Chapter 410 Learned to Buzz In
Francis frowned. "And then?"
Willard stayed silent.
Francis didn't push him, just quietly smoked his cigarette.
Eventually, Willard couldn't hold back. "Aren't you gonna ask me?"
"Say it if you want."
Willard clenched his fists, took a few deep breaths, and held back the curse words that almost slipped out.
If it weren't for the favors owed, the close relationship, and the intertwined interests, he wouldn't bother dealing with him.
Willard sighed, "I've been thinking lately, why did we become friends?"
Francis said flatly, "I've wondered the same thing."
Just then, Jerry walked over and handed Willard a drink.
Willard's gaze deepened, "This wouldn't be from my wine cellar, would it?"
Jerry smirked, "Limited edition."
Willard must have done something terrible in a past life to end up knowing these two in this one.
"You know that limited edition is priceless, right?"
"Of course, that's why I'm savoring it." Jerry swirled his wine glass, took a sip, and nodded in satisfaction. "Good taste."
Willard finally cursed, making Jerry laugh, "You know, if you just leave it there, it would be a waste. Since you have it, you should enjoy it."
It was already opened.
Willard didn't bother arguing anymore.
Frustrated, he took a sip.
It was indeed good.
Jerry said, "Talking about Aiden's great love?"
Willard nodded, "He met her during his time in the countryside. Just a local villager. He loved her deeply, even brought her back to Maple Valley. Unfortunately, he didn't have Francis's guts and couldn't protect her."
Francis stubbed out his cigarette, "She died?"
"Yeah, and it was a tragic death."
Willard finished his drink, "Didn't even get a tombstone."
"So he's been single ever since?"
"Whether he's single because of her is hard to say, but the current marriage alliance suggests trouble within the Wright family."
Jerry chimed in, "Even if Francis is incredibly capable now, his age is still a factor. He can't surpass Aiden overnight."
Willard explained, "But among the younger generation of the Wright family, none can match Francis. The Wright family must be anxious. If they don't stop him, Francis will eventually crush them."
Jerry scoffed, "It's pointless. He can't be stopped."
Willard didn't comment.
But he understood.
If he were Aiden, he'd probably do the same.
Elissa shared her concerns with Hope.
Hope nodded in understanding, "It's normal to be scared. I'd be nervous too. After all, it's a matter of life and death."
Elissa lay on the bed, sighing, "No wonder the Peterson family hates me so much. If it weren't for my collaboration with Willard, the Peterson family probably wouldn't agree to me reconciling with Francis."
Hope patted her head. "Francis is different from others. He has the power to choose who he loves and marries. And this situation won't last forever. In the end, there has to be a resolution."
Elissa fiddled with her pillow, "As he rises higher, he'll likely make more enemies. After dealing with the Wright family, there will be other families. But I can't help him at all. He's fighting outside while also taking care of me."
Hope laughed.
Elissa was puzzled, "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, just thinking you've changed."
"What do you mean?"
Hope handed her a snack. "I used to think you were really into Ivan. When he left you for a marriage alliance, you were heartbroken and decided to live carefree, avoiding people with such backgrounds."
"Later, when I found out you were pursuing Francis, I thought you were bold, not bound by societal norms. But after you started dating Francis, you became hesitant."
"You were cautious, lacking the courage to let go. I said you were really into him."
"Now, it seems your heart is full of Francis."
Elissa listened to Hope's words, finished the snack, and said seriously, "That's not true. You still have a place in my heart."
Hope chuckled.
Francis and Jerry went back to their rooms to find their wives.
Willard, alone, returned to his room, took out his phone, and sent a message.
The rejection notification was both glaring and painful.
He angrily threw his phone aside, lay on the bed, and muttered through gritted teeth, "See you in two days."
Elissa had already washed up and was lying down.
When Francis entered, the room was dimly lit by the bedside lamp.
He went to the bathroom for a shower, then came out and slipped into bed, hugging her from behind.
Elissa shivered from the cold.
"Did you take a cold shower?"
"Yeah, to cool down."
Elissa sensed something was off and tried to pull away.
Francis held her tighter, "Don't move."
"You..." she stiffened, "There should be other guest rooms."
"I won't do anything, just don't move."
Elissa heard the hoarseness in his voice. Francis's words in bed couldn't be fully trusted.
"I suddenly remembered I have an email to send. Let go of me."
Francis released her.
Elissa ran to the couch to sleep.
At first, she kept glancing at the bed, seeing Francis not making any moves.
She thought maybe he was exhausted from the recent days and the flight to Emerald City.
But she couldn't let her guard down. She waited until she heard Francis's steady breathing before she relaxed and fell asleep.
But when she woke up in the morning, she was in bed, still in Francis's arms.
And...
"Francis!" Elissa tried to stop him, but it was futile.
Francis whispered in her ear, chuckling, "I let you rest for a day."
Elissa could only let him have his way.
Francis wasn't satisfied with her resignation.
His subtle moves left her overwhelmed with desire.
Afterwards, Francis was refreshed, washing up and getting dressed.
Elissa lay on the bed, too lazy to move.
Before leaving, Francis kissed her forehead.
He said, "I'll have someone bring you breakfast. You have no plans today, so rest well."
Elissa wanted to slap him but had no strength, so she just glared at him.
Jerry was also refreshed.
Only Willard looked drained, with faint dark circles under his eyes. "You two better tone it down, or I'll throw you and your wives out."
Francis replied calmly, "You can kick Elissa out, but if something happens to her, Anne will never forgive you."
Jerry chimed in, "Anne gave Elissa a discount. They're close. You know that."
What a mess.
Willard snorted angrily and stormed off.
But after taking a few steps, Willard turned back and asked Francis, "Can you really not help me out?"
A mischievous glint flashed in Francis's eyes. "Beg me."
