Chapter 814 Be Good
Francis tightly closed his eyes, then took a deep breath, trying hard not to let his tone sound unusual. "Just had something to do."
The man's voice on the other end was very calm, yet it carried an undeniable sense of oppression, "What was it? What could you possibly have that I don't know about?"
Every time he spoke in this tone, it made people feel his controlling and aggressive nature, which was suffocating.
Francis's breathing became heavier, but he had to answer, "Nothing, I was just having dinner with my family."
The man let out a low hum, "Family, you sure recognize them quickly. Don't forget why I let you go back."
Francis replied hoarsely, "Don't worry, I won't forget."
"Good, be obedient and don't do anything to displease me, or else..." He didn't finish the sentence but let out a pleased laugh.
Francis got goosebumps from that laugh, forced to recall many unbearable scenes from the past when he would always laugh like that.
He closed his eyes heavily, "I understand."
The man seemed satisfied with his answer, "Good boy, we'll see each other soon."
Even after the call ended, Francis remained in the same position for a long time, his deep eyes filled with disgust and humiliation.
But both Francis and that man knew clearly. Francis couldn't escape his grasp.
It wasn't until footsteps sounded behind him that Francis took a few deep breaths, like a drowning man suddenly given new life, his trembling hand slowly calming down.
By the time Antonio came downstairs and stood beside him, Francis was already sitting in the living room with a calm demeanor, looking as if nothing had happened, appearing gentle and elegant.
"Antonio." He greeted me with a smile, "You're just in time, I have something to discuss with you."
Antonio walked over and sat down beside him. "What's up, Francis?"
"I think now that I'm back, I should go see Grandpa. At least let him know I'm still alive; he should be very happy." Francis said.
Antonio thought for a moment and nodded, "I'll go with you."
Philip had been in prison for a long time, and he hadn't visited him.
Lack of time was one reason, and another was that he didn't know how to face Philip.
After all, what happened back then made it impossible for him to be indifferent, but after all, it was the Valencia Family that adopted him. These two feelings were constantly conflicting in his heart, unable to determine a winner.
This time, going with Francis, he could see if Philip had any remorse.
They arrived at the prison together. Antonio went to handle the visitation procedures but was told that Philip had been unconscious for several days.
"This..." Francis frowned tightly, "When will my grandpa wake up?"
"Please rest assured, our doctors are monitoring his condition daily, and it seems stable for now."
Antonio stepped forward and left a business card, "If his condition improves, please notify us promptly."
Leaving the prison, Francis was in a low mood, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Antonio" His eyes were full of self-doubt. "Why am I so useless? If I had come back earlier, maybe I could have seen Grandpa before he collapsed."
"Francis, how could this be your fault? If there's any fault, it's mine for not keeping track of Grandpa's condition."
Antonio felt he had let Philip down.
But he would always feel guilty towards his brother, Francis.
To Francis, Philip was a flawless grandfather. If something happened to Philip, Francis would only be heartbroken.
"Antonio, it's not your fault." Francis patted his hand, "I know you've had a lot going on too. Seeing you standing here well is already enough for me."
Although he said this, his expression did not improve, carrying a deep sense of helplessness.
Antonio felt a pang of sadness seeing this. "Francis, what are your plans next?"
"What plans could I have? Look at me now, just living day by day." Francis smiled bitterly, "What job could I possibly do?"
Hearing this, Antonio suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "Francis, of course, you can! You should return to the Valencia Group and take over the company's business."
"What?" Francis was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "Antonio, are you joking? I've been abroad for years, just recuperating, not involved in any work. I've long been out of practice."
He showed a bitter smile, "Forget managing a company, I probably could only be a doorman now."
"Francis, how can you say that about yourself?" Seeing him so self-pitying, Antonio felt even worse, "Do you remember back then, how prosperous the Valencia Group was under your management? Your business acumen was well-known. It was true then, and it is true now. Even if you haven't used it for years, those things in your blood and instincts won't disappear easily."
"Moreover, you are the true heir of the Valencia Family. If the Valencia Family were to belong to one person, that person should be you. Francis, you don't need to have any concerns. The Valencia Family, the Valencia Group, has always kept your position. You can take it whenever you want." Antonio's words were powerful, each one striking Francis's heart.
He opened his mouth, very surprised that Antonio was actually willing to hand over the Valencia Group to him.
His eyes flickered slightly, seemingly very touched, "Antonio, thank you."
Antonio waved his hand. Although the Valencia Group had reached its current status under his management, Antonio was not someone who loved power and money to the point of disregarding family.
Moreover, his other investments had already made a lot of money, enough for their family to live well for several lifetimes.
Even without managing the Valencia Group, he could still receive shareholder dividends.
But this position was different for Francis; it was his starting point to return to life and career. Antonio was naturally willing to hand it over.
More importantly, having work could also shift Francis's focus. With something to do, he wouldn't be lost in his thoughts every day.
Francis wanted to refuse, but seeing Antonio's determined eyes, he had no choice but to shake his head and accept Antonio's goodwill.
At the villa, Sarah knew the brothers had gone to the prison, so she didn't disturb them. Instead, she suddenly thought of Sofia, whom she hadn't seen since returning, and missed her. She found her phone and dialed. "Sofia, where are you? I'm back. Do you have time to meet?"
There were occasional sounds from Sofia's end, probably on speakerphone, making her voice a bit scattered. "Sure, I'm at home. Want to come over?"
Sarah was a bit curious about what she was doing, but since they would meet soon, she didn't ask much.
She agreed, grabbed her car keys, and headed out.
An hour later, she arrived at Sofia's house.
Sarah walked in to find Sofia packing her luggage. The tables and cabinets were already cleared, several large boxes were stacked by the door, and the furniture was covered with plastic sheets. "Sofia, are you moving?"
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