(7 Fresh Coins) Chapter 14 (Part 2): A Bizarre Enigma

Lance glanced behind him first, then asked with a smile, "Where are those poor men? Have you driven them into the shadows?"

“Hey, don’t put it so harshly. I’m just an ordinary citizen taking a regular commercial flight,” Antonio retorted, frowning.

"..." Lance was speechless. "You haven't changed this weird hobby yet?"

Antonio glanced at him sideways: "What do you mean 'strange'? Stop talking nonsense, where's your lover?"

“He’s busy… Why are you asking him why?” Lance frowned.

“My mother has already told me several times that I must come and see you and check on your love life. Otherwise, do you think I would want to interfere?” Antonio rolled his eyes helplessly.

When Lance heard him mention his aunt, he sighed and said, "I'm afraid I'll disappoint your aunt."

Antonio's mother, Jennifer, and Lance's mother, Laura, were half-sisters. Although one was from a noble family and the other from a commoner, the two sisters were very close. Later, Laura met the eldest son of the Miller family and died in childbirth. Lance was taken away by the Miller family. Jennifer was naturally resentful, but could only bring Lance to Italy during the summer holidays each year. Because of Jennifer, the Francisco and Miller families were not close, and there was even a subtle hostility between them.

“Don’t worry, she already knew. Although she was heartbroken for a while, she’s accepted it now. She just wanted to see how you two are doing.” Antonio patted him on the shoulder. “Of course, I also have something to ask you.”

“Ask me?” Lance noticed his choice of words and raised an eyebrow.

“I think you should know,” Antonio lowered his voice, “Where is Leander Miller now?”

The next day, as expected, Si Qiang received a call from Antonio inviting him to meet. When he arrived at the same "Golden Poppy" restaurant, he indeed saw Antonio sitting at the table by the window, waving at him.

He gave a fake smile at the opportune moment and slowly walked up to the other person.

"Mr. Francisco, how have you been?"

A barely perceptible glint of coldness flashed in Antonio's eyes, but his face remained warm and his lips curled into a smile: "Calvin, it makes me so happy to see you."

Si Qiang calmly sat down: "It's a pity, I'm not very happy to see you."

Antonio's expression changed, and he pursed his lips, remaining silent. Even though he knew Si Qiang harbored deep resentment towards him, directly feeling her undisguised malice was still unbearable for him.

"Actually, I just want to know how you all reached this agreement," Si Qiang said with a nonchalant smile. "My father is a little angry."

Antonio forced himself to stay focused: "We were simply not a good match, so she filed for divorce, and I've never been one to refuse a woman..."

"She brought it up?" Si Qiang sneered. "That was expected. As expected of Mr. Francisco, his methods are truly extraordinary."

Now that things have come to this, he's just going through the motions, giving Yao Yinxiang an explanation. After all, judging from Yao Jinghan's expression, she's completely given up. Although her father might not accept it, he's unlikely to do anything to the Francisco family. The godfather himself has a good personal relationship with Yao Yinxiang, and more importantly, the Yao family doesn't have the power to directly confront Sicily; a complete falling out is impossible. The divorce was initiated by Yao Jinghan, and although the reason is definitely Antonio's fault, in a way, it saved face for the Yao family—as the godfather's son who was "dumped," he was the unlucky one in the eyes of outsiders.

Antonio pretended not to hear his sarcasm and continued speaking: "We've already signed an agreement. In a few days, we'll issue a joint statement on this matter, with each party bearing half of the losses, and there won't be any problems. Neither my father nor Uncle Yao can change this."

Si Qiang looked up at him, remaining silent. In this way, the tangled mess was easily cut, although many problems remained. On the surface, there was indeed nothing to criticize—and he had no intention of pleading for Yao Jinghan.

The boring meeting ended in this seemingly peaceful atmosphere, and Si Qiang stood up and left. He had many things to deal with and couldn't possibly stay here and have afternoon tea with an annoying yet powerful man.

"Give my regards to your uncle," Antonio said casually without trying to keep him, then turned to look out the window.

“Of course,” Si Qiang replied easily.

He should go see that uncle. But before that, perhaps he has other things to do. Like… dealing with a certain man's questioning.

He sat in the driver's seat, took out his phone and looked at it. The name on the screen instantly softened his expression.