Chapter 820 Burying a Lifetime of Happiness
Antonio said he wanted Francis to quickly get familiar with the company's affairs and then gradually get involved in the business.
It turned out Antonio was right. Just from the few words Francis said earlier, it was clear he was indeed a business elite.
Since the topic was already open, Brian continued, "Uncle, you're amazing. Why don't you come back to the company and help me complete this project?"
His eyes were very bright, as if he really needed Francis to help him.
Francis felt a slight touch in his heart and averted his gaze.
"Brian." He said with a bitter smile, "I haven't been involved in the company's affairs for many years. Are you sure you want me to help you and not drag you down?"
Ryan, standing nearby, felt both sad and heartbroken hearing this and walked over to him. "No way, Dad. I know you're the best dad ever!"
Brian also nodded, "Ryan is right."
"Uncle, don't underestimate yourself. Some things are ingrained in your bones, and the old employees in the company should also be looking forward to your return."
Ryan chimed in, "Yeah, Dad, you should go help Brian!"
"Go for it!" For a moment, several kids gathered around to persuade him.
Francis sighed, looking very helpless, and finally nodded. "With you kids around, I really have no choice. In that case, I'll rely on Brian to guide me."
Brian showed a genuine smile, "How could that be? I'm waiting for you to teach me more."
While Francis and the kids were getting along harmoniously, further north, the plane carrying Sarah and Antonio landed in Luminara.
They found a hotel to drop off their things, and the first thing Sarah did was instruct Antonio to gather information.
Not long after, Antonio, sitting on the sofa, finished his call and looked up, "Sarah, the wedding is indeed real. It's at the time and place we saw on the invitation, which is tomorrow."
Hearing that, Sarah's last bit of hope was shattered.
'Is Sofia really going to marry Virgil, whom she doesn't love?' She thought.
Moreover, Sofia planned it so well that those of them in Capital City only found out at the last minute.
Sarah understood that Sofia did this to prevent them from digging deeper, but the more it was like this, the more it indicated that there were more compelling reasons behind this marriage!
Thinking of Sofia, who was not eagerly and sweetly awaiting the wedding the next day but silently enduring all the pain and pressure alone, Sarah felt heartbroken. "No, I have to go to the Harris Family to find Sofia. Since we're here, we need to get to the bottom of this!"
Seeing her worried look, Antonio hugged Sarah and quickly said, "I already asked, but they said Sofia is not at the Harris Family right now. Let's wait a bit; we should get news about her soon, okay? Don't worry, if you give the order, I'll even snatch her away for you."
Sarah's mood lightened a bit at Antonio's words, and she glared at him, "If anyone's going to snatch her, it should be Alex."
She sighed again, "Oh, Alex, usually so steady in his actions, why does he worry so much when it comes to matters of the heart!"
If anyone should have rushed to Luminara to get answers, it should have been Alex, Sofia's boyfriend!
The anxious waiting time passed quickly, and soon it was dusk.
Antonio finally got news about Sofia; she was now staying at Virgil's house.
Sarah immediately headed out.
Half an hour later, Sofia's room door was knocked on.
She weakly asked, "Who is it?"
Hearing Sofia's voice, Sarah felt both heartache and anger, and shouted, "Sofia, open the door!"
Sofia was so shocked to hear the familiar voice that she jumped up.
She ran to open the door in disbelief and indeed saw Sarah and Antonio.
Sofia's eyes immediately reddened, and she hugged Sarah, "Oh, Sarah, why are you here? It's such a long way!"
She had already said her goodbyes.
"You're so silly." Sarah pretended to be angry and patted her on the back, "If I didn't come, were you planning to cut ties with me? Not even telling me about such a big thing as getting married!"
"No!" Sofia hurriedly denied, "I was planning to contact you after everything here was settled."
Getting to the point, Sarah let go of her. "Sofia, what happened? Why are you suddenly marrying Virgil? I know you must have a lot of difficulties, but now I'm right in front of you. No matter what, you can confide in me, tell me, okay?"
Antonio also nodded kindly at Sofia and then looked around, "Let's go inside and talk."
It turned out that after returning to Luminara, Sofia, under the pressure of both families' elders, immediately moved into the Newman Manor.
Antonio, visiting under the name "Benjamin," managed to see Sofia.
The Harris Family and The Newman Family were pressuring her so much, indicating that this matter was not as simple as Sofia had said.
"Yes, let's go inside and talk!" Sarah pulled her to the sofa and sat down, demanding answers, "Sofia, if you don't explain clearly today, I'll take you back to Capital City!"
Sofia knew Sarah was worried about her.
She sighed heavily, with a bitter smile, "Sarah, I've thought of every possible way, and marriage is the best option."
If there were any other possibility, she wouldn't have agreed to Virgil's request.
Seeing her face full of helplessness, Sarah began to guess. "Is it the Harris Family that's in trouble?"
"Yes." Sofia replied.
At this point, there was no need to hide it anymore. Even if she didn't say it, Antonio could easily find out.
Sofia took a deep breath and told them about the Harris Family's crisis. "So, no one can help the Harris Family. I know that declaring bankruptcy would minimize the losses, but my parents don't think so. This is their life's work; how could they bear to let it go? They... they threatened me with their lives. When I was in Capital City, one day, they stood hand in hand on the rooftop, video calling me, saying that if I didn't agree to the marriage, they would jump off and let me witness how I forced them to their deaths."
Sarah was dumbfounded and heartbroken. She didn't know her best friend Sofia was under such mental control!
She frowned, "Isn't there any other way for your family's company?"
"Maybe, but marriage is the simplest and most beneficial option." Sofia's expression became much calmer, and she felt much better after telling Sarah about these things. "The Newman Group is a local enterprise and has had interactions with The Harris Group before. They've collaborated on many projects. Their involvement in the company's operations can save a lot of resources and revive The Harris Group in the shortest time."
Sarah exhaled, "What about you, Sofia? What will you do?"
Sacrificing her lifelong happiness for a dying family business.
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