Charlie marveled at Elaine’s spiritual victory method, and at the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief as the matter had been satisfactorily resolved.Before this, he was worried most about Carmen exposing his identity. After all, his aunt was always being so arrogant and cocky in her modus operandi. She would have gotten carried away, and inadvertently revealed herself as a member of the Wade family.Fortunately, Carmen came up with a tawdry idea by directly giving Elaine a 100 million cheque, which caused her to immediately raise a red flag and classify her as a fraud.Moreover, the word “Citibank” stung the deepest and most painful wound inside Elaine, resulting in her direct response to Carmen’s bribe by means of force.At this point, Charlie could not help feeling amused.This aunt of his had been living in a prosperous and privileged environment in Eastcliff for so many years that she was used to being treated with respect everywhere she went. However, never did she expec
Carmen was born with a silver spoon stuck in her mouth, and she had enjoyed a good, wealthy life. Due to the privileged and lavish upbringing, she was always arrogant and aloof.The best punishment for her was to let her live a hard life and take the edge off her spirit.With that in mind, Charlie sent a voice message to Albert that said, “Albert, the room and its surroundings look just fine to me, but you must have your men guard her 24/7; never allow her to buy anything online or order takeout!”“If she buys something or orders takeout, your men must intercept the delivery man and make sure it never reaches her.”“As for her daily meals, just let your men buy whatever they feel like buying for her, but bear in mind that it must not exceed fifty dollars a day.”Presently—in Cliffcouls.Albert played the voice message that Charlie had just sent through the loudspeaker.When Carmen heard it, she instantly grimaced. Irritated, she shouted. “This is too much! I can’t do online shop
Carmen never expected what Albert said would really happen.She thought of asking for preferential treatment from Charlie, but instead of submitting to her request, Charlie instead reduced her daily meal budget from fifty to a measly thirty dollars.She finally experienced the pain that Lady Wilson had been put through.If she had known that this would be the consequence, why did she even bother making a fuss?Looking at Carmen’s face that was awash with agony, Albert mocked with a playful smirk. “What did I just say? I told you Master Wade would surely decrease your meal budget, but you refused to believe me. So, are you beginning to now?” Donning a gloomy expression, Carmen said nothing, nor did she dare say anything, because she knew that the more she spoke up, the worse the consequences would be. She might really end up eating bread and hotdog if she went on.Albert smiled when he saw her being submissive and continued taunting. “Miss Wade, I hope you enjoy your seven days
Even if Carmen was at fault for going to Charlie’s mother-in-law on her own accord, Charlie should not have treated Carmen so harshly. He even forced her to stay in Aurous Hill’s shantytown for a week on New Year’s Day.This proved that it was absolutely not as easy as Jeremiah had imagined if he wanted to tame Charlie, let alone have him return to Wade family and follow his command.Jeremiah decided that he should not rush this matter. Otherwise, it might backfire.Realizing this fact, he said, “Carmen, you were at fault in this matter after all. So even if Charlie did go a little too far, there is no need for you to completely turn against him. I’ll have to ask you to bear with him for a few more days, and we’ll come up with a better solution in the long run.”Relieved, Carmen quickly replied, “I know, Father. I’m sorry that I can’t be by your side during this period of time, especially during the New Year…”Jeremiah smiled faintly. “It’s okay. It’s not a big deal, don’t you min
“The man who rescued Jaime Schulz?”Jeremiah asked in surprise. “Is this the same mysterious man we talked about the other day?”“Yes!” Clayton nodded. “Rumor has it that when Sophie and Jaime were kidnapped in Japan, they were rescued by this mysterious man.”Jeremiah quizzed again as his curiosity increased. “The mysterious man rescued the siblings in Japan, and Schulz family is looking for him here. Are you saying that this man is an Oskian?”Clayton nodded slowly in response. “Highly likely, yes. Why else would Schulz family look for the man appearing in Japan here in Oskia?”Jeremiah grinned delightfully and said, “Whoever this mysterious man is, one thing’s for sure, his ability is beyond anyone’s imagination!”“Yes!” Clayton agreed. “He could kill so many Iga ninjas and rescue both siblings at the same time, which meant his power is absolutely extraordinary!”Jeremiah blurted, “If our Wade family can have such a talent under our wings, we have nothing to fear about in the
‘By the looks of it, I have to stay as far away from him as possible, and I will not let him have the chance to return to Wade family!’***Meanwhile, at Schulz’ residence.Sitting in front of the computer in the study, Sophie was looking over the summary and briefing of information gathered from all over the country.Since her return from Japan, the image of Charlie kept occupying her mind, no matter if she was awake or asleep. She got all fidgety because of him.However, she did not tell anyone about this, not even her brother or mother.She wanted to use her influence to find the mysterious man who rescued her and thank him in person. But after trying for days, not find a single valuable clue of his whereabouts could be found.To quickly replenish Schulz family’s significant loss of combat power, her grandfather, Cadfan, decided to search for a new group of martial artists at all costs. She immediately recommended the mysterious man to Cadfan, claiming how he was so powerful
Sophie knew that the customs entrance and exit records were considered private and confidential documents. Nonetheless, the airport surveillance system was not.As such, she thought to herself, ‘If my savior has returned to Japan, he must have passed through Japan’s airport. If I check the surveillance videos carefully, I may be able to trace him. However, the workload would be tremendous…’ ‘Moreover, only my brother and I have met my savior before. Apart from him, no one else would be willing to help out.’ At this moment, Sophie felt that the opportunity of finding her savior was very slim. Nevertheless, she was reluctant to give up. She said, “Zahra, please help to settle the copy. After that, pass the Schulz family’s exclusive network to me.” It would be very troublesome to transmit massive amounts of data. Even an ordinary network would take up to a few days to transfer several airports’ surveillance videos, let alone an optical transmission. It may take months.