"Forget it then." Willard strode away.
Willard quickly followed, "Please."
Jerry burst out laughing, "Francis begged me the same way back then."
Willard asked, "How did you help him?"
Considering how close Hope and Elissa were, and how much Jerry listened to his wife, Francis's plea probably wouldn't have worked.
Jerry grinned. "I didn't."
Willard knew it. He felt it was pointless to ask Francis.
"You're leaving already?" Francis caught up with Willard, "His way isn't necessarily my way."
Willard sensed a trap, "I don't need your help."
"I never said I would help."
He knew it!
Willard had always had a smooth ride, reaching his current position with people flattering and trying to please him.
So, Francis's bluntness was quite jarring.
Willard said firmly, "My wife, I'll win her back myself."
Francis and Jerry both responded, "We'll be waiting for the good news."
Elissa didn't get up until noon.
It wasn't by choice; Uma came and dragged her out of bed.
Uma remarked, "Didn't expect someone in their thirties to be so vigorous."
Elissa spat out her toothpaste foam.
"You better not say that in front of him. Last time I mentioned he was in his thirties, he went nuts."
Uma laughed.
Elissa noticed she loved to laugh, and her laughter was always hearty.
It was infectious.
"Are you single?" Elissa asked.
"Why, are you going to introduce someone to me?"
Elissa shook her head, "I don't know anyone in your social circle. People like you, wealthy folks, usually marry into big families, right?"
A girl who loved to laugh deserved a great guy.
Uma laughed heartily but didn't say anything.
After getting ready, Elissa called Hope and introduced her to Uma.
The three of them went shopping together and visited Uma's media company.
They had dinner together in the evening.
Uma sipped her tea, watching the other two report their whereabouts on their phones.
A hint of sadness flashed in her eyes, and she suddenly said, "I envy you two, being able to be with the ones you love, getting married and having kids."
"You can too," Elissa said, putting down her phone. "You have more options than us. With Mr. Larson's status and the Larson family's wealth, you, as the Larson family's daughter, can do whatever you want."
Uma rubbed her coffee cup and just smiled.
Elissa and Hope sensed something but didn't ask further.
Uma paid the bill, saying it was her duty as the host.
Elissa and Hope didn't argue.
As they walked out of the restaurant, two familiar cars were parked outside.
Uma looked up and sighed, "Unbelievable."
Elissa laughed, "We can give you a ride home."
"No need, I have plans for the night. That's the perk of being single. Unlike you two, it's only nine, and you have to go home to serve your husbands."
Uma's straightforwardness was something they got used to after spending half a day with her.
"Hope you find your happiness."
"Got it, bye."
"Bye."
Elissa and Hope got into their respective cars.
As soon as the car started, Elissa asked Francis, "Does Uma have someone she likes? But can't be with because of family reasons?"
Francis pulled her onto his lap, a thin smile on his face. "What's in it for me?"
Elissa poked his forehead, "You can't be too transactional, especially with your girlfriend..."
"Fiancée," Francis interrupted seriously.
Elissa was speechless, but her curiosity burned, so she didn't argue.
She said, "Tell me first, and I'll see if it's worth it."
Francis shrugged. "I don't know."
Elissa started grinding her teeth, "Are you going to tell me or not?"
Francis let her pinch his face, his deep voice a bit muffled. "Why not ask Uma yourself?"
"We just met, it's too forward. Besides, I feel it's a sad story, and I can't bring myself to ask."
"Everyone in the circle knows about it. How come it's a secret to you?"
Elissa's curiosity was piqued, "Is it true?"
Francis looked at her without speaking, his eyes filled with a deeper meaning.
Elissa was torn.
Francis's demands were something she couldn't meet right now.
She was about to model soon and needed to conserve her energy.
But if she didn't agree to his terms, he would definitely keep quiet.
And she'd be the one suffering.
"I'll promise you what you want, but after my show. Deal?"
Francis took out his phone and started recording. "Say it again, so you don't back out."
Elissa wasn't sure if being so well-known to her partner was good or bad.
She complied and recorded it.
Then she urged Francis, "Hurry up, what's the story?"
Francis put away his phone and asked, "Where did you go today?"
Elissa, eager for gossip, held back her frustration, "Where do girls go? We shopped at the mall nearby, had oat milk, bought some skincare products, and then had dinner at that restaurant."
"Didn't you visit her company?"
"We did."
Elissa's patience was wearing thin, "Isn't it normal for the Larson family's daughter to have a company?"
Francis seemed oblivious to her frustration and asked, "What's the company's name?"
"Ryan Martin Media."
Francis smiled, "Don't you get it?"
"What?"
Elissa looked at Francis's meaningful gaze and thought for a moment.
"Are you saying the company's name is after the person Uma likes?"
Francis nodded.
"And they..."
"The guy is already married."
It was indeed a sad story. No wonder Uma's eyes were dim when she expressed her envy.
Elissa lay on Francis, feeling a bit sad.
Francis found it amusing, "Your empathy seems to have grown."
Elissa sighed, "After all, Uma and I are good friends now."
Seeing her red eyes, Francis felt a bit helpless.
He asked, "Do you want to know the details?"
Elissa looked into his affectionate eyes and nodded firmly, "Yes."
"Knowing the whole story will help me avoid bringing up her painful past next time we hang out."
She said it so righteously.
She was sad just now but still wanted the gossip, though she felt it was inappropriate to gossip about a friend's sorrow.
When he opened the door, she stepped right in.
Francis began, "Uma liked the guy when he was single, not even dating anyone. She expressed her feelings right away and even started a company named after them. But unfortunately, the guy had a complicated relationship with his secretary."
Elissa asked, "Did he end up marrying the secretary?"
Francis snapped his fingers, "You got it right."
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