"Looks like your previous experience wasn't enough to teach you a lesson," remarked Joe in a subdued tone.
Sandra's face stiffened, and her forehead seemed to throb with a dull pain.
She swirled the wine in her glass and lowered her gaze, saying, "There's no need for such hostility between us. Perhaps we can find a way to cooperate and both benefit."
"With you?" Joe scoffed, bypassing her and moving to leave.
But Sandra suddenly lowered her voice, "Charlotte is Congreve's daughter, right?"
Joe halted in his tracks.
Sandra walked up to him, her tone genuinely sincere, "As a collateral member, her appearance means we're completely sidelined. Who can tolerate that? I admit, I did try to go after her before. If she fell from grace, the Faulkner Family wouldn't accept her as an heir with a tarnished reputation, even if she's Congreve's biological daughter."
Her gaze roamed over Joe's form, regretfully continuing, "But your presence made me realize the impossibility of that approach."
She reached out to touch his shoulder, but Joe evaded her touch.
Sandra smiled faintly, "Since I can't become your enemy, perhaps I can be your friend?"
"Do you think she and I lack friends?" Joe retorted sarcastically. "By now, if you return to Albania, you might still be able to hold onto everything you have."
Sandra's face paled.
"Do you know how many people in the Faulkner Family are keeping a close eye on Charlotte? I'm the first, and I won't be the last," Sandra persisted. "Since we're destined to face this, why not find someone who can help you?"
Joe interrupted her with an indifferent tone, "Do you think your subpar methods are enough?"
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