"It wasn't difficult. I did it all without hesitation. The Johnstons' affairs are my responsibility, after all." Lance's gaze shifted to Virginia, his expression softening. "Eventually, I will marry into the Johnstons," Virginia said, a slight smile tugging at her lips. Her voice carried a hint of bashfulness, the pitch rising just enough when she mentioned the marriage, as if it were a passing thought. At her words, Lance's expression tightened. The softness from earlier was replaced by a flicker of something unreadable. He had promised his grandfather he wouldn't divorce Addison. But with the authorization issue resolved ... He was closer to taking full control, and divorce was now a tangible option. His stiffened expression eased as he processed the thought. Virginia, noticing the subtle change in Lance's face, asked, "Lance, did I say something wrong?" Her voice was laced with concern, and her innocent expression made it hard not to feel protective. "No." "You'll marry into my family eventually," Lance replied, his voice steady and certain. His eyes locked onto hers with a confidence that seemed unquestionable, as if he could see nothing but her reflection in them. Virginia felt a sense of relief hearing the affirmation she had hoped for. She sighed, her voice quiet as she continued, "I just hope Marilyn doesn't worry too much, or hold any ill feelings toward me." Lance's hand brushed a loose strand of hair from her forehead, his tone calm. "She won't." "I'm worried Addison might say something to Marilyn. After all, Addison stayed by Marilyn's side while I was away ... " The mention of Addison caused Lance's brow to furrow immediately. He listened to Virginia quietly, his face betraying a mix of emotions. Finally, he reassured her, "I'll speak with my mother about it." His mother had been adamant, and the situation was complicated.But considering the favor Virginia had done for the Johnstons, Lance was sure his mother would soften her stance. Virginia gave a small nod. "Thank you!" Their eyes locked. Virginia was close—so close that their breathing seemed to sync. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Lance's defined jawline. Lance could feel her eyes on him. Virginia's eyes flickered, her cheeks tinged with pink. A shy, almost playful smile spread across her face, perfectly fitting for the moment. "Lance, now that the authorization's been handled, you won't be as busy, right ... ?" "Yeah." "Come over to the apartment tonight ... Ever since the company hit a rough patch, you have been keeping his distance from me. I just want to be near you." Lance's face remained neutral. "I need to wrap things up with the hospital first." Virginia hesitated. He was going to wait until the deal with the hospital was settled? A sense of disappointment settled in her chest. The major problem with Johnston Enterprise appeared to be behind them, so why the delay? Was he avoiding her? Her smile wavered. The excitement that had been there earlier seemed to fade. But she said nothing. She kept her smile and nodded. "Okay." After Virginia left, Lance sank into his chair, his gaze fixed on the authorization letter. He wanted to handle everything as quickly as possible. More control, breaking free from his grandfather's influence—only then could he provide Virginia with the peace of mind she deserved. But it wasn't the right moment. The next day ...Halton's top hospital, Yarrow International Hospital. This hospital wasn't just the best in Halton—it was led by a director with significant influence in both Kreshill and the medical world. Lance stepped out of his car and made his way inside. He was there to negotiate a pharmaceutical deal with the hospital's director. With the authorization secured, Johnston Enterprise didn't have to worry about Levosulin not being available. The drug was in high demand, and Johnston Enterprise controlled the rights. Hospitals in Halton—and even those in Kreshill—would have to go through them to get the drug. And Johnston Enterprise would set the price. "Good morning. How can I help you?" The receptionist looked up at Lance, her gaze lingering on his striking features, and a flush crept into her cheeks. "Yes," Lance replied, his tone polite but distant. An assistant hurried over. "The director is expecting you. Your appointment is at 10 a.m. This is Lance Johnston, the CEO of Johnston Enterprise." "Johnston Enterprise ... Lance ... " The receptionist murmured to herself, her eyes widening in realization. "The director told me this morning that once the CEO of Johnston Enterprise arrives, he'll be taken straight to his office." The receptionist's voice was polite. "Please, follow me." She kept her gaze lowered, unwilling to look up at the man in front of her. She had heard stories about the handsome, wealthy CEO of Johnston Enterprise. But now that she saw him, he was even more striking than she had imagined. "Thank you." She opened the door to the office for Lance. Inside, an elderly man, probably in his fifties, sat at a large wooden desk, carefully preparing tea. When he saw his visitor, he quickly stood up."Mr. Johnston, you've finally arrived." "I've been waiting all morning. I thought you might have changed your mind about selling me the medicine." An assistant quickly pulled out a chair for Lance, and he sat down, his gaze steady. "You've come at just the right time. The tea's ready. Come, take a smell. It's the finest ornitongue tea." The leaves of ornitongue tea, also called Greenhill ornitongue, was incredibly rare. It was found only in Kreshill, and specifically, only within the Daves family, a prestigious medical family in the area. Mr. Daves, who had a deep love for Greenhill Ornitongue tea, had essentially monopolized the already rare tea leaves. The Daves family also boasted a world-renowned medical expert, Mr. Daves, who was just as passionate about this tea. Lance glanced at the tea. "Thank you." The director waved his hand. "If you didn't hold the authorization, I wouldn't have offered you this tea. You should understand that." There was no denying it. The market for Levosulin was so tight that any hospital with it could greatly increase its value. Though the director had always avoided working with companies from Halton, the authorization from Johnston Enterprise had changed his view. The director was clearly skilled in tea preparation, carefully grinding the leaves, boiling the water, adding the tea, skimming off the foam, and pouring the tea after it had boiled three times. His actions were smooth and precise, and the final tea, a rich green-blue, resembled the Greenhill landscape. Once the tea was ready, the director placed a small cup in front of Lance. "Give it a try." Lance took a sip. The tea was rich and smooth with a subtle sweetness. "This is really good tea." Lance paid close attention to the director's every move. He understood the unspoken message. Sharing tea was the highest form of respect for the director, especially when the tea was Greenhill ornitongue. Lance didn't want to waste any more time. He set down his cup. "Rest assured, my company will grant Yarrow the Levosulin authorization."The director's smile widened. "It was worth every drop of this tea." Lance took out the authorization letter and placed it on the wooden desk. With a finger, he pushed it toward the director. "Here's the authorization. Take a look." "Once you've reviewed it, we can discuss the price." The director took the letter but didn't open it. "Are you sure this is legitimate?" "Of course." Lance, typically distant, radiated authority. His calm, confident presence made it clear that the authenticity of the authorization was beyond question.