They had come to this popular restaurant because Hannah craved some local dishes, and they didn't bring Xavier along this time.

It was an unexpected encounter for Felicity to see Claudia there.

Felicity took the menu and said, "Mom, see the lady at the table across from us? That's who Xavier has fallen for."

Upon hearing her, Hannah quickly glanced back.

As expected, she saw the woman she had seen in the restaurant yesterday.

With Xavier not around, Felicity freely shared her candid thoughts with her mother. “Mom, you need to know, that lady is quite the schemer. Remember our hospital visit..."

Hearing her daughter's words, Hannah couldn't help saying, “I think I'll have a chat with her later."

Felicity couldn't wait to hear that, and said, "Yes, you must step in! My brother is so obsessed with her. You must do something."

"Well... Next year I'm aiming to compete in these two events. I'm planning to center my work more around home. As for anything else, feel free to make the calls on my behalf."

After lunch and chatting, Claudia sketched out her professional intentions for the upcoming year to Joann.

According to her career plan, she had actually shifted her work focus to her home country this year.

Back then, she and Anthony had been set to get married in April.

Living in separate countries as a married couple wasn't ideal-it could put a strain on their relationship.

She had planned everything well. If everything went smoothly, she could shift the focus of her work to her country at the end of this year.

But she didn't expect that Anthony would run away from the wedding, and she would marry another man in just two months.

The plan couldn't catch up with the change.

Anthony's escape from the wedding caused her to be in hospital for nearly a month after a car accident. After she was discharged from the hospital, she had to rest for at least a month before she could fully recover.

As a result, her work progress came to a full stop.

She didn't compete in any piano contests this year, nor did she grace the stage for performances.

That meant she'd have to join in on the local contests the following year.

“I'm aware," Joann said, having picked up on her plans without much surprise.

After a pause, she looked at Claudia and said, "There's another question."

Claudia inquired, "What's the question?"

Just as Joann was about to say something, they were rudely interrupted by an unfriendly voice. "Claudia, it's been quite a while."