Virginia wrapped her arm around Lance's as they slowly entered the ballroom, her face beaming with an uncontrollable smile. The entire room turned to gaze at them, their eyes focused on the seemingly intimate couple. Virginia noticed the looks around her—some were shocked, some curious, some filled with jealousy, and others with complex emotions she couldn't quite understand. She had never been the subject of so many stares before, and a wave of nervousness crept over her. Her long, thick lashes, carefully coated with mascara, fluttered nervously as she tightened her grip on Lance's arm. Lance, noticing her discomfort, leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry." Virginia nodded, her smile slightly strained. "Mr. Lance isn't with his wife! What's going on? Did he divorce her? Did he finally get rid of that woman who clung on him?" people whispered, exchanging glances. "He brought her to his grandfather's party—this woman must be his new love. I bet he had already casted his wife aside!" As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd's gaze on Virginia shifted noticeably. "Who is this woman with Mr. Lance?" asked an elegantly dressed older woman in confusion. Did Lance find himself a new lover? Why didn't he hear about it? She even wanted her daughter to marry him. "I don't know her. I've never seen her before!" A younger woman, her face filled with jealousy, seemed ready to grind her teeth. Everyone in Halton knew that Lance didn't like Addison. Their marriage had been something he agreed to only because Addison had aggressively pushed herself into his life. It was clear to all that their divorce was only a matter of time. Many wealthy young women from high society had been waiting for this moment. But Lance had quietly divorced Addison and brought this mysterious woman into the spotlight. The gossip and murmurs reached Virginia's ears, but instead of feeling awkward, she felt a strange sense of satisfaction. This feeling of triumph completely erased her earlier nervousness. Her goal for the night had been achieved.Virginia straightened her back, her confidence growing. She wore a diamond necklace given by Lance, her long neck adorned with its sparkle. Combined with the elegant dress she had chosen for the evening, she radiated under the bright lights. The two of them walked toward the center of the room, their every step followed by the crowd's eyes. Lance scanned the room, then turned to Virginia. "I'm going upstairs to see Grandpa. Wait for me here." Virginia's face remained calm as she looked at him with soft eyes. "Okay, I'll wait here," she responded sweetly. Once Lance left, Virginia lifted her dress and walked toward the crowd. "One champagne, please." She intended to make her presence even more obvious, to ensure that everyone in Halton's elite circles knew who she was. At that moment, Lance would have no choice but to introduce her to Steven, rather than leaving her alone downstairs. The waiter, having heard her request, handed her a glass of champagne. Virginia took it gracefully, sipping it with elegance. After drinking halfway, she set the glass down and casted a casual glance around. Some quick-witted people, sensing an opportunity, approached her with their drinks. Lance was known for his cold demeanor, and aside from his current wife, there had never been any other woman in his life. If this woman had been brought here with him, she was likely to be the next Mrs. Johnston. Naturally, they wanted to be on her good side. "Are you Mr. Lance's companion? You're so beautiful," Lisa said with a flattering tone. "May I ask your name?" "Virginia Dolton. You can just call me Virginia," she replied quietly. Virginia Dolton? Lisa's mind raced, searching for any prominent families in Halton named Dolton, but came up with nothing. Her expression grew complicated and probed, "I don't think I've seen you around Halton before." Virginia, whether sensing her confusion or choosing to subtly reveal her identity, blinked her long lashes. "I haven't been in Halton for long, so it's normal that you haven't seen me."I just returned from abroad. Before that, I was living with the Daves in Kreshill. I've never been to Halton before." The Doltons of Kreshill ... Lisa's eyes widened. "You're from the Daves? The prestigious medical family?" Virginia smiled down modestly, almost humbly. "The Daves aren't really a medical family. We've just been involved in medicine for generations." Oh, you're too modest! Lisa thought to herself, stunned. When the others heard this, they instinctively drew closer to Virginia. The Daves were a family they could only dream of being part of—an opportunity like this couldn't be missed. Virginia had clearly become the center of attention. She smiled as she engaged in conversation with the other high-society women around her, clearly enjoying the status. Meanwhile, Addison slowly entered the ballroom from the side courtyard. Marilyn had insisted she come down to greet the guests. To avoid drawing attention, Addison chose to take the courtyard route rather than descend the main stairs. The moment Addison stepped inside, her eyes immediately found Virginia, who was surrounded by admirers. It wasn't that Addison had been searching for her; it was simply impossible to miss Virginia in the crowd. Most people in the room hadn't attended events of a higher caliber and didn't notice Virginia's slightly odd posture. But Addison, who had attended countless prestigious events both internationally and in Kreshill, knew exactly what true elegance looked like. Virginia's neck, already long, was now stretched even more as she deliberately straightened her back to maintain a poised posture. Addison couldn't help but be drawn to the slightly unnatural position. "How unbecoming," Addison muttered, shaking her head. She walked to the side, purposely distancing herself from the group around Virginia. Some time later, Addison stood there, slightly numb. She had already had two glasses of champagne but still hadn't seen the star of the evening. She frowned. Why hadn't Steven come down yet? What was taking him so long? Looking up, she wondered what could be keeping him. As she lowered her gaze, her eyes accidentally met someone else's, and for a brief moment, they locked eyes.In that instant, Addison clearly saw the shock in Virginia's eyes—pure, unmasked shock. Addison didn't look away but returned the gaze impassively. She hadn't intended for Virginia to see her at the event to avoid any further complications with Lance. But now, Virginia had unexpectedly spotted her, and Addison had no desire to hide it. Addison caught the brief flicker of shock in Virginia's eyes, but soon after, Virginia suppressed it and replaced it with a composed smile. She lowered her head to whisper something to those nearby. Addison didn't care about what Virginia was saying. She withdrew her gaze and walked off to the side. Nearby, a voice cut through the air. "Isn't that Addison?" A woman in flashy attire, swirling her glass of red wine, approached Addison with a sneer. "Who's Addison?" A nearby person asked, curious. "Mr. Lance's ex-wife! Didn't you know? She was kicked out by the Johnstons!" The woman laughed loudly, her voice growing more mocking. Addison looked up at the sound of her name.