Chapter 847 Ryan's Evasion
Although Sarah had already developed a sense of caution towards Francis, since Antonio hadn't said anything, she could only treat it with a calm mind.
After all, Francis did take the hit for Antonio at that time.
"Let me push you over; the kids have been talking about you," Sarah said.
Hearing her say this, Francis felt relieved and didn't refuse anymore. "Okay."
Since Guadalupe hadn't returned yet, he could take the opportunity to talk to Antonio about the project.
When Sarah pushed him in, Antonio had just brought out the soup he made. "Francis, you're back? Just two more dishes and we can eat."
Seeing Antonio in an apron, looking very homely, Francis felt relaxed and casually said, "Antonio, since we haven't eaten yet, there's some work stuff I'd like to discuss with you first."
"Sure." Antonio took off his apron and handed it to Sarah.
"Let the servants handle the remaining dishes. Let's go to the study."
As he turned to push the wheelchair, he sighed, "Francis, having our family sit together like this for a meal is something I never dared to imagine before. Your return is the best thing that has happened to the Valencia Family this year."
"Well, things will only get better from now on."
Their words seemed to carry other meanings, as if they both understood and yet didn't.
Once in the study, Francis nonchalantly took a folder out of his briefcase. "Antonio, I went through the projects you gave me yesterday overnight. Take a look at these key projects I've selected. If you think they're feasible, I'll have someone follow up on them."
Antonio responded and casually opened the folder in his hand.
There were three projects in total. The other two were fine and were also his key projects, but the third development project made Antonio frown. Why did Francis choose this one?
The geographical environment of this development project was harsh. Whether the project could be completed or not, the commercial value it would bring might not be significant. The only highlight was its charitable nature.
But the Valencia Group already had its own charitable foundation, which did charity work every year. There was no need to take on such a thankless project.
However, Francis chose this one.
His eyes flickered slightly, seemingly puzzled. "Francis, I remember there are several projects with better prospects. Why did you choose this one?"
The study was quiet, with only the occasional rustling of leaves outside the window. The silence seemed to thicken the air, as if something was silently fermenting.
Francis looked at the page Antonio was seriously reading, his heartbeat unknowingly speeding up.
"Antonio..." He swallowed all his nervousness. "I just think this project is very challenging. Although it might not make a lot of money in the end, the Valencia Group's reputation would definitely improve because not everyone would develop that area."
A place with a poor geographical environment was, of course, a challenge, and naturally, no one would take on such a difficult task.
Antonio nodded thoughtfully but said nothing.
He was reading the project proposal.
The heavy atmosphere made it hard for Francis to breathe.
He had already thought of countless reasons for this project. As long as Antonio disagreed today, he could counter every reason for refusal.
But Antonio didn't follow the usual pattern and said nothing.
"Antonio," Francis's hands unconsciously clenched together, the veins on the back of his hands bulging, "this project..."
"Francis, no need to say more." Antonio suddenly closed the folder.
With his back to the light, his face was obscured by shadows, making it hard to read his true thoughts.
Francis's heart seemed to stop for a moment, leaving only the sound of his erratic breathing. "Antonio, are you going to reject it outright without reconsidering?"
Antonio's deep eyes looked at Francis in front of him. Francis was his brother, but it seemed he never really understood Francis.
"No need." After a while, Antonio smiled, "If you say it's good, then it must be good. You can make the decision."
"I trust your judgment and believe you'll do a great job with this project and won't let us down, right?"
Francis was sitting directly across from him. From this angle, he couldn't see the true content of those eyes.
But the intense feeling of being watched was hard to ignore.
His lips moved, and after a while, he managed to speak. "Of course."
He had just thought Antonio wouldn't agree.
Francis averted his gaze slightly, and took a deep breath, and his pupils seemed to be covered with a veil. "Antonio, don't worry. I won't let the Valencia Group suffer any losses."
Antonio's smile deepened. "I know."
He placed the folder on the table, his expression becoming much calmer. "Francis, it's rare for the family to be together. Let's not talk about work anymore. Let's go out and get ready for dinner."
Continuing the conversation wouldn't lead to any results.
Francis wouldn't tell the truth, and he didn't want to continue this probing.
Francis rubbed his fingers together, a thin layer of sweat forming on his palms. "Okay, no more work talk."
He maneuvered the wheelchair to turn around and suddenly thought of something else. "By the way, was Ryan not feeling well yesterday and didn't go to school? Is he better now? As his father, I haven't had the chance to check on him. He won't blame me, will he?"
'What did Ryan hear about yesterday? Does he tell them anything?' Francis thought.
"Ryan just had a slight cold. He got better after taking some medicine." Antonio pushed the wheelchair out and paused, "Ryan is a very understanding child. How could he blame you? But there's something strange."
As soon as he finished speaking, Francis suddenly stopped. "What is it?"
Antonio lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on Francis, and said jokingly, "This morning, Ryan seemed very scared when he saw Mr. Diaz."
"Maybe Mr. Diaz's aura is too intimidating. He always looks so serious. Francis, what does he do for a living?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he keenly noticed Francis's hand on his leg twitch slightly.
Francis forced a smile, "He just does some business, mainly abroad. There's not much to say. We should hurry out; the kids are probably downstairs by now."
He naturally changed the subject, not even willing to say much about what Guadalupe did.
Antonio responded with a hum, his deep eyes growing darker.
As they came out, Brady and Kevin were bringing the kids downstairs. Ryan saw Francis and timidly called out, "Dad."
Francis was about to reach out but noticed Ryan's evasive eyes.
Ryan was avoiding him.
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