Little did Charlie know that Sophie was giving her all to look for him. In fact, he placed all his attention on the preparation of the New Year’s goodies. Ever since Charlie’s parents passed away, he always looked forward to this festive season. In the past, he had a tough life. Festive seasons were no different from any ordinary day. Not only could he not enjoy the warmth of his family, but he would also envy others who could gather with theirs. Since he married Claire, he did not show any particular interest in the New Year festival. In those days, the Wilson family celebrated the festive season among themselves, and for Charlie, he would be the subject of everyone’s sarcasm. Every New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, he would be humiliated and embarrassed. Comparatively, this year would be much better. This would be his most anticipated Oskian New Year ever since his parents’ demise. It was the twenty-ninth day of the Oskian New Year. Early the next morning while the
Jacob wasn't really concerned with the invitation. He wouldn't be going anyway, and he wouldn't tell Elaine about it.Right now, he had a question.After hanging up on Walker, he asked curiously, "A designated driver would be just a few dozen bucks at most. Why get Walker?"Mr. Bay sighed meaningfully. "Jacob, my boy—it's not just my job description you must handle when you succeed me. You must understand the unspoken rules of the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships."Raising his right index finger, he chuckled, "Earning the loyalty of subordinates is a science. But it has to be a carrot and stick—never just the carrot, while offering them chances to be of service.""Take Walker, for example. As his boss, buying him lunch is 5 points. Ask for a favor, but it's 50 points instead!""As a leader, you should also make sure to give requests that are reasonable. That way, they will consider you to be their ally, or soon enough.""People are strange that way—psychology sim
Jacob certainly agreed with Mr. Bay. When going to a dinner where alcohol would be involved, having a designated driver would be most convenient.Still, Jacob had another plan in mind.Since he had a Cullinan and this was the perfect chance to show off, it would kill him not to drive."Actually, we should go on our own," Jacob told Mr. Bay right then. "We will take my car and get a designated driver to take us home. We can hang out in the backseat to chat—I mean, you'd be in a bad mood if you get a bad driver, bringing a car that stinks of tobacco. You know how bad it can get."Mr. Bay nodded cheerfully. "Alright! I'm counting on you!""Oh, it's only right!"Coming to an agreement, they hurried outside, with Jacob driving and Mr. Bay riding shotgun.They were having a pleasant conversation when Jacob suddenly got a call from Walker, who was his sub at Senior University.Answering with the in-car Bluetooth system, he said, "Hey, Walker. What's up?""Mr. Wilson! I'm done with cl
As such, Albert did not hesitate to say right then, "Don't worry, Mr. Wilson—since they are your friends, I will offer the half-price rebate as you've suggested! When the guests take their seats, I'll personally deliver a couple of nice bottles over as a token of my sincerity!"Oskia truly sets the bar when it comes to being humanistic.There were times when one must show due respect, but not too much either in case it changed the status quo.It was just like a couple eating out with a third-wheel.Even if the third-wheel was better off and happily took the check as the girl watched, there would inevitably be competitiveness. The generosity might even lead to the girl getting attracted to the third-wheel.As such, since Jacob was actually secondary in importance at the event, Albert would have to make sure not to rain on the host's parade while showing his respects to Jacob. Otherwise, the host may hold a grudge against Jacob even if everything was free of charge.And when it cam
Jacob put a hand on his chest. "Don't worry—everything is going to be fine when my son-in-law takes the stage."As soon as he finished speaking, an unknown number called his phone.He answered, hearing a familiar voice he couldn't quite place, "Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Mr. Jacob Wilson?""Yes. May I ask who I am speaking to?""Albert Rhodes, owner of Heaven Springs at your service. Would you happen to remember me?"Hearing that, Jacob turned on the speaker excitedly as he continued, "Oh, yes, Don Albert! Of course I remember!"Mr. Bay's eyes lit up when he heard Albert announce himself, and he mouthed, "Is that really Don Albert?!"Jacob nodded repeatedly, his vanity burgeoning.Mr. Bay was naturally thrilled too, and he leaned closer to listen just as Albert spoke humbly, "If it's alright with you, Mr. Wilson, please don't address me as Don Albert. It's just a title some brats came up with—you are Master Wade's father-in-law, which means you have seniority over me. So,
