"Please, follow me," Alex said, their voice softer than before. Lance's expression stayed cold and tense. He nodded, but it was clear that his mind was elsewhere. He took a step forward. This was unfamiliar territory for him. He had never been questioned like this, let alone treated this way. Inside, his feelings tangled—shock, embarrassment, anger, and confusion. It was almost too much to handle. Most people in his shoes would feel humiliated or try to defend themselves, maybe beg for forgiveness. Yarrow was Halton's most respected hospital. Offending them could destroy a company's reputation and future in the city. But Lance didn't flinch. His face remained as stoic and detached as ever, even though his mind raced. The unshakable sense of control that came naturally to someone like him was still there. "I apologize for any inconvenience," Lance said, his tone calm and composed. "The issue with the authorization letter has an explanation. Once I resolve it, I will ensure you get a clear answer." "I hope this won't affect your view of Johnston Enterprise." "I truly apologize for the mistake. On behalf of my company, I offer my apologies and will come back to explain in person." His words were deliberate and poised, as cold and precise as his demeanor. But then the director looked away, a distant look in his eyes. "Do you know why I once held such a high regard for Johnston Enterprise?" he asked. Lance froze. His voice barely a whisper. "Why?" The director didn't answer right away. He stared off into the distance, a deep, reflective look on his face.It seemed like he was recalling something from the past. Finally, he spoke, his voice thick with memory. "Harvey." ... The name struck Lance like a bolt from the blue. Harvey. It had been years since he had heard that name. The sudden rush of recognition was like a wave crashing over him. Painful, sharp, and unforgettable. "Harvey?" Lance's voice was steady, but there was something underneath, a hint of tension simmering just out of sight. "Harvey was the most in control person I've ever met. He was extraordinary." Back when Yarrow International Hospital had worked with Johnston Enterprise, it had been Harvey who called the shots. Mr. Daves had encountered many sharp business minds in Kreshill, but none had impressed him like Harvey. Although their meetings were few, and the collaborations limited, Mr. Daves' admiration for Harvey was clear. That was why he had always regarded Johnston Enterprise with such respect. Now, though, it was the same company that had stirred his anger. "Enough of the past," the director cut in, dismissing the topic with a wave. "Leave." Lance's face remained tight. The mere mention of Harvey had quietly stripped away the pride and confidence he had built over the years. "Regardless of what's true, you made a mistake today. You presented a fake authorization and tried to use it to negotiate with us. That's your error." "It's an error you shouldn't have made, and it shows a lack of skill." "Or maybe you knew the authorization was fake but thought you could pull a fast one on us." "Either way, it shows you're lacking. You didn't assess your partner properly. We'reharder to deceive than you think." Life, like chess, is unforgiving. A single wrong move can cost you everything. Lance's expression grew colder, his face stone-like. The director finished speaking and turned, leaving without another word. ... Later, in the black Maybach ... Lance frowned, the weight of the situation pressing on him. He reached for the lighter, flicking it open and slowly lighting a cigarette. He wasn't a smoker. The window was down. The wind rushed in, and the cigarette burned down, the tip glowing faintly. Then, with a flick, it dropped, a trail of orange in the dark night. The wind caught it, and it was gone in an instant, sparks dying out. Lance didn't smoke, but watching the cigarette burn down felt like the only way to distract himself. Harvey. That name cut through Lance like an old wound, one he'd never quite gotten over. It lingered, a painful reminder that never seemed to heal. He flicked the cigarette away, the glowing ember snuffing out in the night air as he started the engine. His restlessness grew, a tightness in his chest that wouldn't go away. The black Maybach tore through the streets, moving with purpose and speed, stopping sharply in front of the apartment building. Lance's face was set, his mood heavy, as he got out and headed inside. He knocked firmly on the door. Francesca answered. "Sir, what brings you here?" Lance said nothing. His gaze was as cold as ice, his expression unreadable."Ms. Dolton ... Mr. Johnston has arrived ... " Francesca hesitated when she saw the stormy look on his face. Without a word, she went to fetch Virginia. Virginia was quick to appear, her steps light with excitement. It was him—Lance had come! "Lance, you didn't say you were coming," Virginia's voice was soft, almost bashful. "You told me you'd come by the apartment after wrapping things up with the hospital. I thought it would be a while, but here you are already!" "Oh, I'm so excited!" Her face lit up with a smile, pleased beyond measure. She'd said she would wait, but it seemed she couldn't help herself. She couldn't wait to see him. I see my charm is still good. I haven't lost my touch. She approched Lance with a grin and pulled him into the living quarters. In her joy, she didn't notice the dark cloud hanging over him. "It's a bit warm in here. Why don't you take off your coat?" Virginia said, still smiling. She took his coat from him and gestured to Francesca, signaling her to leave. She was determined to make the most of tonight, whatever it took. Francesca understood and slipped out, closing the door quietly behind her. "Lance, is everything settled with the company? I'm so glad you're here," Virginia said, her voice soft and sweet. She got no answer from him. Virginia felt a growing unease. Lance had been silent since he stepped inside. Her heart began to beat faster, a nervous thump in her chest. "Lance ... what's going on?" She had already resolved the authorization issue, so there shouldn't be anything to cause this kind of reaction from him.Lance's voice broke the silence, cold and unyielding. "Where did you get your authorization?" Virginia's stomach sank. Something didn't feel right. "Wh ... what do you mean ... ?" "Answer me." Lance's tone was forceful, his presence making the room feel smaller. His height and build made it impossible for her to ignore the discomfort creeping over her. She could feel panic rising inside her. "I ... I had someone from the family get it from the lab ... " "Tell me the truth." His words were blunt, demanding, cutting through the air. Virginia's skin prickled. Her throat tightened, and she couldn't find her words. The authorization came from someone in the lab. Money helped. It wasn't from the prestigious family she had claimed, but it wasn't a fake either. Why was Lance asking about it now? Lance sat back slowly, his gaze unwavering as he waited for her response. Virginia struggled to speak, her mind racing. He watched her, his patience wearing thin. Normally, Virginia's shy demeanor was charming. But right now, it only made him more frustrated. "The authorization is fake." "Tell me the truth." His voice was stern, filled with impatience. Virginia stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Fake ... ?" The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Had she really made such a blunder? Had the person from the lab given her a fake authorization? Lance's gaze was sharp, as if a storm were about to erupt. "Stop pretending." "Tell me the truth.""I'm giving you one chance. Don't let me down." His voice was icier than Virginia had ever heard before. The mere thought of the last time Lance had shown such anger and disappointment sent a jolt of fear through her. It was a reflex, almost automatic. She defended herself without thinking. "It's all Addison's fault!" "She made me believe it was the right thing to do!"