Chapter 7 You're Just a Substitute!

Virginia was fuming as she stormed into the house, infuriated by the thought that this woman believed she could lavishly spend the Johnstons' fortune before the divorce was finalized. What nerve! Addison was preoccupied with browsing houses when a fierce figure approached her. She glanced up to see it was Virginia. Although Addison had seen photos of her in Lance's room—a woman in a pristine white dress with a sweet smile—this was a stark contrast to the confrontational demeanor standing before her. "Can I help you?" Addison asked, her voice devoid of warmth. I'm on the brink of divorcing Lance; I have no reason to cling to him. So why is this woman even here? "Hi, Addison. I'm Virginia. I'm sure you know who I am by now," Virginia stated, her earlier arrogance fading as she smiled at Addison. I, the real deal, have returned. It would be interesting to see how long this substitute can hold Lance's attention! Addison raised an eyebrow. "I know you. What's your point?" Addison felt that if Virginia had something to say, she should just get to it. She had little patience for those who danced around the truth. Is Virginia merely here to seek attention? Does she really have nothing better to do? "You do realize Lance's grandpa is still lying in a hospital bed, all alone ... " Virginia's words dripped with accusation, pointing fingers at Addison for her neglect. Her gaze was fixed on Addison, eyes seeming to brim with sorrow as she silently chided her for not caring for Steven. "Lance's grandpa is in bed with no one to look after him, while you're here wasting the Johnstons' money like it's nothing. It didn't just drop out of the sky ... " Virginia feigned concern for the family, casually flipping through a brochure on the table, only to gasp at the exorbitant prices listed. Amused, Addison observed the woman before her. No wonder Lance is attracted to her; they share an uncanny similarity in thought! Would Mr. Steven struggle to survive without me? Addison's silence confirmed Virginia's suspicion that she was feeling guilty. The friendliness in Virginia's demeanor faded, replaced by sharper words. "You've spent three years living off the Johnstons, never earning a dime. Now that you're being forced to divorce Lance, you think you can just pocket a hefty sum? You really know how to play your cards." Addison couldn't help but laugh bitterly at that comment. "You think I know how to play my cards? I married into the Johnstons when they were at their lowest, managing everything from the ground up. Even the company thrived because of me. Without my help, where would Lance be now?!" She had met Lance during a time when Johnston Enterprise was on the brink of collapse. Defying her parents' wishes, she insisted on marrying into the family. Over the past three years, her contributions helped revive the company. She cared for the entire Johnston family, driven by a sense of obligation. And now, to be accused of coveting their wealth? The Johnstons' money wasn't something she craved; Virginia seemed to take it far too seriously! Virginia clearly didn't believe her. "You? Manage the company? You're just boosting your own ego. "Even if you helped the Johnstons, that's in the past. We'll stop discussing that, but you wasting their money is just wrong! Ignoring Lance's grandpa lying in a hospital bed and not even visiting him is downright ungrateful!" Virginia's voice rose in indignation. Addison was furious, laughing in disbelief. "If you're so devoted, why don't you go take care of him instead of following me around?" How could she lecture others without reflecting on herself? "Besides, I'm spending my own money! I can buy whatever I want! Does it concern you?" Addison's previously cheerful mood soured; her excitement about buying a house evaporated. Virginia stood momentarily speechless, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Your money? You're an orphan with no job. Where does your money come from? You're squandering the Johnstons' wealth and won't even admit it!" Addison was done with the argument. She was irritated and couldn't comprehend why Lance was enamored with such a superficial woman and had been clinging to her for so long. Turning away and ignoring Virginia entirely, she signaled for a sales representative, pointing at a house. "I'll take that one; I'll pay with my card." The employee respectfully accepted Addison's black card. "Right this way, ma'am." As Addison prepared to follow the employee, Virginia grabbed her wrist. "How could you ignore me!" Virginia's eyes burned with anger. Annoyance surged within Addison as she yanked her wrist away, causing Virginia to stumble forward awkwardly. Onlookers began to stare at Virginia with puzzled expressions. Realizing she was being publicly humiliated by Addison, Virginia's anger skyrocketed. In retaliation, she slapped Addison hard. Smack! "You should know you're a woman on the verge of being cast aside by Lance, no longer the esteemed Mrs. Johnston! "In Lance's eyes, you're just a substitute!" Addison felt the sharp sting of the slap on her cheek. Rubbing the sore spot, her simmering rage boiled over. This woman is getting too bold! In response, she swung her hand back and slapped Virginia. The sound of the slap echoed in Virginia's ears, leaving her momentarily dazed while Addison relished the satisfaction of the moment. Seeing Virginia poised to retaliate, Addison raised her hand again, but a strong grip suddenly seized her wrist, filled with fury. "Addison! What are you doing?" Lance's booming voice rang out as he pulled Addison's hand away, his eyes blazing with anger. "Lance?!" Virginia, noticing Lance's sudden arrival, immediately shifted into a damsel in distress, leaning against his solid frame. "Lance, I'm so scared … " Lance wrapped his arms protectively around Virginia. "Virginia, are you alright? Do you need to go to the hospital?" Tears welled in Virginia's eyes, making her appear pitiable as she clung to Lance, gazing up at him with an expression that radiated deep injustice. Observing the unfolding scene, Addison raised an eyebrow. She's really good at this. What a performer! Still holding Virginia protectively, Lance frowned at Addison. "Virginia's not well. Can't we discuss this calmly? I've always considered you a kind person, yet I never imagined you could be so cruel as to strike someone so vulnerable!"