Lance narrowed his eyes as he pressed on, his pace quickening, moving farther away from Virginia. His focus was solely on the task ahead, and he didn't notice her voice, laced with a hint of urgency. The distance between him and the woman in the black dress shrank with each step. Now, he could clearly see the fabric—a deep velvet with tiny white pearls delicately stitched into it. Without warning, a hand grasped his arm. He turned to see Virginia, her face a mix of breathlessness and concern. "Lance, why are you rushing? I can't keep up." Virginia's face was slightly flushed, her breath coming in quick bursts. Her dress had creased from her efforts, and the earrings she wore swayed with each movement. "I've got to take care of something." "You stay here," Lance replied, his tone resolute. He gently pulled away from her, brushing her hand off with a sharp gesture. Addison, hearing the footsteps behind her, felt a surge of unease. She wanted to look back, but before she could, Virginia's voice pierced through the air, loud and anxious. "Lance!" Lance? He's already spotted me? Addison's heart skipped a beat. She didn't turn around but quickened her steps. By the time Lance glanced back, the woman in the black dress was noticeably farther ahead. His gaze sharpened, his focus tightening. ... The sound of his shoes clicking on the stone floor seemed louder now, a rhythmic beat that made Addison's chest tighten, her heart racing. She knew it was only a matter of time before he caught up. What could she do?She scanned her surroundings in a flash. Her eyes landed on a girl in a black dress, her build similar to Addison's. That was her chance. Addison adjusted her path, moving swiftly toward the girl. Lance weaved through the crowded hall, his gaze fixed on the slender figure ahead. He was so close to Dr. Nancy now, just a few steps away, and he wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by. He reached out and caught the woman in the black dress, her long hair pulled back neatly. The dress shimmered with small white pearls sewn into the fabric. It had to be her. The woman turned, startled. "You ... " Their eyes met. The breathtaking man in front of her was none other than Lance, the CEO of Johnston Enterprise. Lance was a name everyone knew in Halton's high society. He was the epitome of success, the one every young woman dreamed of. To marry him was to secure a life of wealth and influence. Kristina Morningstar, of course, was no exception. He was holding her wrist? Kristina blinked, unsure if this was really happening. Could it be? Lance's gaze softened as he spoke, his voice smooth. "I've been looking for you." Kristina's voice trembled as she whispered, "Excuse me? What did you say?" Was this some kind of joke? The CEO of Johnston Enterprise had been searching for her? Could it be that he'd been watching her from afar for some time? Lance took a step back, his expression softening further. "Oh, right. I should have introduced myself. I'm Lance, CEO of Johnston Enterprise." "Your reputation precedes you, miss." "It's an honor," Kristina said, her hand extending quickly to shake his. "I've heard of you. You're a well-known figure in Halton." Lance smiled politely, his eyes warm but distant. "I appreciate that."Then, his tone shifted, becoming more direct yet still courteous. "Would you mind stepping away to chat somewhere quieter?" A slight flush colored Kristina's cheeks. Could it be? Was he ... asking her out? Kristina nodded, her face bright red. "Yes." From a distance, Addison watched Lance and the woman, wondering if she had somehow sparked this encounter for them. She shook her head, watching as Kristina's cheeks turned pink. It had almost slipped her mind just how high Lance's status was in Halton. Addison frowned. If this girl ended up going with Lance because of her, and things went wrong ... she didn't want to unintentionally cause trouble for someone else. Then, she spotted a familiar figure in the crowd. "Lance! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Virginia? Virginia jogged over, noticing the woman standing with Lance. Her cheeks were flushed, and her body language was stiff. "Lance? Who's this?" Virginia asked, her brow knitting. Lance kept his voice steady. "The one the company's been looking for." Dr. Nancy? Virginia's mind raced. Was this the woman Lance had been searching for all this time? This is her? Virginia gave the woman a sharp look. Her instincts told her that the woman was interested in Lance. A cold knot tightened in Virginia's chest. "So ... are you two going to talk business now?" "Yes." Virginia glanced at the woman, her expression guarded. She knew better than to show any visible disapproval, given the woman's status. But Virginia wasn't about to just stand by and watch Lance with another woman. "Could I come with you?" Kristina hesitated, meeting Lance's eyes. "I can help," Virginia persuaded. Virginia's eyes softened as she turned to Kristina. The longing in her gaze was unmistakable. "Dr. Nancy, could I join you?" Addison watched the scene unfold, her attention on Virginia's performance. Oh man, she can act. She silently hoped the woman would confess she wasn't Dr. Nancy. She had acted on impulse before, but now that she was safe from being exposed, she didn't want to drag anyone else into the mess. "Dr. Nancy?" Kristina echoed, clearly puzzled. Virginia's eyes narrowed. She sensed something wasn't right. "You're not Dr. Nancy?" "No ... I'm Kristina," she said, her voice trailing off, unsure. Lance's gaze sharpened. "What?" Kristina met his eyes, fear flickering in hers. "I'm not Dr. Nancy ... " Virginia couldn't hide her relief. "I knew it. She's not Dr. Nancy." Lance's brow furrowed, a storm cloud settling over his face. "Leave," Virginia snapped. "Lance made a mistake. You're not needed here." Addison, standing off to the side, observed in silence. Kristina lowered her gaze, lips pressed tight. "A mistake?" Virginia stepped forward, her arm linking with Lance's in a show of ownership. "Yes, it's a mistake. You can go now." Kristina glanced at the handsome man, disbelief written all over her face. His expression had shifted to one of cold indifference, a stark contrast to the courtesy he had shown earlier."Go," Virginia urged, her voice rising. A few onlookers glanced over at the raised tone. "Lance isn't someone just anyone can approach." Kristina's lips trembled, and she turned away, quickly running off, her head bowed low. Virginia smiled with satisfaction. She gave Lance's arm a reassuring shake. "Lance, I can help you find Dr. Nancy." "Can't you stay with me while I search for her? I would be heartbroken if you left," Virginia said, her voice softening. "You have no idea how scared I was just now." "I'm a part of the Daves too. I can really help you, Lance." Addison's eyes widened in surprise. Was that what she'd just heard? She's part of the family? What? But I've never seen her in any of the family events! "I've been looking for Dr. Nancy for so long. Where could she be?" Lance muttered, his frustration evident. Virginia, seeing his growing frustration, leaned in. "Don't worry, Lance." "Even if we haven't found the doctor, I know the CEO of Raven Company. I can introduce you to him." She knows Keith? Addison never felt more surprised. Wait, but Keith is a playboy. I won't put it past him to hook up with her. She was a little speechless. No, wait. Addison gave it some thought. She can't be part of the Daves. There's no way she knows Keith.