The voice's owner was hostile to Claudia.

Claudia looked up to see Felicity smirking at her. With a confused scowl, she replied with detached coolness, "Yes?"

Surely, they weren't close enough for such familiarity, were they?

Felicity gestured towards a chair, saying, "My mother would Like to know you."

Claudia found her words to be quite presumptuous, and even Joann felt a bit uneasy upon hearing them.

Who did Felicity think her mother was, that Claudia must make her acquaintance?

Claudia remained seated and said, "I'm afraid I must decline. My associate and I are in the middle of a work discussion. Moreover, we're not that close that your mother has to be acquainted with me."

“Qur invitation is a gesture of respect towards you. Surely, there are things you'd rather discuss in private, without your assistant overhearing?"

Felicity's tone was harsh, dripping with implied disdain, sparking irritation in Claudia, yet she was keen to keep Joann out of the matter.

"Why don't you find a nearby coffee shop? I'll join you shortly."

Joann sensed Claudia was hinting for her to go, but she stayed put, worried Claudia might get picked on. “I'll wait here for you."

"Alright," Claudia conceded. Then she stood up and walked with Felicity.

Hannah, whom Claudia was meeting for the first time, appeared to be well-educated and, despite being somewhat stout, retained a dignified beauty.

Looking at Hannah's beautiful eyes, Claudia soon thought of a person.

She probably knew why Hannah wanted to see her.

Resolved, Claudia took a seat across from Felicity and Hannah, greeting politely, "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hinchcliffe."

Hannah looked at her carefully and expressed disapproval, saying, "You may be good-looking and intelligent, but it's not right to scheme and manipulate others."

Claudia responded unhurriedly, "I don't understand what you mean.

Could you be more specific?"

Felicity's discontent was evident as she spoke, her words laced with a sneer. “Why the pretense? You're well aware of the impact your actions have had on my brother."

To ensure they were discussing the same person, Claudia sought confirmation and asked, “Is your brother's name Xavier Hinchcliffe?"

“Don't you already know that? Since you're close to my brother, you already know about our family. You're so eager to marry into a wealthy family, and here's your chance today. If you can please my mother, all your efforts won't go to waste."

In a deliberate attempt to embarrass Claudia, Hannah stayed silent, allowing Felicity's accusatory words to linger.

Anyone else would have likely become angry in such a situation.