When I put my empathic Machiavellian head on sinkov, my thought process goes something like this.

Just what or who is this empathetic Machiavellian? Does this oxymoronic enigma exist outside of cyberspace or the more obtuse columns of the Grauniad? Perhaps it is the assassin who is truly sorry for you as they plunge a fatal dagger in your back. If so, I may to my cost have actually encountered one in real life though I do not heartily recommend the experience. If it is some machinating entrepreneur who intends to invest squillions in Burnley FC then I may be prepared to entertain the bitter sweet scenario.