"That's good." Addison gave Virginia a long, deep look before nodding and standing up. With the Johnstons' prestige, a birthday gift for Steven would be worth at least a million. If Virginia was genuinely willing to give it, it would show some sincerity. But if she was only doing it to save her reputation, then that was a different matter entirely. As Addison stood up and prepared to leave, Virginia's eyes were filled with resentment. She couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to give something for Grandpa's 70th birthday?" How could she be the only one spending money? Addison raised an eyebrow, glancing around. "Are you talking about me?" "Of course. Who else is here but you? Stop playing dumb," Virginia said, her eyes wide. "As a penniless orphan, how am I supposed to buy him a birthday gift?" Addison replied, a half-smile playing on her lips. Lance frowned. "Virginia, stop making things difficult for Addison. She's no longer a Johnston. There's no need for her to buy a gift for Grandpa." His tone was cold and indifferent. Hearing this, Virginia fell silent, her mood lightened a bit by the realization that Addison was no longer part of the Johnstons. That's right—Addison, an orphan with no money or power, had been cast out by the Johnstons. Asking her to buy a gift would indeed be unfair to her, a poor and pitiful girl. "Sorry, I understand I have made a mistake. I shouldn't have made things difficult for Addison. She has no filial piety and doesn't understand proper etiquette. No matter how others pressure her, it won't change anything. "People who didn't receive good education as children often end up like this when they grow up. Addison is quite pitiful." Virginia shot a sidelong glance at her, speaking in a flat tone that seemed like an apology but was clearly meant to mock, dripping with sarcasm. Addison didn't bother responding. She stood and prepared to leave. "Lance, please ask your bodyguards to move." The more Virginia spoke, the more mistakes she made. A person like her, who wore her thoughts on her face and couldn't keep her mouth shut, would eventually expose her true nature.Talking to Virginia only made Addison feel like she was dumbing herself down. Virginia glanced at Lance, tugging at his sleeve. "Lance, let her go. That face of hers is just so irritating." Lance pursed his lips, lifting his gaze to coldly look at Addison. "Are you sure you don't want to attend the banquet? This is your only chance. There's no need to keep being stubborn." Addison's stubbornness was only a shield for her hidden weakness. On the surface, she seemed heartless, indifferent even, but every word she spoke carried the weight of hidden tears. Lance understood her completely; he saw right through it. "If you miss this opportunity, you'll never get another chance to get close to my family." "Lance, she doesn't want to go; don't keep trying to persuade her," Virginia said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. Standing aside, she felt a tightening in her chest as she listened to Lance's words. The more he tried to persuade Addison, the more nervous she became. She knew that if Addison agreed to go, Lance would never allow her to attend. It was impossible for two of his partners to appear at the same banquet. Whoever was eligible to attend the event would be the first to declare their position among the prestigious high society of Halton. Addison could never be allowed to take that spot. "There's nothing to consider. I won't go, no matter how much you try to persuade me. I'm no longer a Johnston. What's the point of attending the banquet? Please, have your bodyguards move out of my way," Addison said, her voice calm and indifferent, with no trace of sentiment. Her irritation showed on her face as her patience wore thin. "Fine! Fine!" Lance's expression darkened, his gaze black and unfathomable. His voice was cold and clipped, the words forced through clenched teeth. "Let her leave." The bodyguards, hearing the order, stepped aside. Addison wasted no time. She grabbed her bag and ready to leave, not staying a moment longer. Virginia watched her retreating figure, a smile curving on her lips. That woman was such a fool—handing her the opportunity and not taking it. Just as Lance coldly watched Addison's figure grow distant, Addison suddenly stopped. She turned around.Virginia's smile froze. Was Addison having second thoughts? "What's this? Changed your mind?" Lance's expression remained unchanged, his eyebrows arched in slight disbelief. "Of course not." Addison smiled, holding up her phone. "I just wanted to remind you—don't ever send me any more texts. I find them annoying." With that, she walked away. Lance's face turned a deeper shade of pale as he clenched his jaw tightly. Virginia's face twisted in fury at this. Before Lance could speak, she shouted, "You witch! How dare you speak to Lance like that? Your attitude is outrageous!" Addison ignored Virginia's shrill cries from behind. ... Addison reached the door of the restaurant, where a waiter greeted her. "Miss, have a safe trip." She nodded faintly and mumbled a soft grunt before pushing open the door and walking out. Meanwhile, inside Grimwell Restaurant's private room, Virginia was still seething. She cursed Addison in her mind. How dare she be so arrogant? If she had acted like that at the medical exhibition, she should have been taught a lesson. I had been too soft on Addison. Virginia looked at Lance, who sat with a cold expression, his eyes filled with icy fury. It was clear he was still angry. She hesitated to approach him. Biting her lip, she slowly walked to the chair across from him, intending to sit down. Wait a minute. She suddenly noticed something beside the chair—a coat. Is this Addison's? She hadn't taken it with her? Virginia picked it up, eyeing the garment closely. She recalled what Addison had been wearing earlier today. Wait! Could it be? That elegant, distinctive coat—was it the limited edition Chanel piece?! Virginia squinted and examined it more closely. It seemed like that was it. Quickly, she pulled out her phone to confirm. The screen displayed the unmistakable black-and-white branding—it was indeed that rare, priceless Chanel limited edition.Only three of these black jackets existed worldwide. Suddenly, a string in her mind snapped. How could Addison not have money? She could easily afford 100 million-dollar pink diamond and limited-edition jacket, not to mention a villa in Pendomium Heights. How could she claim to be broke? That b*tch was pretending to be poor. Addison had played me. Virginia felt a surge of anger. Forget Lance being upset, she blurted, "Addison couldn't have been poor. She bought a villa in Pendomium Heights and wears limited-edition clothes. How can she say she's poor? "Where does all her money come from?" Lance frowned. There was only one possibility: she must be relying on a man. But it couldn't be him. Virginia's realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She sneered, "Her money must be from someone else. I told you, she's already found another man. You just wouldn't believe me. "All the signs point to Addison having found a new benefactor." Lance's gaze darkened, his face ashen, his blood boiling with rage. "And the way she acted just now? She clearly found herself someone else and doesn't care about you anymore," Virginia continued, fanning the fire. She hoped Lance's anger would only grow stronger.