"Or if Halton doesn't work for you, you can plan it in Kreshill. I will do whatever you decide." Her unwavering compliance was clear. Marilyn opened her mouth to speak but was quickly silenced by Lance's dark expression. "Lance, why are you stopping me?" she asked, confused. His brows drew together in a deep frown, and his eyes twitched slightly. The displeasure on his face was undeniable, and even his breathing seemed heavier, as though burdened by his emotions. "Mom, please stay quiet. The doctor is in the middle of surgery." His words, though brief, carried a weight of unspoken feelings. He clearly understood the unsaid thoughts lingering in Marilyn's mind and chose to dodge them entirely. It was obvious he wasn't willing to discuss the sister's situation any further. "What about planning the banquet?"Marilyn persisted, unwilling to abandon the issue. "Mom!" Lance cut her off sharply, his voice louder this time. His frustration was evident, and his tone, now harsher, betrayed his struggle to keep his emotions in check. After being scolded by Lance, Marilyn hesitated, then muttered reluctantly, "You ... you've really grown bold, haven't you? Raising your voice at your own mother just for Virginia ... " Her words were broken, her breath uneven, making her sentences sound fragmented. Sensing something wasn't right, Addison quickly stepped forward to support Marilyn and guided her to sit down. "Alright. You're grown up now, and as your mother, I can't control everything anymore," Marilyn added with a bitter sigh, as if trying to make herself appear fragile. Realizing how sharp his tone had been, Lance softened his voice, trying to smooth things over. "Grandpa is still in surgery. I just need you to stop for now and calm down. That's all I'm asking. "Don't worry too much."But Marilyn ignored his attempt at reconciliation. She turned her gaze firmly toward the operating room window, her lips sealed in silence. The air in the hallway grew heavy, and the tension seemed to chill the room. Lance, never one to back down first, moved away and sank into a chair in the corner. But before he could fully settle, Virginia approached him quietly and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. "Lance, are you feeling tired? Let me give you a massage," Virginia offered softly. If Lance hadn't just stood up to Marilyn on her behalf, the banquet might have already been in motion. Perhaps she would've been forced into the role of a sister instead. But in that pivotal moment, he had chosen to shield her. Virginia's mood was light, almost cheerful. "No need. Go sit down," Lance replied, his tone firm but not unkind. Yet, Virginia was persistent."Lance, just give it a try. I'm really good at this," she coaxed with a gentle smile. Before he could protest further, her delicate hand rested on his shoulder. The soft, practiced movements melted away the tension in his body, leaving him with a rare sense of relief. The light pressure on his shoulder made Lance pause for a moment, his expression shifting ever so slightly as the words he was about to say vanished from his lips. He had to admit that the past few days had worn him out. But under Virginia's skilled hands, the ache in his shoulders began to ease. Noticing his silence, Virginia's lips curled into a subtle, satisfied smile. She trusted her skills. No man could resist her touch! If she kept this up, a few more sessions would ensure Lance was entirely in her grasp. With that thought driving her, she pressed her fingers a little more firmly, determined to seal her plan. Meanwhile, Marilyn appeared lost in thought, her gaze seemingly locked on the window. In truth, she was keenly aware of every sound and movement around her son, her senses sharp and alert.