Chapter 5 First Love Returning Home

Addison exchanged brief pleasantries with the board members before ending the call. "How are my parents? It's been three years since I last saw them. I can only imagine how they've been ... " She cast a wistful glance at Keith, memories washing over her. "They're doing well; you shouldn't worry about them. When you decided to stay with the Johnstons, did you even consider how Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were faring?" Keith quipped, a teasing grin lighting up his face. "Okay, enough with the jokes," Addison replied, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance. "Let's get moving; I'm exhausted and ready for bed." The lighthearted atmosphere that had accompanied her departure from the Johnstons vanished instantly. Keith remained unchanged ... Soon enough, the vehicle pulled up to a grandly adorned mansion. In good spirits, Addison freshened up, planning to hit the mall the following day for clothes and essentials, having left everything behind at the Johnstons. Out with the old, in with the new. After that, she would explore potential houses. Meanwhile, Lance received a call from Virginia. "Lance, I'm back!" Her sweet voice resonated through the phone. The familiar voice ignited a spark in Lance's heart. "Send me your location, and I'll come to pick you up." After hanging up, Lance's gaze shifted to Lana, who quickly grasped the situation and replied respectfully, "Mr. Lance, please go ahead and pick up Ms. Dolton. I'll take care of Mr. Johnston." Why has Ms. Dolton returned so suddenly? And what about Mrs. Johnston? Lana wondered as she responded. Twenty minutes later, a Rolls Royce arrived at the airport entrance, its headlights cutting through the twilight. It was surrounded by a row of bodyguards standing at attention as a man emerged from the vehicle. Virginia looked up to find him silhouetted against the setting sun, his handsome face as striking as she remembered, radiating an air of cold intensity. As he approached, step by step, Virginia's smile was radiant, yet a flicker of anxiety and guilt flashed across her features. "Lance, you're here! I've missed you so much!" Three years apart must have really affected him; Virginia felt uncertain about how he would react to her return. Lance regarded the familiar woman, his expression subtly shifting as he prepared to speak, only to be interrupted by her sudden movement. Virginia seemed a bit unsteady, swaying slightly and appearing fragile. "Lance, I have a slight headache." Seeing her delicate form, Lance's initial questions faded away. "Let's get you in the car." The bodyguards quickly stepped in, opening the door for Virginia and assisting her inside. Before she could settle into her seat, she lunged forward to embrace Lance, her voice quivering. "Lance, I thought I'd never see you again. "Lance, I've thought about you every day while I was away," she added, gripping his arm tightly as if fearing he might push her away. "Don't worry, Lance. I'm back for good this time. The reason I left without saying anything was that my mother was seriously ill and had no one to care for her. She has since passed ... " Virginia lowered her gaze, tears shimmering in her eyes. Lance's heart ached at Virginia's sorrowful explanation, and he couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh. He gently wrapped his strong arms around her back, giving her a light pat in a comforting gesture. Noticing the petite woman still sobbing in his embrace, Lance tenderly brushed away her tears. "It's alright, Virginia. You have me now. The Johnstons will be your home from now on." He then handed her a beautifully wrapped gift box, its weight significant in her hands. Carefully opening the box, Virginia gasped at the sight of a necklace. The blue diamond pendant, roughly the size of a fingernail, was surrounded by a dazzling array of smaller diamonds that sparkled brilliantly. Virginia caught her breath; this necklace was surely worth millions. Her palms began to sweat. It seemed the rumors were true—Lance had not only inherited the Johnstons' estate but had also successfully revitalized the struggling company, making it flourish even more than before. Virginia's innocent smile shone even brighter. "This is your welcome gift back home, Virginia," Lance said, watching her delight with a tender expression. "Thank you, Lance!" Feeling reassured by his warmth, Virginia linked her arm through his strong one. "Let's go home." The car came to a stop in front of the Johnstons' apartment. "My grandpa hasn't been well lately, and Lana can't manage on her own. You can stay here for now, and once he's better, I'll move you to the mansion," Lance said, holding Virginia's hand with a comforting grip. As he helped her out of the car, she wobbled slightly, as if a gust of wind could topple her. "Alright, Lance, don't worry; I can take care of myself," she insisted, gripping his hand tightly, her eyes revealing a fragile vulnerability that tugged at his heartstrings. "You must have been busy caring for your mother while you were away and didn't have time for yourself. Your old problems must have worsened," he remarked, retrieving a blanket from the car and draping it over her shoulders. "You need to take good care of yourself. I've been swamped with work, but I'll bring over a few reliable staff from the Johnston Residence to assist you." Virginia noticed the unfamiliar scent of perfume lingering on the blanket and frowned slightly, though her face remained cheerful. "Lance, you do your thing; I'm not a child ... " Lance held her closely, feeling a pang of tenderness. Once he left, Virginia sat on the edge of the bed, quickly tossing the blanket onto the floor in disgust. This blanket must belong to that woman; the scent of her infuriating perfume is unbearable! She then pulled a maid, Francesca Cooke, closer, a sweet smile gracing her face. "Francesca, can I see a picture of Ms. Daves?"