johnston!" "Leave," Lance said coldly, holding the knife and fork with a sense of precision and restraint. The group of servants felt as though they had been granted amnesty. Clutching the box tightly, they lowered their heads and scurried out of the living room as quickly as possible. Marilyn, sitting nearby, watched the entire scene unfold with a satisfied smile. Lance stepping up for Addison was a good sign! Even if he was a bit harsh when scolding the servants, that was just how he was—stern, with an aura of authority that reminded her of his father in his younger days.It was so intimidating that even she felt a bit overwhelmed watching it. But still, scolding the servants on behalf of his wife? What was wrong with being harsh? A man should defend his wife! With this level of protectiveness, no one would dare to bully Addison in the future! Marilyn was thoroughly pleased with the dynamic between Lance and Addison. Her smile hadn't left her face all day. "Come here, Addison. You must've been scared just now," Marilyn said warmly, pulling Addison closer. "Have some breakfast to settle your nerves. I made your favorite dishes." As she spoke, she guided Addison to a seat beside Lance. Addison was forced to sit down beside him, and the familiar scent of the man enveloped her again. Addison shot up from the chair like a reflex when she sat down. Her sudden movement startled Marilyn. "Addison, what's wrong?" "I'll sit over there instead," Addison said, clutching her skirt and walking toward a seat far away from Lance. "Why would you sit over there? This seat is perfect!" Marilyn trailed behind her. "I ... I want to eat that food over there. It's more convenient to sit closer to it." Addison closed her eyes and made up a random excuse, her ears turning slightly red from the lie. She knew how unconvincing her reasoning sounded, but the moment she caught a whiff of that familiar scent, all she could think about was last night. The more Marilyn tried to follow, the faster Addison moved. By the time Marilyn caught up, Addison had already seated herself at a spot that was practically on the other side of the room from Lance.