At this moment, a loud sound of helicopters roaring from outside the van.Everyone was even more panicked as the helicopters’ movement was very loud coupled with the overly familiar chopping sound.Max asked frantically, “What is going on? Why are there helicopters? Who are these people?”Gibson’s father pulled the curtain open in a small gap and peeked outside when he saw several helicopters lined up in the sky like an army of metallic birds. He gaped in shock and remarked, “Oh my god, there are many helicopters in the sky! Even if the police want to arrest us, they wouldn’t use helicopters! Did we get on some VIPs’ nerves?”While talking, the helicopters were directly above their car as the loud roar resonated throughout the bridge and into the van.Charlie was sitting on one of the helicopters, overlooking the scene that was unfolding on the bridge.The entire bridge was being blocked by the fleets of trucks. In the middle of the bridge, dozens of large trucks surrounded the I
Turning on the PA system on the helicopter, Charlie aimed the mic to his mouth directly and shouted, “Everyone in the van, listen carefully, you are being surrounded. Surrender yourselves right now, or I’ll start shooting!”Charlie’s announcement sent shivers down the spines of the seven adults in the Iveco.Gibson was on the verge of collapsing. Even if he murdered someone, why would the law enforcement use such excessive tactics to apprehend him?His family was shaking in terror. Earlier, they were still dreaming about the wonderful trip to the Maldives as soon as they got the money, but they had never expected to be surrounded like rats in a ghastly trap.Max was even more frightened than all of them. He regretted his decision very much!It wasn’t just regret, but there was also panic.However, he blinked as if something struck his mind. Why did he find the voice of the person doing the announcement from the helicopter so familiar? Yet, he couldn’t figure out that it was actua
Gibson’s family shrieked at the top of their lungs upon the horrifying sight!They didn’t expect that the person would literally command his shooter to shoot immediately after three seconds!The victim, who was the eldest son of the Little family, was also the son Gibson’s parents adored the most. As blood trickled down his temple, the parents went berserk and cried devastatingly.Since Gibson was sitting right next to his brother, reddish blood and whitish mushy brain matter was splattered on his face and body.He was also so shocked by the absurd scene that his heart almost jumped out of his ribcage.When he started the trafficking business, he had never thought that it would be so deadly!Charlie’s cold voice sounded again from the helicopter’s PA system. “I’ll give you three more seconds. If you still refuse to get out of the van and surrender, I’ll let the snipers kill the second person randomly!”Losing the courage to resist, all six of them ran out of the van in a hurry.
In Max’s opinion, he would not be surprised no matter who stepped down from the helicopter, but Charlie was totally unexpected that he could only stare in disbelief.However, he was absolutely certain that the tall, handsome man with a cold face was indeed Charlie Wade, the man he grew up with in the orphanage!It was beyond his imagination as to how and why Charlie was so capable to mobilize such a powerful force to pursue them!The helicopters, the former special forces members, and the weapons they carried were definitely not something ordinary people could own, not even the richest man in Aurous Hill!He couldn’t help asking himself, ‘Who the hell is Charlie Wade?’‘Isn’t he an orphan? He is a moocher who lives off his wife! How can he own such a powerful force?’At this moment, Charlie stood in front of the six adults. Instead of looking at the other five people, he glared coldly at Max and exclaimed, “Max Wyatt! How dare you!”Max trembled in horror and cried, “Charlie, it
Gibson knew that Charlie had looked into all his details when he heard Charlie’s remark. He pleaded in desperation, “Boss, this is all a misunderstanding! I have some enemies and that’s why they tarnish my reputation all the time. I’ve never been involved in child trafficking before, it’s all just fake rumors!”Charlie chuckled. “Do you think I’m an idiot?”Gibson pleaded by knocking his head to the floor until his forehead turned bloody. “Please, boss, you have to believe me, this is all Max’s idea! He approached me first, saying that he was involved in some deep shit that he needed money urgently. It was him who told me that there are many children in the orphanage. He had even come up with the whole plan for us to abduct those children!”Charlie said coldly, “Don’t worry, I’ll settle the score with each of you one by one later, but first, tell me, who had you planned to sell these children to?”Gibson hurriedly admitted, “Boss, these children were to be sold to the beggar clan i
Charlie did not expect the Webb family to be involved in this matter to some extent. The vicious Beggar Clan was actually Donald’s brother-in-law’s creation! He bet that they must receive indispensable support from the Webb family.Initially, he was waiting for the Webb family to strike him first instead of him making the first move. But, this time, he had to strike Donald’s brother-in-law first!He glared at Gibson and said, “I’ll give you a chance to redeem yourself. Perform it well or you’ll end up like your brother!”Gibson said with gratitude and excitement, “Boss, I’ll do anything you ask me to! Anything!”Charlie urged, “Now, I need you to call the senior who is supposed to get the children from you. Tell him that your car broke down and you need him to come here in person to take the children.”Gibson hurriedly nodded and said, “Okay, boss, I’ll make the call right now! Since we’re not very far from Sudbury, I’m sure they will come soon.”Charlie nodded. He turned to