Mr. Bay was overjoyed, seeing how quickly Jacob agreed to it. "Thanks, Jacob! I owe you!" He exclaimed, but soon added, "It's past four now, and that bunch like to fraternize in the room before they eat. Could you get the room soon? I think they'll be arriving soon."Then, he moved closer to add quietly, "If you can get a Diamond Room like before, I will bring you along. I'm not going to lie, these are officials with decision-making authority. Being friends with them might propel us to new heights!"Jacob already knew that Mr. Bay was sucking up to his friend, otherwise, he wouldn't be so concerned when the dinner was organized by said friend. Understanding that the friend must be important too, Jacob was at once buoyed.After all, he had presumed that becoming vice president was the most he could achieve.Now, if he could attend that dinner with Mr. Bay and establish a good relationship with those bigwigs, he would have his turn when Mr. Bay got promoted too.With that in min
Reservations in Heaven Springs had always been unpredictable, and most rooms weren't open to the general public—even if said rooms were vacant for the night.It was not as if Albert Rhodes didn't want to make money when he built Heaven Springs. He simply didn't do it solely for profit, but only mostly for social events and posturing.Back when he was a humbler member of society, he realized that many bigwigs and even his fellows cared for pride a lot. Be it food, liquor, or even simply everyday consumption, they always strove for the best and the most expensive.That was why polite society valued their privacy and established their respective social circles, which was why Heaven Springs ensured that everything was first-rate: atmosphere, service, food, and clientele.Just like how bigwigs wouldn't dine at the same table as their goons, said goons wouldn't eat at the fancy places those bigwigs frequented even if they had money, as it may appear as if they were overstepping.That wa
As such, intent on keeping up his pretense, Jacob answered the phone, "Looking for me, Matilda?""Uh-huh," Matilda replied, and asked, "You didn't show up at Senior University, and your sub is saying you probably won't be coming for a while? Is that true?""Oh—right, that," Jacob quickly said. "Well, it's true—the gist of it is that the Association is getting busy with a project. As the vice president, I probably shouldn't be staying at Senior University all the time, right?""Heck, Mr. Bay called me last minute, telling me how busy we're going to be and that I was needed. That's why I had to go back, but I will head over to campus again when I have the time."Matilda knew right then that those were all excuses.However, she did not expose Jacob, instead asking, "Well, when are you free? So that I can send you my wedding invitation?""Oh, the invitation?" Jacob quickly chuckled. "You really didn't have to come to me—just pass it to Walker, my sub lecturer. He can pass it to me wh
The next afternoon, there was a sudden change of lecturers for the calligraphy class.Despite being the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, Jacob never showed up, instead getting a substitute instructor to replace him.Matilda had come with the invitation Yolden had written for Jacob, but seeing that Jacob wasn't at the lecture hall, she waited until the class was over to ask the sub, "Excuse me, can I ask why Mr. Wilson wasn't teaching this class?""He's busy at the association," the sub replied. "So, I'm taking over his class."Curious, Matilda pressed, "Then, would you happen to know when he will be coming?""Probably not for a while," the sub replied. "He delegated other classes to me as well, telling me that I could just stick to the PowerPoint slides."Then, he asked, "Do you have business with Mr. Wilson?"Matilda nodded. "Yes, but I can call him myself. Thank you."Leaving the lecture hall, Matilda called Jacob, who was goofing off in his office
On the other end, Matilda was left staring at Jacob's reply in confusion.She had presumed that Jacob would understand when she mentioned inviting his whole family that he should be coming up with an excuse to skip attending her wedding.That was the most ideal solution.As such, she was shocked that instead of playing along, Jacob's reply was short and blunt.[No problem. The four of us will be there!]Perplexed, Matilda was left wondering what Jacob meant. Was he really going to attend her wedding with Elaine?The thought left Matilda frowning as she absolutely didn't want to see Elaine—especially not at her own wedding.Yolden was writing an invitation when he saw the somber look on her face, and he couldn't help asking, "Is there a problem?""Jacob replied," Matilda admitted. "And he's saying that he will bring his whole family.""Really?" Yolden was confused too, as he was hardly as eccentric as Jacob. "But he's afraid of his wife and shouldn't be telling her at all…