Steven stood at the front of the grand stage, addressing the guests in a voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you all for joining us tonight at the Johnstons' event." Beside him, Addison stood quietly, her mind already turning over how she would handle things with Steven later. Lance, standing next to Addison, casually held a glass of champagne. His detached posture was unmistakable—his demeanor shouted indifference. Their marriage, it seemed, was nothing more than a perfect facade. Marilyn observed the couple, and after a quick glance at Addison, gently pulled Lance aside. "Lance, I need to talk to you," she murmured. Originally, Marilyn had hoped that Addison's presence at the event would draw Lance closer to her. After all, Addison had always been so devoted. If it weren't for Virginia, Addison might never have decided to pursue the divorce. But now it was clear: Lance's actions left Addison with no chance of reconciling. "What is it?" Lance asked, his voice laced with impatience. Marilyn motioned for him to follow as she led him away from the crowd, guiding him to a quieter corner of the ballroom. "Just tell me," he uttered. Once they were alone, Marilyn paused for a moment before speaking, her voice soft, "I was the one who convinced Addison to come tonight." Lance's brow furrowed in surprise. "She didn't come on her own?" Marilyn shook her head. "No, she didn't want to come at first. I had to give her a reason to be here. "I'm not blaming you, but you've hurt Addison deeply. She's done so much for you—loved you with everything she had these past three years. Then, without warning, you bring Virginia here. Have you thought about how she must have felt? How heartbroken she must have been?" Marilyn's voice wavered with concern. But Lance didn't show any sign of remorse. The idea that Addison didn't want to come was absurd—she had been pursuing him relentlessly, and now she had the chance to attend the Johnstons' event. She must be really good at pretending in front of Mom. No wonder she's so fond of her. She must've said something bad about Virginia to Mom too, which would explain her disdain.Lance's expression remained icy. "What excuse did you give her for coming?" Marilyn thought for a moment. "I told her that she should be the one to tell your grandpa about the divorce. With him just recovering, I thought it would be better if she broke the news herself, in a way that wouldn't upset him too much. "Addison is gentle, and she knows how to handle these situations without causing too much distress," Marilyn added. Lance remained silent, his face unreadable. "Who would have thought Raymond would be the one to spill the beans? Now your grandpa is furious. I have no idea how he found out," Marilyn continued, her frustration mounting. Suddenly, she paused. "Wait, what did Grandpa say when he called you out earlier?" Lance's jaw tightened. "I promised Grandpa I wouldn't divorce." He didn't want to hide it from Marilyn. Since he had made that promise, he figured Steven would tell Marilyn even if he didn't. Marilyn's face brightened with surprise. "Really? That's wonderful!" This means that Lance will never marry Virginia, and Virginia will never set foot in the Johnstons' home again. Addison will be thrilled if she hears this. But Addison doesn't know yet. She's probably still trying to figure out how to tell Steven about the divorce ... "Lance, if you've decided not to divorce Addison, you should tell her right away. She's probably still thinking about how to break the news to your grandpa." Would she? It seems more like an excuse to be at the Johnstons' event. Mom still hasn't fully grasped Addison's true intentions. Lance said nothing, merely nodding, not wanting to raise Marilyn's concern. "I'll handle it. Don't worry." "Yes, I'm glad we're on the same page." Marilyn agreed, relief flooding her upon realizing Lance had finally grown up. "Go tell her now." Lance nodded, and Marilyn, eager for Addison to hear the good news, hurriedly added, "Wait here. I'll get her. You can tell her yourself." Lance lowered his gaze, his face impassive. "Go ahead and call her." When Marilyn told Addison that Lance was waiting for her outside, she hesitated. If Lance was looking for her, she figured it probably wasn't for anything good.But seeing Marilyn's eager expression, Addison reluctantly stepped outside. The Johnstons' mansion sat atop a hillside, offering a stunning view of the night sky, with stars twinkling overhead and the moonlight casting a peaceful glow over the scene. Lance stood in the courtyard, bathed in pale light, his suit making him appear even more distant. Addison approached him, her gaze meeting his as she asked, "What do you need?" Lance looked at her with a cold smile. "I hear from Marilyn that you came here tonight to finally tell Grandpa about the divorce." Addison nodded, her face expressionless. "Yes." "Then why haven't you said anything yet?" Lance's voice was sharp, filled with skepticism. Addison clenched her jaw. "There were delays. Just as I was about to speak, Grandpa left the room." Lance's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure it wasn't just an excuse? A reason not to tell Grandpa about the divorce?" Addison frowned. "You're overthinking it." It was clear that Lance still thought she didn't want the divorce. No matter what she said, it wouldn't change his mind. "Wait here," he said abruptly. Addison turned and walked toward the car parked in the Johnstons' courtyard. She retrieved the signed divorce papers and handed them to Lance. "You won't believe me, no matter what I say. But I've already signed. Now it's your turn," she said coolly. Lance's expression didn't change as he took the papers, still uncertain if Addison had truly signed them. He opened the document, scanned her name, and paused. She actually signed? "I really want this divorce. Please, just sign. Once you do, I'll have nothing more to do with the Johnstons." Addison's voice remained calm. Lance's gaze hardened. He had promised Steven not to divorce Addison, but it was only meant to be temporary. But Addison had actually signed. Did she do this because she knows I won't divorce her, or is she simply ready to move on? How could she be so composed about it?A wave of confusion hit Lance. "I don't have a pen," he said finally, his tone resolute, clearly not intending to sign just yet. Addison's expression darkened. No pen? She wasn't going to let this drag on. If he didn't have one, she would get it for him. "I have one in my car. I'll get it for you," she said, raising an eyebrow as she turned to head back to the vehicle. Lance's expression tightened, and he reached out to stop her. "Wait." He glanced back at the house. "Grandpa's speech is over. I'll sign after the party ends." What is he waiting for? Why not just sign now? Addison's mind raced with frustration. Before she could respond, Lance turned and walked back inside the house.