When the senior learned that Gibson’s car had broken down, a loud growl echoed from the other end of the line, chiding him for his inefficiency.Gibson said apologetically, “Senior Lance, I’m very sorry, this is indeed my fault. The car I used is quite old, but I’m not very far from Sudbury. I’m about a few kilometers away now, could you come and pick the children up, please?”The other side cursed aggressively, “I wouldn’t have given a f*cking damn if not for the high number of goods you supply this time!”Then, he huffed a breath and said, “Send me your location, I’ll get there soon.”***At this moment, Nelson, the Beggar Clan leader, and his wife, Kelly, had just walked out of the Webb family mansion with their daughter.Today was Alice’s birthday. Alice, who was Donald’s wife, was also Nelson’s sister.Usually, Alice would organize an extravagant birthday party, but due to Kian’s unique condition, she chose to hold a small luncheon at home.She did not invite many guests t
Donald’s wife, Alice, was a woman who devoted herself to supporting her younger brother.Based on her identity and family background, it would have been completely impossible for someone like her to marry into the Webb family.However, the reason why Donald had married her and brought her into the Webb family was entirely because Donald really loved her.After marrying into the Webb family, Alice began to do everything possible to help her brother, Nelson.Nelson did not have much abilities. He did not study much and his abilities were simply not good enough. When he was younger, he had taken a lot of money from Alice to start his own business but all of his businesses failed.When there was no other way, Alice had begged from her husband, hoping that her husband could give her younger brother a little part of the Webb family business. This would definitely help her younger brother out greatly. Although Donald looked down on Nelson, he helped him a few times on his wife’s accoun
Jacob zipped toward Raymond, his attitude immediately subservient, "I'm sure you've seen what Zachary Evans posted on his Twitter page, and to be honest, it's so terrible that my position in the Calligraphy and Painting Association has been affected too. I mean, you've made a lot of money, right?"Hell, even if you donated ten million, you'd still have another ten million and 970 thousand in net profits. So, all I'd like to ask is for you to post something to disclaim Zachary's post.Jacob's words left Raymond in thought.For Jacob, just being suspected of fraud would definitely be terrible. In fact, his position in the Calligraphy and Painting Association would definitely be threatened—if not dismissed altogether—if he wasn't cleared of suspicion.Since Jacob was Charlie Wade's father-in-law, Raymond had reason not to drive Jacob over the brink.But that also begged another question—it must be under Charlie's intention for Zachary to post his confession, and that meant Charlie in
Raymond couldn't help chuckling just as Jacob finished—he had honestly never heard of anyone who demanded a refund after donating to charity, but he was certainly seeing one now.Still, the receptionist was clearly experienced and slowly explained, "Sir, it's a legal clause of the country that all donations for philanthropy purposes can not be refunded under most circumstances—""It truly was a mistake," Jacob quickly said, cutting the receptionist off. "I was going to donate thirty thousand but pressed an extra zero by mistake. Please discuss this with your management—you just have to refund 27 thousand, see?""Sorry, sir," the receptionist apologized. "But it's a strict rule that we ourselves do not get to access the funds that have been donated into our accounts. Every donation will be screened extensively, and if you consider that there was a major oversight on your part, you may seek legal counsel to appeal for a refund. If the courts back your appeal, our organization will the
Nonetheless, Jacob darted into Treasure Measure and plucked off his mask, asking nervously, "Excuse me, Mr. Cole? It's me… Jacob Wilson…"Raymond looked up, pausing for a moment before acting as if he was actually curious, "Mr. Wilson! What brings you here? Don't tell me—you want that bronze sculpture back too?""No, no, no…" Jacob quickly shook his head. "I would never… I returned all the way from Dubai to apologize!""Apologize?" Raymond smiled faintly, and he did not play dumb this time as he asked bluntly, "Did you come back because of Zachary Evan's post?"Knowing he couldn't deny it any longer, Jacob nodded, "Yeah…"Raymond nodded and said calmly, "That's unnecessary. I was the one who benefited in the end."Jacob wasn't quite keeping up—thinking that Raymond was just trying to be nice by telling him he didn't have to apologize, he quickly pulled out his phone.Tapping on it and bringing up his transaction records, he handed it to Raymond reverently, "Mr. Cole, I understan
