Chapter 227 What does Antonio think of her!
Antonio really wanted to believe Sarah's words, but he couldn't forget that she had once betrayed him. Despite her continuous reassurance that there was nothing between her and Asa, he couldn't help but doubt it.
After all, how could two people who had been together just act like nothing had happened and remain mere friends?
Moreover, the meaningful smile exchanged between him and Asa earlier sent shivers down his spine whenever he recalled it.
Sarah noticed the deep meaning in his eyes, causing her to feel a headache.
Helplessly, she took a deep breath. "Why do you always react strangely whenever you see Asa? I talk to James too, but you don't have such a big reaction."
She couldn't understand why Antonio was so uneasy, so she couldn't help but ask, hoping to identify the problem for a possible solution.
Antonio's eyes swelled with indescribable emotions as he gazed at her, his experienced demeanor momentarily subdued. Yet, he remained silent. What did Sarah expect him to say? It was evident she was hesitant to acknowledge their shared history. Regrettably, suspicion had crept into his heart.
Seeing his silence, Sarah frowned.
As the two of them remained deadlocked, Serene suddenly appeared, glancing apologetically at both of them. "Mr. Valencia, I've been looking for you. I didn't finish discussing something earlier."
Immediately, Sarah composed herself.
Seeing Serene approaching, Antonio refrained from discussing Asa with Sarah further. He concealed the dark emotions in his eyes and turned to face Serene.
"What is it?" he asked calmly, without revealing any joy or anger.
"Well, remember when you helped secure sponsors for my racecourse center? Our recent business has been doing well, and I'd like to expand with a new facility, a branded project. I thought about cooperating with you and giving you an opportunity. Would you like to take a look?" Serene said with a faint smile, her eyes shining brightly.
Throughout the process, Serene didn't avoid Sarah or have any hidden intentions. She solely focused on discussing the project.
But Sarah's heart sank.
'A racecourse center…'
She had no idea that Antonio had secretly helped Serene find business partners. He had promised to keep his distance from her, so why were they still in contact behind her back?
"Where is Ms. Jerrett's racecourse center located? If there's a chance, I would like to take my kids there to play," she calmly asked, unable to hide the sourness in her heart.
Antonio noticed the subtle change on her face. Others might not see it, but he could clearly tell that Sarah was unhappy. He wanted to explain, but he remained silent in front of Serene, only looking at her with a tinge of concern.
"If Ms. Miller wants to go, just let Mr. Valencia take you. You're always welcome. Last time...
"As a token of appreciation for Mr. Valencia's help, I had someone send over a few tickets for the grand opening. However, even though Mr. Valencia is busy with work, he hasn't shown up. If you wants to come, Mr. Valencia will make time for it, no matter how busy he is."
A hint of surprise flickered in Serene's eyes as if she was astonished that Sarah didn't know about her opening a racecourse. Nevertheless, she kindly explained, fearing that Sarah might misunderstand, and even made a joking remark.
But the more Serene tried to explain, the colder Sarah's heart grew. Although it was considerate of Serene to send her the tickets, the whole thing was completely unknown to her. Antonio had deceived them all by keeping his distance...
"Is that so? I'm a bit tired. I'll go back first."
As soon as Sarah realized that Antonio had kept it a secret from her, her heart turned ice-cold. She gave Antonio a cold glance and turned to leave.
"It's not what you think..."
Antonio swiftly seized her, a surge of irritation welling within him. The incident with Asa had already unsettled him, and his reluctance to distress Sarah by disclosing Serene's involvement added to his frustration. Despite his unwavering loyalty, Sarah persistently doubted him.
Seeing Antonio's obvious frustration, Sarah felt even more suffocated and shook off his hand.
"So, what is it then?"
She was furious.
But Antonio didn't want to argue about it in front of Serene.
The atmosphere instantly turned frosty.
Seeing that he was unwilling to explain, Sarah glared at him fiercely and walked away. She couldn't accept that Antonio had kept it a secret from her.
Seeing her angry and walking away, Antonio felt a knot in his heart and regret. He hurriedly went after her.
Serene asked, "Ms. Miller must have misunderstood. Why didn't you tell her?"
She prepared to follow them as she spoke, but suddenly she hastened her pace and twisted her foot.
"Ah!"
Grimacing in pain, she couldn't stand for a moment.
Antonio noticed Serene's plight and frowned.
Serene's face contorted in agony as she waved her hand weakly and shook her head. "I'm fine. Go after her and explain."
Antonio's expression darkened as she observed Serene's pain and her concern despite having saved his life.
"Let me escort you inside first."
With that, he supported Serene and guided her through the party hall toward the second floor of the Valencia family mansion. His intention was to let her rest in a lounge and summon the service staff to provide medication for her, so he could then depart.
On the other hand, Sarah, brimming with anger, marched straight to the hall where she found the kids. Despite her intention to take them and leave immediately, her gaze repeatedly darted back behind her.
She felt wounded by Antonio's deceit, yet she also recognized there was nothing truly significant between him and Serene.
Would he come to explain?
However, no matter how long she waited, Antonio never appeared.
A growing sense of disappointment clouded her eyes.
The children picked up on Sarah's shift in mood and Antonio's absence, sparking speculation about what might have occurred.
Harper anxiously scanned the entrance to the party hall, only to spot Antonio hurriedly guiding another woman through the crowd.
Ethan also observed the scene, his wide eyes freezing with sudden anger. Subconsciously, he wished to shield Sarah's view, but being of shorter stature, she still caught the curious glances of the children.
Inadvertently, Sarah caught sight of Antonio assisting Serene, who appeared flustered.
'No wonder. But if he is like this, what do I even mean to him?!'