"Are we friends?" A mocking smile appeared on Annie's face, then gradually turned cold. She stared directly at Claire and said, "No, we are not friends. People of the Pombo Family have no friends.
"Every one of you sees the Pombo Family as a malignant tumor in Saint Louis City, cruel rulers, greedy plunderers of profit. In truth, we are exactly that. How could people like us have friends? All we have are enemies and... potential enemies."
As she spoke, Annie rose to her feet and closed in on Claire step by step, staring straight at him as she asked, "Now let me ask you this: do you intend to become a potential enemy of the Pombo Family, or an outright enemy?"
Claire's eyes widened. Slightly frightened by Annie's imposing manner, his face turned somewhat pale as he stood up and retreated toward the door step by step. "Annie, you misunderstood me. I only wanted to ask you for a favor. I wasn't here to provoke you. You... don't be angry. Take your time eating. I still have something to do, so I'll be leaving first."
With that, Claire quickly slipped out the door and vanished.
The room fell silent.
Bang!
A few seconds after Claire left, Annie walked back to her seat and dropped heavily onto it. Her expression was thoroughly unapproachable, like a powder keg ready to explode at the slightest spark.
Brando had originally wanted to say a few flattering words, but seeing Richard beside him remain as unresponsive as a block of wood, he opened his mouth and then swallowed the words back down.
Unexpectedly, Annie spoke first.
It seemed as though she was speaking to Richard and Brando, yet also talking to herself.
Staring at the empty air before her, Annie slowly said, "A long