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    &


    Chapter 1009


    1/2


    Chapter <b>1009 </b>


    Vera’s face darkened as she said, “Joe has been avoiding me these past few days, and today he even


    checked out and left.


    “I’m not sure if he’s gone back to Jipsburg or just moved to another hotel, but I do <i>know </i>now that your promise that he would eventually see Skr’s true colors ande to love me is a joke.”


    Molly reassured her with patience. “Trust me, if Joe hasn’t seen you these past few days, there must be a reason for it. It’s possible Skr is causing trouble or they had ns all along. Besides, it’s only been a few days abroad. Once you’re back in Jipsburg, things will work out as you wish.”


    “Fine, I’ll give you one more chance. But if Joe hasn’t developed feelings for me by next month, my family won’t let you off easily,” Vera warned.


    “Of course,” Molly said.


    In Pearlhall Residence, Gloria looked at the visitors with a stern expression. She wasn’t in the mood for any apologies or excuses. She wondered if they thoughting to see her would make a difference after their mistakes.


    “Youing to me now won’t help. I’m already nearing the end of my life, and my words don’t hold much weight anymore. Joe had always had his own mind. If he’s acting this way, it’s because you pushed him


    too far.”


    Ernest also had a grim look. For years, he had maintained a respectful demeanor toward Gloria, treating


    her with deference.


    Yet, after her rude behavior in the hospital, it was clear that he wasn’t receiving any respect in return. Now, facing her hostility again today only reinforced that perception.


    He took a deep breath before continuing, “With everything that’s happened recently, it’s not something that can be exined in just a few words. It’s impossible to say that Joe is entirely meless. He’s been incredibly harsh with family, showing no regard for kinship.


    “He married an ordinary woman based on your advice, and now he’s been ruthless toward us. Isn’t that unreasonable? You’re the only person he respects. He listens to no one else. So, we need you to persuade


    him.”


    They came to plead for help but kept their airs of superiority.


    They downyed their own mistakes, shifting the me onto Joe and Gloria, which seemed more absurd and dramatic than any soap opera.


    Gloria’s face hardened as she sipped her lemon tea to calm her rising anger. “No one can persuade him at this point. Coming to me is futile. It seems you’re not here to seek help but toy me.”


    The thought of Joe facing such hostile family members after she left filled her with sorrow. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    <b>“</b><b>It’s </b>rather disrespectful of you <i>to </i>say that, Gloria. We came here to have a serious discussion. After all, we share the samest name and are family.


    “If family members have their disagreements, that’s one thing. But when it bes a public scandal, with everyone knowing, it’s truly embarrassing,” Ernest said, his voice rising.


    Ernest thought, “Did she really think udio couldn’tpare to Joe?”


    This time, they came to see her just to reduce some trouble. Starting something was always the hardest


    Chapter 1009


    part.


    2/2


    Now that udio wasn’t tied down, as long as Joe didn’t use underhanded tactics, Martin Group would eventually return to udio’s control.


    The scheming behind the scenes was meant to remain undisclosed. However, Ernest was displeased with having to deal with Gloria.


    Gloria took a deep breath and said to Edgar, “Please show them out. I’m tired.”


    “You!” Edwin’s face darkened immediately. 1


    Gloria stood up, looked at him coldly, and continued, “Don’t think you can outsmart Joe with your schemes. Out of respect for his grandfather’s wishes, he has been more than fair with you. If you want things to remain peaceful in the future, you should reflect on your own actions.”


    With that, she went upstairs. She was unwilling to spend any more time with Ernest, who had revealed his true nature.


    Ernest’s expression darkened. He realized that his visit had been futile. Gloria’s im that Joe had been lenient with them seemed hollow. If that were true, he would allow udio to join thepany.


    Words were one thing, but actions spoke louder. He was determined not to let this issue drop. If he couldn’t resolve it openly, he wouldn’t hesitate to use underhanded methods, When the time came, begging for favors would be useless.