The Replacement He Never Wanted

Chapter 60 Her Secret

The receptionist's fawning tone made Virginia look up. Her eyes, once so clear, now glinted with a touch of disdain. She didn't respond to the receptionist's greeting. Instead, she kept her attention on the package, her gaze darkening as frustration built. Her usual charm was gone, replaced with something colder. The receptionist shifted uneasily, unsure how to handle the situation. The delivery man opened his mouth to say something else, but the receptionist quickly interjected. "This is Mr. Johnston's girlfriend. Just give her the package," she said, her voice quick and eager, almost as if she wanted to take credit for the exchange. The delivery man glanced at Virginia, looking unsure. "This package is very valuable. Are you sure she's Mr. Johnston's girlfriend? What if something goes wrong?" he asked, his tone cautious. Virginia's expression faltered. Addison had sent something valuable? Her brow furrowed in thought. She hadn't planned on opening the package, but now curiosity got the better of her. She reached for it, her fingers brushing against the wrapping. "Give me a knife," she said, her voice flat. The receptionist hesitated. If the package was really worth something, opening it without permission could cause serious issues. She'd never be able to explain herself if anything went wrong, and she couldn't afford to lose her job. Virginia's gaze turned cold, her voice sharp. "Did you not hear me? I want a knife. Are you planning on keeping your job here?" The receptionist faltered, looking torn, before finally handing over a small knife. "Please be careful. Do you want me to help?" she asked, her voice full of politeness, though her eyes betrayed her discomfort. She clearly thought it was better to stay on Virginia's good side.After all, upsetting Mr. Johnston's girlfriend could only lead to trouble. Virginia took the knife with a scoff and moved to open the package. But before she could, the man rushed forward and grabbed it from her hands. "What are you doing?!" Virginia's voice rose, catching the attention of the guards by the door. One of them reached for his radio, seemingly preparing to report. "I can't be sure of your identity ... It's better if you don't take the package," the delivery man said, his words hesitant. Virginia saw the guards' reactions and realized this was getting out of hand. She didn't want to cause a scene and attract Lance's attention. Her anger could ruin the carefully cultivated image she had worked so hard to maintain. Suppressing her irritation, she reminded herself that whatever was in the package probably wasn't worth the trouble. What could an orphan possibly have that was of real value? It was probably something insignificant. She wasn't about to jeopardize everything over something that didn't matter. Virginia glanced at the assistant but didn't ask for the package. She was certain Addison hadn't sent anything worthwhile. Just as she turned to leave, she heard Lance's assistant's voice. "Ms. Dolton, you're here! You should have let me know in advance so I could've met you downstairs." The assistant stepped off the elevator, grinning. The CEO had told him to wait downstairs for Ms. Dolton, but when he found her already at the front desk, he began to worry. Had she been waiting too long? Would he get in trouble? As he walked toward her, he noticed something wasn't right. Virginia still seemed angry. He shot a disapproving look at the receptionist. "What happened?" "She wanted to open Mr. Johnston's package," the receptionist answered, not hiding the truth. "Then let her open it. If Ms. Dolton wants something, she should have it!" The assistant's voice held a hint of reprimand, almost as if he were scolding the receptionist for causing any problems. He took the package from the delivery man's hands without hesitation. The delivery man recognized the assistant as one of the CEO's regulars.He had seen him collect packages several times before, so it made sense. This was, after all, Mr. Johnston's girlfriend. Virginia didn't reach for the package. Her eyes narrowed, and her posture was stiff. "Forget it." The assistant's hand stayed in the air, uncertain. "Forget it ... ?" Was Ms. Dolton upset? Virginia didn't answer. Instead, she walked toward the elevator, and the assistant quickly followed her, still holding the package. They reached Lance's office in no time. Virginia entered, and the assistant followed behind, placing the package on Lance's desk before quietly stepping back out of the room. Virginia was clearly upset, and the assistant didn't want to overstep, especially when this was his boss' relationship affair. Lance looked up as he heard the door open. He gave Virginia a quick glance before returning to the paperwork in front of him. Virginia sat on the sofa across from him, her expression distant and cold. A few minutes passed, and Lance noticed the difference. Usually, when Virginia came to the office, she was lively and eager to talk. Today, however, she was silent. "Aren't you supposed to be giving me a surprise?" Lance finally asked, his voice breaking the quiet. Virginia puffed out her cheeks and pouted. "I've decided to cancel your surprise." Lance raised an eyebrow, a small smirk appearing on his face. "Why's that?" Virginia's face tightened, a mix of frustration and hurt flashing across it. "I just decided to cancel it. There's no reason for it." Lance said nothing. His eyes moved to the package on his desk. Was it from Addison? Virginia glanced at him, noticing he had already noticed the package. Her voice turned sharp. "Addison's about to divorce, but she's still thinking about you. She must really love you, right?" "I'm sure she's sent you plenty of things. I'm guessing you've accepted them all?" Virginia's bitterness was clear. "Maybe I shouldn't even be here. I'm just getting in the way."She would never let Lance accept anything from Addison. Addison's gifts weren't worth anything. Outwardly, Virginia looked upset, but inside, she was boiling with jealousy. Lance picked up on the tone in her voice but remained calm. "This is the first time Addison has sent anything." "There's nothing going on between us." Virginia blinked, processing his words. She decided to back off. "I believe you," she said, her tone softening. "Can I see what's in Addison's package?" Her curiosity replaced her earlier bitterness. Lance carefully unwrapped the package. It was sealed carefully, and as he peeled back the layers, he found a stack of papers. His brow furrowed. Why would Addison send papers? He had already taken the divorce documents from her. What could this be? He pulled the papers out, scanning them quickly. It was an authorization letter from Raven Company. Lance's face shifted to one of shock. Could this really be from Addison? What was she hiding? How did she have access to this letter? Was there something more to her than he had thought? Virginia saw Lance's surprised expression and moved quickly toward him, her eyes fixed on the papers. An authorization letter ... from Addison?

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