The cabbie chuckled. "You're a local yet you're heading to Antique Street right away as soon as you land instead of going home? And you're still saying you're not trying to pick up a killer bargain deal?"Come on, man—it's not just you, I want that too. We cabbies work ourselves to death only for ten thousand per month at best while our friend over there made twenty million in one night. I could keep driving cabs for the rest of my life and still not make that much money."Jacob knew that the cabbie must be talking about Raymond and became even more miserable then, grumbling unhappily, "I'm going to Antique Street for business—I'm not trying to pick up some missed bargain.""No? Then you didn't hear what happened yesterday?"The cabbie was immediately curious, and without waiting for Jacob's answer, he exclaimed happily, "Look, man—it was so ridiculous not even Hollywood would put it in their script. There were these fools who were trying to sell an antique trader a replica, but th
It was nighttime in Dubai as Jacob dragged his weary body from the hotel back to the airport.As he was flying economy this time, he was left sitting at the hard bench near the boarding terminal, waiting for it to open.While he waited, his heart was torn as he tapped into the website of the Aurous Hill Charity Fund, found their donation account, and wired the entire 300 thousand he had made over to them.He had picked the Aurous Hill Charity Fund because the circles of antique collectors in Aurous Hill were all discussing how Raymond had donated half of the 20 million he had made to that same charity fund.After Raymond skyrocketed to prominence in Antique Street and became a star, it could not be denied that people admired his profound ability.However, there were also people who envied his skill in turning the tables just as there were those who were jealous he had made twenty million in a single night.Still, Raymond moved fast—soon after word spread that he had made twenty m
Elaine quickly asked, "Well, what if you can't get it done?"Jacob was apprehensive even as he sighed. "If they really pressed the issue, guess I can't even stay at the Calligraphy and Painting Association now… We will see. If things get bad, I'll just resign. I won't ask for much right now, just as long as I don't have to go to jail."Elaine nodded. "Then you should try to reason things out with Raymond Cole or ask for Charlie's help if push comes to shove. Being humiliated is still better than prison.""Okay!"-It was nighttime at Aurous Hill by the time Elaine and Jacob arrived at their hotel.Charlie and Claire had just had dinner, and Claire pulled out her phone, saying, "I just checked my flight app, and it says my parents should have landed two hours ago. They are probably at the hotel, so I'll check in on them with a video call."She had yet to open her WhatsApp when Elaine called her on a video call.Jacob was planning to check in with Claire and Charlie to put their
Hearing what Jacob had said, Elaine became anxious and pressed him as he hung up, "What's going on? You're leaving? But we just got here! My shoes have just caught Dubai dirt, so why are we leaving so soon—"However, Jacob was wiping the sweat off his brow as he mumbled quietly, "Well, at this point, I have to leave or I won't be vice president anymore."Elaine immediately fumed. "We've been married for half our lives, and this is supposed to be our honeymoon, yet we're just leaving? I've posted about this on social media too—there are plenty of people who're waiting for more posts on our trip!"And don't forget—we spent a lot on our flight tickets and our hotels! The hotel bookings can't be refunded either!"Jacob scowled dolefully. "Well, what can we do? Why don't you stay? I'll go home and get this sorted out first….""Well, how long would that take?" Elaine asked."How should I know?" Jacob sighed, uneasy and annoyed. "Don Albert is saying I have to go back and donate the 300
"But I spent 98 thousand on that bronze sculpture!" Jacob exclaimed in agitation before he knew it. "I made 300 thousand from it, and that means my profit was 200 thousand at best, but I'm supposed to return that to him as well?! That means I'd have lost my own capital too!""I can't help you if you can't bear to part with that money, Mr. Wilson," Don Albert said quietly. "In that case, you'll just have to handle it yourself.""Wait, wait, wait!" Jacob immediately became antsy and cried out right then, "Please, Don Albert! I'll return the money! I'll return it, alright?! The entirety of my profits—202 thousand, okay? At least let me keep the money I spent, okay?""By that reasoning, Mr. Wilson, when a phone scammer is told by the cops to return the money they've made from defrauding, should he be allowed to keep the money he spent on telco charges? ""Oh, I…" Jacob was left stumped and could not come up with an answer.Don Albert then pressed on, "Mr. Wilson, I've offered a prom
"Mr. Wilson, what you boys did was truly heinous!" Don Arnold growled. "I scolded Zachary myself when I found out, and I was the one who told him to post that statement!"Jacob was shocked. "But why, Don Arnold? Are you friends with Raymond Cole?""Never met the guy," Don Arnold replied.That left Jacob even more confused. "Then why are you taking his side?""I've been doing my best to clean up my image over the past couple of years," Don Albert replied coolly. "I rarely get involved in mob business or anything illicit, and everyone in Aurous Hill knows that Zachary is my right-hand man, yet he confessed to committing such a heinous crime behind my back. What is that if not sullying my reputation?"Jacob was left reeling as he didn't expect Don Albert to be so serious, but he quickly explained, "I'm sorry. I didn't expect it to affect you so terribly… It's all Zachary's fault! I wouldn't have been aware that Raymond had returned at all, but he just had to tell me and come up with