Addison could sense a change in Lance's expression. There was a depth in his eyes now, and his usually sharp features appeared even more rigid and distant under the light. Had she pushed too far in the heat of the moment? Harvey had once spoken to her about Lance's childhood, and Marilyn had mentioned it as well when she came to her. The wounds from his younger years had clearly shaped Lance's heart. Addison instinctively chose not to bring it up. "I've already sent you the authorization. Does it matter how I got it?" Addison's tone had softened as she regained her calm. Lance remained silent. Addison studied him. She didn't think the source of the authorization mattered. Why was Lance suddenly so focused on where it came from? Even if she had acquired it through someone else, what difference would it make to him? They were divorced, with no obligations toward each other. Even so, she still helped the Johnstons for old times' sake. He should have appreciated her efforts with the Johnstons. Instead, he was here, questioning her motives. "Doesn't matter? I disagree," Lance said, his voice sharp, laced with frustration. Addison couldn't tell whether his anger stemmed from Harvey or from her own words, asking, "Does it matter?" "I was about to say ... " Lance stopped himself, his lips pressing into a thin line. He hadn't signed the divorce papers yet, so legally, she was still his wife. His wife, sleeping with another man, clearly crossed a line in his mind. It mattered to him more than he was willing to admit. "What?" Addison's lashes fluttered as she noticed his hesitation. Lance averted his gaze.He couldn't bring up the fact that he hadn't signed the papers yet. If he did, Addison might think he still had feelings for her. He wouldn't give her any false hope. He had delayed signing purely to maintain appearances with his grandfather and fulfill a promise. As for Addison, that was a matter for her to never know. "Nothing," Lance said flatly. "Are you sure you got this authorization yourself?" "Yes," Addison replied, her eyes steady and unwavering. Lance's gaze was intense as he studied Addison. She held his stare, her expression as calm and composed as ever, with no sign of hesitation. Her tranquility reminded him of the Addison he had once known—gentle, graceful, the wife he had lived with for three years. She had always been quiet, graceful, her movements controlled and refined. Lance paused, as if a sudden realization had struck him. His features softened slightly, and he spoke in a low voice. "I hope you're being honest." He was starting to believe her. Addison had always been clear and logical, except when it came to him. Lance understood that well. It didn't seem like her nature to quickly turn to another man. As for today, it seemed like something she had done to make him second-guess her. It was all part of her plan. Addison raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "So, there's nothing more?" Lance's expression became serious. "Could you get another copy of the authorization for the company?" "Another copy?" Addison's confusion was clear. "Why would they need two?" "The one you gave me was torn," Lance explained, his tone flat.Torn? Addison blinked, shocked. That crucial authorization for Johnston Enterprise had been ... torn? Could Virginia have done it? She was the only one who might have torn it. "Who tore it?" Addison asked, her voice strained with frustration. Could it have been Virginia, seeing the package and tearing it apart without even thinking? "I did," Lance said simply, his lips pressing into a thin line. A brief moment of discomfort passed across his face. What? Lance had torn the authorization? Addison blinked again, trying to process his words. Had she heard him correctly? Addison had assumed Lance's visit was to question her. But now, she realized it was about the authorization. How typical of him. "So, not only did you destroy the authorization I worked so hard to obtain, but you also came here to question me?" Addison's voice was thick with disappointment, laced with sarcasm. Lance had no conscience at all. Lance took a deep breath, trying to explain. "I misunderstood." "I thought the authorization you sent was fake. That's why I tore it." "That's your error," Addison said, raising an eyebrow. "Why should I be the one to fix it?" She had done everything for the Johnstons' sake. If anything, she should get another authorization. But Lance's behavior left her speechless. She started to wonder why she had even sent the first one. Lance saw her cool expression but didn't react. "So, you won't help with another one?" "Not a chance.""You tore it, so it's your problem now. You deal with it," Addison said sharply, anger flickering in her eyes. After everything she had done to help Lance, this was his response? Lance paused, then said, "If you get another authorization for Johnston Enterprise, I'll forgive you." Another authorization for forgiveness? What does he think I am? I did nothing that requires his forgiveness! "Forgive me? What have I done wrong that needs your forgiveness?" Addison almost laughed, but the words stuck in her throat. Lance's brow furrowed, frustration creeping in. "The offer is only open once." "I don't need it," Addison said, her tone thick with sarcasm. "Are you really not going to help Johnston Enterprise get another authorization?" Lance asked, his voice betraying both irritation and a hint of anger. Her response had worn down his patience. "You know exactly what you did wrong. Don't pretend you don't," said Lance. "One simple authorization, and I'll forgive you. Are you really going to pass up this chance?" "Get out of my face. Do you think an authorization is that easy to come by?" "Right, like you can just tear one up and expect another to appear?" Addison added with a half-smile, studying Lance. "If someone else wants this 'chance,' they can have it. I'm not interested." How dare she speak to me like that! Lance's anger flared. His chest tightened with each breath, his face growing red. "Addison, don't push me!" His voice, tight with frustration, cut through the tension in the room. "What? That's my line," Addison said, her voice firm as it rose slightly.Lance stood tall, his eyes flashing with raw emotion. "I've been patient, giving you a chance, and you just threw it away!" Addison had had enough. She wasn't going to waste more energy on this. She grabbed the door handle and, while Lance wasn't looking, slammed the door shut with a force that seemed to shake the walls. If she kept talking, she might lose her temper completely. The sound of the door slamming was deafening, like a gunshot that echoed through the room, ringing in Lance's ears. How dare she? No one had ever dared to behave so boldly in front of him. Lance's eyes narrowed, his expression full of fury.