The Replacement He Never Wanted
Virginia's complexion grew even more ashen, her small hands quaking as they clutched the edge of Lance's coat. "Lance, please let me explain … " She pushed herself upright from his embrace, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Addison observed the tearful woman with an arched eyebrow, bemused by the display. It was a pity she hadn't chosen to pursue acting. "I-I was simply out shopping for necessities with Francesca when I spotted Addison driving by in a Maybach. I-I thought I'd say hello, so I decided to follow her," Virginia stammered, her voice trembling as she emphasized the word "Maybach," as if she feared Lance might overlook its significance. "You were tailing me?" Addison's tone was frigid as she regarded the supposedly "delicate" woman before her. Virginia remained silent, continuing to sniffle as she sought to justify her actions. "I walked in and saw Addison purchasing a house." She pointed a dainty finger at the extravagant brochure on the counter. Lance's eyes flicked over to the brochure, his expression darkening slightly. Virginia was keenly aware of his reaction, sensing a shift in his demeanor that calmed her nerves. The villas at Pendomium Heights were well beyond the financial grasp of the Johnstons. "This place is incredibly pricey; it's not something just anyone can afford," she persisted. "The Johnstons can afford it, but that money belongs to you, right?" Her voice was laced with resentment, and her gaze turned beseeching as she looked at Addison. Addison met her accusing stare with indifference, unimpressed by her theatrics. The Johnstons could never hope to buy property in Pendomium Heights like she could. But whether they could afford it was now of no concern to her. Addison gestured to a nearby employee. "Have you finalized my property purchase? Ignore these two; I have funds, so just charge my card." Virginia felt her anger boiling at Addison's arrogance and clung to Lance's arm. "Lance, look at her, splurging the Johnstons' money and acting all superior … " Frugality was a long-standing virtue in the Johnston family, and Virginia was convinced that Lance would never tolerate such extravagant behavior from this woman. Addison smirked, lifting the car keys in her hand. "Why don't you ask your precious Lance if my money comes from the Johnstons?" Unwilling to back down, Virginia tugged on Lance's arm, silently pleading for him to speak up for her. Lance brushed her hand aside, his frown directed at Addison, scrutinizing her closely. "I haven't given Addison that much money," he said quietly. Virginia froze at his admission, her tears stopping abruptly as disbelief washed over her. "H-how is that even possible? Then where on earth did this woman get all that money?" Her voice trembled, clearly lacking confidence. Addison nodded slightly at Lance's words, a hint of appreciation flickering in her gaze. At least he was being truthful; he didn't claim the money was theirs. The sales clerk wrapped up the paperwork and approached Addison respectfully, handing her a black card. "Ms. Daves, your purchase is complete, and you can move in tomorrow." Addison graciously accepted the card, thanking the employee while under the watchful gaze of the two. Lance narrowed his eyes, his attention fixated on the black card, curiosity written across his face. How could she afford something like that? Even to buy a villa at Pendomium Heights? Virginia, unwilling to accept defeat, furrowed her brow as she observed the impeccably dressed Addison and the bowing employee, her fists clenched tightly. Addison signed her name and then turned to the pair glaring at her. "Unless there's anything else, I'll be on my way. Feel free to take your time; there are still plenty of desirable properties at Pendomium Heights." Virginia shot Addison a furious glare, her anger flaring as she recognized the woman's resemblance to her. Suddenly, a thought sparked in her mind. She turned to Francesca. "Francesca, isn't Addison in charge of the Johnstons' finances?" Francesca leaned slightly, replying, "Yes, Ms. Daves managed the finances before, but now it's the butler." Virginia raised an eyebrow, sensing that Addison's access to such significant funds was suspicious. She waved Francesca away and leaned closer to Lance, whispering, "Lance, there's no way Addison can have that much money. I know where her funds come from." This woman's wealth must have come from shady dealings! Lance's expression darkened as he pondered Virginia's words, nodding slightly to encourage her to elaborate.
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