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He was fishing for information, trying to gauge how much I knew and what I might be involved in.
"I'm not sure what you're referring to, Uncle Francisco," I replied calmly. "I've been focused on my affairs."
He chuckled softly, a sound that held a hint of amusement. "Of course, but you know how it is in our line of work. Sometimes, we stumble upon things that weren't meant to be stumbled upon."
I remained composed, refusing to give away any hint of nervousness. "I suppose that can happen.
He leaned in slightly, his smile widening. "So, tell me,mio nipote, have you found anything... interesting lately?Qualcosa che potrebbe richiedere la nostra attenzione (Something that may need our attention)?"
I weighed my words carefully, fully aware of the implications of what I said next.
"As you said, rumors spread. But I assure you, I've been preoccupied with legitimate matters. If there's something specific you'd like to discuss, I'm all ears."
Francisco's gaze bore into mine, and for a fleeting moment, I felt like he was trying to peer into my thoughts.
But I held his gaze without flinching, my resolve unwavering.
After what felt like an eternity, he leaned back again, his smile returning to its cheery façade.
"No need to be so serious," he said, waving a dismissive hand. "Just wanted to catch up and make sure everything is running smoothly."
I nodded, though I knew there was more beneath his words. Looking up, I found Francisco's eyes narrowing as they landed on the file of documents Antonio was holding.
The file was thick, containing data and information we had discussed earlier. Antonio's grip on it tightened almost imperceptibly.
Curiosity masked by feigned nonchalance, Francisco tilted his head toward the file. "Working on something interesting, are we?"
I leaned back in my chair, my expression mild but guarded with a smirk.
"It's company-related matters, Uncle. Matters that wouldn't concern you. Your expertise lies in running the family business, after all." I replied, throwing a subtle jab at his failure to steal the business away from me.
A subtle smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but his eyes gleamed with a hint of something sharper.
"Ah, of course. I wouldn't want to step on any toes when it comes to your…technological endeavors."
The unspoken tension hung in the air, a silent exchange of veiled challenges.
Francisco's attempt at light banter was laced with an undercurrent of suspicion.
He wasn't one to miss details, and the fact that we were discussing matters he wasn't privy to seemed to be gnawing at him. It was to be expected.
After all, if he had access to the company….well, that wasn’t something I wanted to think about.
I met his gaze evenly, refusing to be the one to back down.
"You've always had a different field of expertise, Uncle. It's what makes us such a balanced family."
His smile remained intact, but his gaze didn't waver. "Balance is crucial, Matteo, but remember, unity is equally important.Siamo più forti insieme (We are stronger together)."
I nodded, acknowledging his words without giving an inch. "Unity is a goal we both share."
Just as the tension seemed poised to escalate, I saw an opportunity to deflect.
"Antonio, there's something I need your expertise on, something that needs immediate attention."
Antonio caught on and quickly stood, his fingers sliding the file onto the table. "Certainly, Matteo. If you'll excuse me, Don."
Francisco's eyes flickered between us, his suspicion only deepening. "Of course, Antonio.Proseguire (Continue)."
