Fortunately, the tea didn't seem off when she sniffed it. After all, it was brought in by the manager. He wouldn't risk poisoning a guest's drink, right? That would be reckless, especially since the restaurant would be the first suspect. He'd be in serious trouble—no one in their right mind would do something so foolish. Addison's anxiety began to fade. ... Outside, the waves continued their relentless assault on the shore. Lance sat perfectly still, his black suit adding to his stoic appearance. She glanced up and noticed the sunlight glinting off his jacket, outshining even the roaring sea. Lance was lost in thought, his lips pressed into a tight line. "Lance ... ?" She waved her hand to get his attention. After calling his name a few more times, he finally snapped out of his reverie. He cleared his throat, a bit embarrassed. "What is it?""What were you thinking about? I've been calling your name." What was on his mind? Lance looked down, feeling unsure. Am I really that intimidating? Intimidating enough to make the staff wary of me? Does Addison find me intimidating too? Does she fear me at all? Lance looked at Addison, hesitated, and then, with some difficulty, asked the question. "Well ... do you think I'm scary?" His tone was uncharacteristically hesitant. But once the question was out, he regretted it. Addison burst into laughter, doubling over. "Lance, why would you ask something like that out of the blue? "Did the waiter's comments hurt your feelings?" Seeing Addison laugh so freely put him at ease. There was no way she was afraid of him. Lance let out an imperceptible sigh of relief, trying to regain his composure. With a serious face, he shrugged. "Hurt my feelings? That's absurd." "Really? So why did you get so defensive?" "Who's defensive?" Lance turned away, avoiding her eyes. But Addison kept looking at him, unable to hide her amusement. Feeling a bit self-conscious, Lance took a small sip from his glass. "Stop laughing. I was just asking casually. "And besides, who in this city could possibly hurt my feelings? What a ridiculous thought." "Yeah, yeah, no one in this city could hurt your feelings. No one would dare," Addison teased. "So, Lance, can you now use your influence to get us a new set of divorce papers?" Lance pressed his lips together tightly. He thought she had forgotten about the divorce agreement, but here she was, bringing it up again. His mood plummeted. "I told you ... That divorce agreement isn't right for you.""If it's not right, then maybe the esteemed Mr. Johnston could draft one that is." She stared directly into his eyes. Leaving no room for argument. Lance looked down, avoiding her gaze. He didn't want to draft a new agreement. Not at all. But he didn't know how to tell her that he had changed his mind, that he no longer wanted her to leave. His pride made it impossible to say. Addison watched the silent Lance, her brow furrowed in concern.