Mike casually mentioned, "By the way, this lab is new. Dr. Nancy hasn't been here much yet, but I got the inside scoop. Starting tomorrow, she'll be here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to work on research." Lance swung his legs off the couch and sat up, acknowledging the information with a slight nod. "That's all I know. I've shared everything with you," Mike added, sipping his tea. "It wasn't easy getting this info for you." Lance offered a small grin. "Once I handle these issues, I'll take you out for a meal." Mike raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the couch. "Or just tell me what you want now. No need to wait until everything's sorted. We can go for a drink tonight if you want. "How long has it been since we had a drink together? You're always tied up with work, or you're just not in the mood. The guys have been asking about you." Lance pursed his lips. "Tonight's not good. I had to leave a whole room full of guests to come here, and I need to head back soon." Steven had only recently recovered from a serious illness, and his health was still fragile. The Johnstons couldn't have the event without someone managing things. With Addison's needy nature, she's probably still waiting outside the Johnston Residence. Though Lance had little regard for her, a sense of responsibility tugged at him. He couldn't leave her waiting alone. Lance stood. "After today, you pick the time, and we'll go out for drinks." Mike looked surprised. "You're at the party? I didn't know that. If I'd known, I would've reached out tomorrow. I was just eager to pass along the news." Lance's tone softened as he explained, "My grandpa just recovered, and hosting the banquet is his proper welcome back." Mike sighed. "Alright, go ahead then. When I get a chance, I'll check in with Mr. Steven. And about that drink—let's plan for another time. But we've got to pick out some good bottles!" Lance smiled and nodded, then said his goodbyes. Without wasting time, he returned to the Johnston Residence. As the car pulled up to the house, Lance stepped out, scanning the surroundings, but there was no sign of Addison. Raising an eyebrow, he didn't dwell on it, thinking she was probably inside. After exchanging pleasantries with a few of Halton's top guests, Lance did another sweep of the room. Still no Addison. His expression darkened. Has Addison left? He fought to keep his emotions in check, maintaining a neutral face. Just then, Marilyn spotted Lance and quickly moved toward him. "Lance, where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere." Lance lowered his gaze. "Had some urgent matters at the company to deal with. It's all handled now, though. Don't worry." Marilyn sighed. "Maybe you should just let Raymond take over as CEO. Johnston Enterprises is massive, and you're doing it all alone ... You hardly get to come home. It's exhausting. "If only Harvey and your father were still here ... You wouldn't be so drained." Her voice trailed off as memories of the past overtook her, her eyes welling with tears. "Don't mention them," Lance snapped, his body tensing at the mention of Walter and Harvey. Marilyn quickly apologized. "Alright, I won't bring it up again." After a moment of silence, she seemed to remember something and looked around. "Is Addison not with you?" Lance frowned. "She didn't come along, so of course she's not with me." Marilyn blinked in confusion. When she looked earlier, she hadn't seen either Lance or Addison, assuming they'd arrived together. A small part of her felt relieved. She hesitated, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Lance, did you two have another argument?" Lance furrowed his brow. "We didn't fight." Marilyn's confusion deepened. "Then did she just leave without saying anything? I searched everywhere, even upstairs in your grandpa's room, but I couldn't find you two anywhere." Addison was always polite, the type who wouldn't just slip away unnoticed. "If she left, let her go," Lance said, his tone flat and indifferent, as if it didn't matter at all. But deep down, a nagging discomfort lingered. He couldn't quite figure out why. Marilyn sighed quietly, witnessing Lance's coldness. She didn't know how to fix the rift between him and Addison. ... The next morning, after freshening up, Addison drove to the lab. The International Pharmaceutical Association had called again, inviting her to develop a new drug. The field was unfamiliar to her, but she didn't hesitate to accept, excited by its potential. Developing a medicine that could treat stubborn diseases was an incredible honor. She quickly spoke with the lab staff and set her schedule. She'd be there every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to work on the new drug. She also informed Ryan, who was thrilled to hear the news. The car pulled up to the lab, and Addison got out, heading inside. Ryan, already in his lab coat, was waiting for her. "Dr. Daves, you're here," Ryan said, his voice laced with excitement. Addison glanced around at the preparations. Ryan had clearly set up everything for the project: materials, equipment, and records. "Mmm," she nodded, slipping on her gloves as she noticed Ryan's barely contained grin. "Why are you so happy?" "Just hearing about this project has me excited! I haven't worked on something so challenging in ages ... And it's from the International Pharmaceutical Association. This is a dream come true for so many people in the field!" Addison smiled at his enthusiasm. She looked at Ryan seriously. "You'll definitely get more chances to work with them in the future. You have the talent for it." Having worked closely with Ryan, Addison knew he had both the skill and passion to succeed in the pharmaceutical field. Ryan scratched his head, slightly embarrassed, then suddenly seemed to remember something. "By the way, Dr. Daves, didn't you authorize the Levosulin drug for the Johnstons?" Addison looked up at him. "What about it?" "Lance Johnston, the CEO of Johnston Enterprises, visited the company several times to discuss authorization, but Mr. Dean was not present. Before he left, he told me to talk to you about any company matters and let you make the decisions. Lance is known to be distant, yet he came several times just to handle this. It must be really important to him." Addison's usual decisiveness kicked in. As her thoughts cleared, she slipped back into her calm, rational self.Lance's name now felt distant, like a stranger's. But Johnston Enterprises—and the Johnston name—still stirred something in her. Those ties connected to Marilyn and to Harvey. Addison pursed her lips. "Lance has been here many times?" she muttered to herself. That day, she had overheard snippets of the discussion outside the room. This authorization issue really seemed to have a monumental impact on Johnston Enterprises. Johnston Enterprises was, after all, a product of her efforts—a part of her legacy—and it was also something Harvey had always wanted to safeguard ... If Johnston Enterprises were to go bankrupt, how would Harvey react? He'd undoubtedly be devastated, wouldn't he? A wave of unease swept over Addison, leaving her momentarily unsure of what to do.