"Marilyn, he was telling the truth." Honestly, even she had been caught off guard at that moment. Standing by Lance, watching the scene unfold, an odd thought crossed her mind. The couple'sloveeventuallybecomessiblings. What a pity. Virginia's expression shifted instantly. Putting aside her usual personality, as an outsider, Addison couldn't help but feel sorry for her. After dedicating the best part of her youth to Lance for so many years, all she received was a casual remark in public, dismissing her as "just like a sister." How many chances does one get to be young in life? "You ... " Marilyn called out, noticing how distracted Addison was. "Did you not hear what I just said?" Addison was so simple-minded, so pure and clueless. No wonder she allowed Virginia to act out around Lance. Marilyn had been so clear, yet Addison didn't get it. If it had been someone like Virginia, with her crafty mind, she would have caught on instantly. If anyone was going to get Virginia away from Lance in the future, it would have to be Marilyn herself, as his mother. A strange sense of duty to fight for Addison suddenly stirred in her heart. Given the current situation, she confidently guessed it wouldn't take long before Virginia would leave the Johnstons. "Lance, why don't we plan a banquet soon?" "A banquet?" Lance looked confused. "You've just welcomed a new sister. Shouldn't we celebrate in style?" "Blood ties or not, Virginia is now your sister and, more importantly, part of the Johnstons. We need to host a grand banquet to show her the respect she deserves." Virginia's expression instantly turned sour. She could clearly see through Marilyn's plan.She wanted to make it public knowledge that Lance had officially recognized her as his sister. By doing this, it wouldn't just bring honor to the Johnstons. It would also make things clear to everyone. From that moment on, marrying Lance would be out of the question for her. It was a move that completely cut off her escape route. How ruthless. Had she known earlier, she would have used that injection meant for Steven on this cold-hearted old woman to silence her forever. "I'll gather all the influential people in Halton to witness the occasion. "Once everyone learns that Virginia is your sister, nobody will dare to mistreat her again. What do you think of that? "You've always been worried about Virginia being picked on, which is why you kept her close. This way, everyone wins. Don't you agree it's a brilliant plan?" Marilyn went on, her words sounding perfectly logical. Hah, theentirecityofHalton ... thiswasenoughtopushme over theedge. Virginia's hands curled into fists, her nails digging into her skin as she struggled to hold back her anger. Even her freshly polished nails were in danger of breaking. "So, Virginia, what's your opinion? "I'll bring you to my favorite boutique, dress you up perfectly, and get you some high-end items to transform your style," Marilyn said enthusiastically. Exchanging her identity as Lance's sister seemed like a fair trade. "I don't want it," Virginia muttered, forcing the words out through tight lips. Every sentence from Marilyn felt like a handout disguised as kindness. "Why don't you want it? What's wrong with it? Just say the word, and I will fix everything," Marilyn insisted with a confident smile.