Chapter 8 The Surveillance Footage Proves Innocence!

Addison was engulfed in a wave of fury as she observed the lovebirds in a tight embrace in front of her. With a scornful smile, she called out, "Lance, it seems you really have poor judgment when it comes to people. Do you remember why the Johnstons were on the brink of bankruptcy? A significant part of that was your inability to distinguish between the genuine and the fake! The woman you're holding isn't who you believe she is! Think carefully!" Lance shot her an icy glare. "I can't judge character? You're absolutely right! I really can't! "I always thought you had a gentle, kind-hearted wife, but it turns out you're nothing more than a jealous woman who's always bickering with others! How could you be so petty?" Does he honestly believe my conflict with Virginia stemmed from jealousy? Jealous that Virginia captured his affections? Jealous that Virginia might enjoy a blissful life with him? What a joke! Considering all the sacrifices I made for the Johnstons, how dare he accuse me like that! Seizing the moment, Virginia tightened her grip around Lance. "Lance, please don't be upset. I'm okay, really. I'm willing to endure this. You're so wonderful; it's natural for me to attract jealousy … " Lance's expression darkened as he redirected his attention to Addison, his voice steady and resolute. "Addison, you need to apologize to Virginia!" This man is heartless! Did he forget all my sacrifices the moment he saw his first love? "Why should I say I'm sorry? She struck me first!" Addison retorted boldly, her eyes brimming with defiance. "Virginia hit you? With her delicate body? "Besides, how could someone as gentle as Virginia possibly be the aggressor?" Lance clearly didn't believe her. "Stop trying to argue. Just apologize, and we'll pretend this never happened." Addison scoffed. "I refuse to apologize!" "You refuse to apologize? Then you're going to regret it!" Lance was struggling to control his frustration. He didn't want to make Addison look bad, but if she kept pushing him, he would ensure she faced the consequences of her reckless actions. Addison's gaze was unyielding, almost daring him to act. "Addison, you need to accept the repercussions of your violent behavior." Lance's irritation was palpable. "I'm giving you one last chance: Apologize to Virginia!" Virginia tugged at his sleeve, fanning the flames of his anger. "Lance, she's just taking advantage of my weakness, thinking I can't fight back … " Watching Virginia feign vulnerability made Addison feel nauseated. Not wanting to engage in their theatrics any longer, she waved to a staff member. "Could you please pull up the surveillance footage? Thank you." Once the footage is displayed, it will be clear who threw the first punch! Addison had never been one to accept humiliation lightly. If Virginia wishes to maintain her dignity, she needs to stop testing her luck; otherwise, I will not hold back. Virginia's face paled at the mention of the footage, her hands trembling slightly as she clung to Lance's shirt. "Lance, maybe we should just forget about it. I'm really fine. I can endure a little for you … " She hadn't expected Addison to consider retrieving the footage. If Lance saw it, her fate would be sealed. Addison looked at Virginia, whose pale face now resembled a ghost's, and smiled with a trace of mischief. "Now that's genuine weakness. Your earlier act was convincing, but it doesn't compare to this." Lance wrapped an arm around her protectively. "Virginia, it's alright. I'll support you. Once the footage is shown, Addison won't have any reason not to apologize to you." Virginia shivered under his embrace, her hand quivering as it remained entwined with his, clearly terrified. A staff member emerged from the monitoring room and addressed Addison respectfully. "Ma'am, we've retrieved the surveillance footage. Please follow me." "Let's go, you two. We'll uncover what really happened!" Addison said, her gaze fixed on the trembling Virginia. "Oh, dear. What's wrong? Why are you shaking so much? Do you need assistance, Ms. Dolton?" Addison extended a polite hand toward Virginia, a smile on her face. Virginia was too scared to respond to Addison's taunts; her face was pale, her grip tightening on Lance's shirt. With Lance's support, Virginia made her way to the footage room. Addison's focus remained intense as she watched Virginia, her finger poised above the play button, ready to press it without hesitation. As the footage played frame by frame, Virginia's complexion grew increasingly pale, and Lance's expression shifted from anger to shock. Their faces dramatically transformed, going from dark to ghostly white in a moment of gripping suspense. When the footage reached the moment Lance arrived, Addison paused the video. She casually approached Virginia, locking eyes with her anxious gaze. "Ms. Dolton, do you want to apologize to me as Mr. Johnston suggested?" Lance stared at the fragile woman in his arms, a chill running through him. "Virginia, what really happened?" His tone carried a hint of reprimand.