Chapter 1009

Vera's face darkened. "Joe has avoided me for days, and today he checked out," she said. "I don't know if he's returned to Jipsburg or moved to another hotel, but your promise that he'd love me is a joke."

Molly responded patiently, "Trust me, there must be a reason. Perhaps Skylar is interfering, or they had prior plans. It's only been a few days. Once you're back in Jipsburg, things will work out."

"Fine, one more chance," Vera warned. "But if Joe doesn't develop feelings for me by next month, my family won't spare you."

"Of course," Molly replied.

At Pearlhall Residence, Gloria regarded the visitors with a stern expression. She wasn't in the mood for apologies or excuses. Their visit felt insignificant, especially given her declining health and waning influence.

"Your visit won't change things," she stated. "I'm nearing the end of my life, and my words carry little weight. Joe has always been independent. If he's behaving this way, it's because you pushed him too far."

Ernest, usually respectful toward Gloria, wore a grim expression. Her rude behavior in the hospital, and her continued hostility, had eroded his deference.

He took a deep breath. "Recent events are complex and can't be summarized easily. Joe isn't entirely blameless; he's been harsh with family, disregarding kinship. He married an ordinary woman on your advice and is now ruthless toward us. Isn't that unreasonable? You're the only person he respects; he listens to no one else. We need you to persuade him."

Their plea for help was veiled in an air of superiority, their mistakes downplayed while blaming Joe and Gloria. It was absurd, more dramatic than any soap opera.

Gloria sipped her lemon tea, calming her rising anger. "No one can persuade him now. This is futile. You're not seeking help, but assigning blame." The thought of Joe facing such hostility filled her with sorrow.

"That's disrespectful, Gloria," Ernest retorted. "We came for a serious discussion. We share the same last name, we're family. Disagreements are one thing, but a public scandal is embarrassing."

Ernest mused, Did she really think Claudio couldn't compare to Joe? This visit was merely damage control. Starting conflict was always the hardest part. Now that Claudio wasn't constrained, as long as Joe didn't resort to underhanded tactics, Martin Group would eventually return to Claudio's control. The behind-the-scenes scheming was meant to remain secret, but Ernest resented dealing with Gloria.

Gloria sighed and instructed Edgar, "Please show them out. I'm tired."

Edwin's face darkened. "You!"

Gloria stood, her gaze cold. "Don't think you can outsmart Joe with your schemes. Out of respect for his grandfather's wishes, he's been more than fair. If you want peace, reflect on your actions."

She ascended the stairs, unwilling to spend more time with Ernest, whose true nature had been revealed.

Ernest's expression darkened. His visit had been futile. Gloria's claim of Joe's leniency rang hollow; if true, he'd allow Claudio to join the company. Words were insufficient; actions spoke louder. He wouldn't let this drop. If open resolution failed, he'd resort to underhanded methods. Begging for favors would be useless then.