Robert frowned, his voice cold. "So that''s how it is. No wonder she has it out for Joanna."


    “Joanna, your parents were too kind, adopting such an ungrateful snake. Don''t worry, as long as I''m here, she won''t be able to bully you. The next time I see Natalie, I''ll teach her a lesson for you."


    Joanna smiled gently and nodded, her big, innocent eyes filled with admiration. "Thank you so much for helping me, Robert. Let''s go eat. I don''t want my problems to ruin your good mood."


    She deliberately put on a soft, sweet smile, looking docile and gentle.


    Watching her, Robert''s heart pounded. She was so gentle.


    "Alright!" His voice softened as well.


    A triumphant glint shed in Joanna''s eyes. Robert, from the powerful Warner family, was rich and influential. If she could make him fall for her, she wouldn''t have to worry about resources in the future.


    The group entered the restaurant, stillughing and talking.


    Not far away, Sean, who hade out to buy dinner for Sebastian, had witnessed the entire exchange with perfect rity.


    He was shocked. This was the power of a master maniptor.


    Even Mr. Warner was treating her with such gentleness.


    Her skills were too advanced; she was someone you didn''t want to cross. Sean could already tell Joanna was targeting him. His repeated support for Ms. Sanders had made Joanna want him gone.


    Sean headed back to the hotel with the dinner. Sebastian was busy tonight, stuck in meetings in the hotel conference room.


    As Natalie and Susan left the restaurant, Susan was so angry she was on the verge of tears. Her eyes were red, but she forced a smile. "Natalie, that Joanna is terrifying. How can no one see through her dirty tricks?"


    Natalie chuckled. "She has this halo about her that seems to blind people. And that face of hers is undeniably pitiable-pale, teary-eyed... designed to awaken a man''s most primal protective instincts."


    Joanna''s face was her trump card.


    "But she''s such a bully, so detestable. No wonder Jared almost died." The memory of what just happened still upset Susan.


    Isn''t this just like a tactic from one of those TV dramas, with the maniptive, innocent-looking girl?


    She throws herself down the stairs just to frame the female lead.


    "Oh! Natalie, I remember the time Sebastian was angriest with you was when Joanna threw herself down the stairs to frame you. Has she been watching too many dramas, trying to be the viiness?"


    Seeing Susan''s tears, Natalie smiled and patted her on the shoulder. "Susan, don''t be upset All of that is in the past. Sebastian and I...we were never meant to be."


    "You''re not a threat to Joanna. As long as you''re not by my side, she won''t target you. I''m the only one she''s after."


    Joanna had always wanted to drag her down to hell, and for the life of her, Natalie couldn''t understand why Joanna hated her so much.


    Was it because of Sebastian? But she wasn''t even that in love with him.


    Susan was worried. "Natalie,


    Sebastian totally falls for Joannabel


    tricks from pow on, if we can beat


    her,


    e should just avo


    her."


    Natalie knew avoidance was impossible, but to reassure Susan, she smiled and agreed. "Okay! If we can''t beat her, we''ll steer clear."


    Seeing the rxed and agreeable smile on her face, Susan felt relieved.


    "Come on, Natalie, let''s find another ce to eat. I''ll take you to get some barbecue over there. It''s just as good."


    As long as they didn''t run into Joanna, any food would taste delicious.


    "Natalie, I really want to ask Sebastian... as the one who cheated, doesn''t he feel any guilt toward you at all?"