They're casting doubts on your personality. I can't stand it. Don't hold me back!"

Although Claudia found Joann's fiery defense charming, she feared an escalation and quickly steered the conversation away. “Look, we're here on business matters. Leave those who have nothing to do with it alone!"

“But it's infuriating," Joann protested, her anger subsiding a bit as she gazed at Claudia with affection.

“There's no need to waste anger on such people."

Claudia was baffled by the day's events. She'd only met Xavier a handful of times, exchanged contacts, and barely talked with him.

She was at a loss what went wrong that led his family to believe that she, already married into a rich family, would fall for a notorious playboy.

Couldn't they see the absurdity of their assumption?

“Let's go to another place."

This place clearly wasn't suitable for their business discussion.

As they were getting ready to go, Joann didn't verbally lash out at Felicity and her mom, but she sure shot them a look that could kill.

Hannah pretended to sip her red wine as if nothing had happened, but she felt ashamed inside.

Felicity, not one to back down, sent a scorching glare right back.

"Felicity!" Hannah stopped her in a hushed tone.

Felicity then turned her head away.

Once Claudia and Joann were out of sight, Hannah felt they couldn't stick around either. "Let's get out of here. And do not say a word of this to your brother!"

Felicity was quick to agree. "Fine."

The last thing she wanted was a lecture from her brother for bad-mouthing Claudia.

Meanwhile, Claudia and Joann found a cozy coffee shop close by. Joann couldn't shake off the irritation from the encounter and complained all the way there.

Claudia was a little angry, but her anger seemed to melt away as she listened to Joann's complaint.

She considered that Xavier's mom would probably be mortified if she found out she was already married.

“Well... Joann, let's focus on our work now."

They settled in, and after taking a sip of water to cool down, Joann cut to the chase, saying, "My apologies for the interruption earlier.

Now, what I wanted to ask was..."

Claudia gave her an encouraging smile and said, “Sure, go ahead.”