Steven was shocked, but after years in the business world, he had seen all kinds of people. He had encountered many who lacked actual skill and only relied on big talk, empty words. At the right moment, Lance stood up, expressionless, and gently pushed Virginia back down. "Virginia is eager to prove herself," he said coldly. "She doesn't fully understand things yet, so please don't hold it against her." Virginia was suddenly forced to sit, stunned for a moment, then she quickly realized that even Lance didn't believe her. Her anger flared. No one believes me, huh? Well, I'll show the Johnstons what I'm capable of today! Determined, Virginia tried to stand again but felt resistance. She looked up and saw Lance's hand firmly on her shoulder. "So, you brought such an immature woman into the Johnstons?" Steven sneered. "Are you saying that our family had had enough of good days and now it's our time to fall from grace?" Lance's voice was calm. "I'll teach her gradually. She won't drag family down." Virginia pushed with all her strength to shake off Lance's hand, but he didn't budge. His grip was unyielding. They were too different in strength; she couldn't move his hand at all. Virginia pouted in frustration. Addison saw their subtle struggle. She rested her chin in her hand, raising an eyebrow as she watched the two across from her silently clash. Lance was defending Virginia so fiercely, it really seemed like he loved her. Addison sighed inwardly. Why did Lance choose someone like Virginia? Apart from her delicate appearance, she had no other qualities. In fact, it could be said that her character was full of flaws—her actions, which targeted her in the past, had shown how malicious and morally bankrupt she really was. But Lance couldn't see it. Addison stared at them for a moment before turning her gaze away. "When I married into your family, it will only bring benefits, no downsides," Virginia spoke up, still trying to break free."Addison can't offer any benefits to you all, but I can!" Virginia continued. "I can solve your immediate problems. After marrying into the family, the Daves connections will be incredibly helpful to your family." Addison's eyes narrowed as she refocused on Virginia. Was she really talking down on her while defending herself? A feeling of irritation replaced the faint amusement in Addison's gaze. It wasn't anger, just impatience. After Virginia had left the other day, Addison had already called Keith to confirm. Keith had said he barely knew Virginia. If Addison hadn't already verified it, Virginia's confident insistence now would've been confusing enough to make her believe it. However, Virginia was deceiving herself. "I'm telling the truth! I'll call right now!" Virginia struggled against Lance's grip, her voice rising in urgency. "Lance, can you please take your hand off? I can't reach my phone." Virginia's tone suddenly became soft, as if she was fragile and in need of help. Lance just blinked, completely unaffected. "Today is Grandpa's birthday. Let's not talk about business matters." Lance's voice was low but firm, obviously directed at everyone at the table—and even more so at Virginia. Addison, who had been taking care of Lance for three years, could immediately tell from his tone that his patience was wearing thin. If Virginia continued to argue with him, she would quickly push him to his breaking point. But Virginia seemed completely oblivious to the warning. She was still trying to find a chance to speak. Addison couldn't bear to watch anymore. If Lance truly lost his temper, this party would end in chaos. Marilyn's intent in inviting her would be completely derailed. Addison didn't want that to happen. Virginia kept trying. Addison blinked. When Virginia had made her first video call, it was clearly a gamble—she was testing if Keith actually recognized her.Keith had told her he had seen Virginia a few times, and considering Virginia's personality, it was very likely she had misunderstood Keith's intentions. When they spoke on the phone, Keith had talked to Addison the entire time, not responding to Virginia at all. Yet, Virginia acted as though she believed Keith was speaking directly to her, thinking they were familiar. Addison had considered this and decided to give Virginia a hint. "Do you really think Keith will give you the authorization?" Addison asked abruptly. Virginia turned toward her and said, "Of course. I know Keith well. He'll naturally give me the authorization." Her tone, once soft, now took on an air of pride. "You've forgotten, haven't you?" Virginia stared at her. "Everyone else here might question me, but you shouldn't." "Addison, what is she talking about?" Marilyn asked, confused. Addison turned to Marilyn. "It's nothing. Just a small thing." This issue couldn't be explained in just a few words. Addison decided to make herself clearer. "Do you really know Keith? I mean, before you made that call in the villa." Virginia's expression changed, but only for a moment. She quickly suppressed her emotions. "Of course I do. "If I didn't know him, why would I call him? To let you embarrass me?" Virginia's words dripped with sarcasm. Addison shook her head and continued, "You should know the consequences if you make a call like that in front of so many people and it fails, right? Are you sure about this? Do you really think your relationship with Keith is as good as you claim?" She asked three questions in quick succession. To Virginia, they clearly sounded like jealousy and insecurity. If she really got the authorization, there would be no room for Addison in the Johnstons. Addison's words were just an attempt to block her out of fear of being thrown aside. Virginia scoffed coldly, "My relationship with Keith is none of your business." Lance, who had been quietly listening, suddenly looked troubled when he heard Virginia's words. Virginia and Keith are that close?! His dislike for Keith deepened. Why hadn't Virginia ever mentioned this before? Looks like I would have to investigate this further. It's none of my business? Addison felt a sense of helplessness. She had wanted to make things even clearer, but seeing how stubborn Virginia was, she decided not to continue. With a small nod, she simply said, "Then go ahead and call him." It was clear that Virginia wasn't going to back down. Addison had said what she needed to say. Virginia wasn't listening, and she couldn't use force like Lance to stop her. Virginia turned to Lance and said, "Lance, I really know Keith. Just trust me this time." ... Steven suddenly dropped his fork, speaking up with annoyance, "Let her speak!" His tone was full of impatience. It was never-ending, and it was starting to drive him crazy. Lance had been about to speak but fell silent as he remembered Virginia's words. The emotions in his eyes were churning. He chose not to stop her.