Raymond smacked his forehead in frustration, his face flushed with regret. "I should've thought this through," he muttered. "Dad's health is finally getting better, and I shouldn't have brought this up in front of him today. It's totally ruined the mood." With a determined look, he turned to Steven. "I'm sure you only gave Lance the position because you believed in his abilities and potential." Steven remained silent, his frustration evident. He stood motionless for a few moments, unable to speak. Meanwhile, Marilyn stood by, trying to process what she had just heard. Is Johnston Enterprise really on the brink of collapse? Is history repeating itself? The thought weighed heavily on her chest. Raymond leaned forward, giving Steven a reassuring pat on the back. "I just worry so much about the future of the Johnstons," he sighed. "I can't stand the thought of the family falling apart under my watch. I didn't mean to upset anyone." He glanced at Steven, his words tinged with a subtle edge. "But if Johnston Enterprise is really facing such dire problems and nothing changes ... well, it could be over." He shot a pointed look at Steven. "Lance is still too young." Teagan nodded in agreement, clearly backing Raymond. Marilyn's heart pounded in her chest, but she pushed down her emotions, trying to stay composed. "Raymond, what exactly are you trying to say?" Raymond turned his attention to her. "Well, if Dad chose Lance back then, it was because he thought Lance had the ability to lead. But after everything that's happened, do you really think he's still up to the task?" Marilyn went silent, unsure how to respond. Raymond shifted his gaze back to Steven. "Dad, what do you think?" Steven's lips trembled, struggling to find his voice. "Get me ... a glass of ... water." Marilyn quickly grabbed a cup and handed it to him. He took a few shaky sips, trying to steady himself. Seeing Steven still hadn't answered, Raymond opened his mouth to speak again, but suddenly, the door burst open. A man with a commanding presence entered the room. His sharp features and dark suit gave off an air of authority. Marilyn's face lit up with a flicker of joy. "Lance, you're finally here!"Lance's gaze swept the room. When he saw Raymond and Teagan besides Steven, his eyes narrowed. He made his way directly to Steven, speaking in a calm, composed tone. "Grandpa, there were some important matters at the company that delayed me." Raymond let out a scoff, unimpressed. Steven's expression darkened. "What could possibly be so urgent at the company that it kept you—someone who's always punctual—away for so long?" Lance lowered his eyes, his voice cool and detached. "Just some minor issues." Raymond sneered. "Minor issues? I think it's better if you're honest. There's no need to hide anything—after all, we're family." Hearing that, Lance was sure Raymond had told Steven what happened at the company, and his version of events would surely paint him in a bad light. Lance didn't acknowledge Raymond. Instead, he moved to the table, slowly picked up a cup of tea, and took a seat beside him. Raymond clenched his fists, his irritation growing. "You think keeping quiet will help? Do you really think you can handle all of this responsibility alone?" Steven stared intently at Lance, his expression stern. Marilyn, equally worried, stepped in. "Lance, if something's wrong, just tell us. We're all here to help. There's no need to keep it a secret." After all, they couldn't very well let Steven welcome them with a lecture. Lance remained silent, his long fingers resting gently on the teapot's lid. His calm demeanor remained unshaken. After another sip of tea, he placed the cup down. "Are you referring to the drug research or the licensing issue?" "Both, of course!" Raymond snapped. "The failed drug research and the expired licensing—Johnston Enterprise is on the brink of collapse because of you!" Lance lifted his eyes, nodding nonchalantly. "Yes, the company is dealing with these issues." Marilyn felt as though the floor had dropped out from beneath her, her heart sinking. Steven's face flushed with anger. But Lance remained composed, his voice steady. "Don't worry, I've got it under control. Johnston Enterprise won't make the same mistakes again." Marilyn exchanged a worried glance with Steven, then turned to Lance. "Lance, don't be too stubborn. If you can't solve it, just say so—we'll help you. You don't have to do it all alone." She couldn't shake the feeling that her son was trying to carry the weight of it all by himself. "The drug research issue has already been resolved. I've brought Dr. Jones, a leading scientist, on board. I'm sure you've heard of him," Lance said calmly, yet confidently. Raymond narrowed his eyes. He managed to recruit Dr. Jones? "I've already contacted the researcher who developed Levosulin. We should be able to renew the licensing soon." "R-really?" Marilyn asked, her voice tinged with disbelief as she looked at Lance. "Don't worry," Lance replied, his voice filled with assurance. "Since Grandpa appointed me CEO, I'll make sure Johnston Enterprise thrives. No one else needs to tell me how to do my job." He shot a cold glance at Raymond. Steven let out a slow breath, his expression softening. "As long as you're confident." Marilyn felt a wave of relief wash over her. She stood and sat next to Lance, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She glanced at her watch. "It's getting late, and there are so many guests downstairs waiting. Let's go down now." "Addison hasn't arrived yet," Steven interjected. Addison is coming too? Lance's usually unreadable face briefly flickered with disgust. Why is she here? After everything, she still plans to attend the Johnstons' banquet? Is she really that shameless? Raymond, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up, a cold smile tugging at his lips, "So, we're expecting Addison today?" He turned to Steven. "Dad, don't wait any longer. Addison won't be coming." Steven looked confused. "Why not?" Raymond scoffed. "Lance is already planning to divorce her." "What?" Steven's eyes widened in shock as he turned to Lance. "When did this happen?" "A while ago. The divorce agreement is already prepared. It just needs to be signed," Lance replied flatly. The truth was finally out in the open. Lance hadn't planned to reveal it, but after Raymond's comment, there was no reason to keep it a secret. Raymond, seeing Lance didn't deny it, felt a surge of victory. Steven, however, was fuming. His face flushed with rage. "Such a huge decision, and you didn't think to tell me?" "You've been unwell," Lance said calmly. "I didn't want to worry you more." "And now that I know, you think I won't worry?" Steven shouted. "You think you can just make these decisions without consulting anyone? Do you think this is some after-the-fact thing?" Lance replied coolly, "Even if this matter hadn't been brought up today, I would've told you later." His tone remained steady, though he hadn't anticipated Steven's reaction to be this intense.