Chapter 3 Grandpa's Health Is Fragile

Lance felt a surge of frustration as he navigated the road when suddenly, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. He answered the call with an impatient tone. "Mr. Lance, there's been an issue with your grandfather!" Lana's frantic voice crackled through the speaker. In an instant, Lance slammed on the brakes and executed a sharp U-turn, heading straight for the mansion. Ten minutes later, he arrived at the sprawling estate. Inside, Steven Johnston lay unconscious, having just been revived by the family doctor. The effects of the anesthesia lingered, leaving him still unresponsive. Addison stood vigil at Steven's bedside. Despite the impending divorce, she felt compelled to be there, a principle rooted in her upbringing by the Daves, her esteemed family. The Daves were known for their high standards and sense of propriety, and although she hadn't returned to her family home in years, those values had remained firmly etched in her heart. Pale against the stark white sheets, Steven appeared fragile, with only a hint of color gracing his lips, resembling a small child in his helplessness. Lance stormed into the room, his emotions running high. But upon seeing Addison beside Steven's sickbed, he found a semblance of calm amidst the chaos. Addison's presence provided him solace; she had a remarkable ability to remain composed during crises, allowing him to feel somewhat at ease in her company. However ... Once he regained his composure, Lance cast a sidelong glance at Addison, a cynical smirk creeping onto his lips. She had displayed such indifference earlier, yet here she was, rushing to attend to Steven. It appeared she couldn't entirely sever her ties after all. Her previous bravado regarding their divorce seemed to be nothing more than a mask. "Mr. Lance, Mr. Johnston is experiencing one of his recurring issues; he requires attentive care and adequate rest," the doctor said respectfully upon noticing Lance's arrival. Lance's face remained impassive as he waved the doctor away, dismissing him with a gesture. Silently, he positioned himself behind Addison, his gaze fixed on his grandfather, his expression inscrutable. "Grandpa needs someone to look after him," Lance leaned closer to Addison, whispering in her ear, the meaning unmistakable. With Addison tending to Steven, she certainly understood his hidden message. As he stood near her, he caught a whiff of her perfume—something he hadn't registered before in their shared space. It was a cool, woody scent intertwined with the fragrance of dried flowers. She had changed her perfume. No longer was it the soft, sweet aroma that reminded him of Virginia's favorite fragrance. Addison had been using that ever since he said he liked it. A wave of confusion swept over Lance; he suddenly found Addison hard to decipher. His earlier certainty about her attachment to the Johnstons was finally waning. "I'll carefully select the best nurse to care for Grandpa tomorrow," Addison replied softly, seemingly unaware of the deeper implications behind Lance's words. "Why don't you take care of Grandpa yourself?" Lance cut to the chase, laying his intentions bare. "We won't proceed with the divorce just yet; Grandpa's health is fragile. Once he recovers, we can move forward with the divorce. For now, you should look after him." His voice held an unmistakable authority. He was confident that Addison wouldn't refuse. This was an opportunity for her; she would be hard-pressed to decline an offer that could help her save face. "Why?" Addison turned to meet Lance's gaze, her tone icy, as if she were no longer part of the Johnston family. Her eyes were devoid of emotion, dark and profound. "Why should I care for your grandfather? Why should we delay the divorce?" She repeated her questions as if she feared Lance hadn't heard her, each word measured and deliberate. "We're already set to divorce; why should I care for a Johnston?" "Addison, do you even grasp what you're saying?" Lance's usually stoic demeanor cracked, revealing his fury. How dare she challenge me! This was the first time Addison had openly opposed him. He had never felt such anger before; she was the first to ignite such a blaze within him. "Don't push me." Lance grasped Addison's chin, forcing her to look into his piercing eyes. Addison felt the intensity of his fury, thick and palpable in the air. But why should his anger matter to her? The moment he had initiated the divorce, she had chosen to end it all. Yes, she felt a sense of sorrow for that person in her memories and wished to make amends. But after everything she had done for the Johnstons, she owed them nothing! With his first love back in town, why should he still cling to her? This man was truly one to want it all—having his cake and eating it too. Breaking free from Lance's grip, she strode to a nearby chair, retrieved her bag, and exited the room without uttering a single word.