Charlie stared daggers at them, but for Douglas’s sake, he couldn’t be bothered with these two idiots.Despite Charlie’s silence, Joanne and Jerry despised him even more for not defending himself after being ridiculed and insulted! What a loser!Jerry continued his insults, “Hey, in my opinion, Claire was truly blind. So many fine gentlemen in our class and yet, Charlie the loser was her final choice? Huh, such a waste!”In the middle of their banter, suddenly, the suite’s door was pushed open.Bang!Several brawny men in black barged into the room, and one of them, a young man with a crew-cut head and a cigarette in his hand said coldly, “Get out of here. I want this room.”Jerry frowned in annoyance. “What do you think you’re doing? Can’t you see that we’re having our dinner?”Then, he slammed the table fiercely and growled, “This is the Maple Hotel, first come first serve! Don’t you know the rules?”“First come first serve?”The fierce-looking young man came over to Jerry a
“That’s enough, Rambo. We’re having dinner here, get lost!”Charlie couldn’t care less about a small character like Rambo, so he waved his hand lazily and asked him to leave.Rambo bowed respectfully and said, “Okay, Mr. Wade. I’ll get out of here right now!”Then, he quickly retreated from the room like a pug.Jerry and Joanne were feeling extremely agitated and annoyed. Charlie, whom they had mocked and ridiculed in every possible way, had turned into Mr. Wade! What the hell was going on?!There had to be some sort of misunderstanding here. Charlie was just a deadbeat loser! Why did Rambo address him as Mr. Wade?! He wasn’t worth it!Douglas turned to them and said sternly, “You two, watch your mouth. Stay low-key and humble. You are wise enough to know what you can or cannot say out loud. Luckily Charlie was here today, otherwise, you guys would be in big trouble!”Jerry and Joanne stayed as quiet as mice after being beaten by Rambo.Douglas then turned to Charlie and said g
Zeke quickly said, “Mr. Wade, it’s the peak hour now, the hardest time to get a taxi. Why don’t I send you there, if you don’t mind?”Claire was curious and skeptical about this coincidence, but she was too desperate to say no to the generous offer. “Thank you so much for the lift, Mr. White.”“You’re too welcome, it’s my pleasure.” Zeke hurriedly got out of the car and opened the door for them happily.Charlie simply rubbed his nose sheepishly without a word. He was well aware that Zeke had grabbed the best opportunity to flatter him, and coincidentally, he needed his help, so he didn’t refuse the offer.The driver drove in front while Zeke sat in the front passenger seat and started a casual conversation with Charlie.On the way, Claire listened to their conversation while a puzzling sensation brewed inside her.Zeke White was one of the successful businessmen in Aurous Hill that earned a much higher honor and reputation in the business circle as compared to Lady Wilson. Such a
In the office.Sitting behind his desk with his legs on the table, George stared at his phone intensely as he flirted with several women on a dating app.Just then, his phone buzzed, and a text message popped up. George pursed his lips in annoyance. As he reluctantly opened the text message, he saw that it was the interview schedule from the HR department.He frowned as soon as he laid eyes on it with a tinge of shock, and then he sneered sarcastically, shaking his phone at the people sitting next to him. “Hey, guess who came to Spikeworth?”Sitting on the sofa with George were Jerry and Joanne who were here to meet George in hopes of currying favor with him.Seductive enchantment radiated from Joanne’s body as she sat with her leg crossed in a low-cut body-hugging skirt and her wavy long hair cascading down her shoulders. She checked her nails arrogantly and asked, “Who is it?”“Charlie Wade and Claire Wilson!” George clicked his tongue in disdain and sneered, “Claire applied
Claire didn’t know that George was up to no good, and so, she hurriedly said upon his politeness, “George, you are too welcome.”George pasted on a pretentiously kind smile. Taking Claire’s resume from the table, he flipped through it casually and said in a depressing tone, “Claire, I’m so sorry but from what I see in your resume, your qualifications don’t meet our requirements, regardless of skills or experience. You do not fit our demand.”Then, he sighed and continued, “Well, I’m sorry, Claire. You’ve failed the interview. I suggest you try another company. Good luck!”Claire was taken aback by his harsh rejection and hurriedly said, “But I’ve been working at the management department at the Wilson Group for so many years! I’m certain that my professionalism fits the criteria that your company has stated.”George shook his head and said firmly. “Oh, no. Your so-called qualifications and experiences are simply because you are part of the Wilson family. Now that you’ve been kicked
George laughed triumphantly. “Just wait and see. When I join the board of directors, these people will look up and worship me!”Jerry asked in surprise, “George, are you going to be one of the directors?”“Almost,” George said with a smug smile. “It’s under process. If everything goes smoothly, I’ll be promoted in a few months!”“Wow, that is so great!” Jerry gave him a thumbs up and exclaimed, “George, please don’t forget your buddy when you’re the director!”George nodded. “Of course! Don’t worry, I’ll look out for you.”In the middle of the conversation, there was a loud bang, and the door of George’s office was kicked open violently.“Who the f*ck dares to kick my door…”George was shocked by the sudden commotion. He was about to shout when he saw all the members of the board of directors standing at his door, bowing respectfully at a middle-aged man in a suit. He stared at them in a daze as he swallowed his curse.Zeke glared at George darkly and asked, “Are you George Har
George collapsed to the floor, his eyes filled with despair and agony.The reason why he was promoted to a senior executive position at such a young age had a lot to do with the strict employment contract that he had signed on his own will.To strengthen the control of their employees, the Spikeworth Corps had issued a very demanding and biased employment contract which guaranteed a promotion after signing, but they would be fully bound by the company. The promotion was guaranteed, but they had to prove that they were worthwhile and work hard to be loyal to the company. If they failed their performance indicator or had disagreements, the company would file a huge claim against them.Many people were afraid to sign such a contract due to its harsh and stern terms and condition, but at that moment, George was a fresh graduate who was full of ego and strived to succeed. Hence, he had signed the contract decisively despite the somewhat unfair consequences. Indeed, he had been promoted
Claire sighed heavily and said, “It’s hard to get a job now. I can only keep looking and see where my luck brings me.”“How about Emgrand?”Claire shook her head. “Are you kidding? Emgrand is not a supermarket. I can’t come and go as I please. Besides, they have a very strict employee evaluation and grading system, it would be awkward and embarrassing for me to start from the bottom.”Charlie heaved a sigh and said in a suggestive tone, “Dear, I think that maybe you should start your own business!”“Start my own business?” Claire asked in surprise. “But how?”“Well, you’ve been in this industry for many years, I bet you have your own professional network and connections now. I see that Doris Young of the Emgrand Group seems to be very fond of you. Moreover, Zeke White is counting on me to observe and manipulate his luck, I think he will be very supportive.”Claire chuckled in a self-mocking way and said, “Dear, we have to have at least two to three million dollars in capital to s
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
At this point, Don Albert could very well be Jacob's personal messiah.Even if he did threaten Zachary with calling Charlie persistently, he actually wouldn't dare call Charlie.After all, how would he start explaining that he was involved in a crime? And telling Charlie was basically telling his daughter—what would they think of him after this? Would he ever be able to hold his head high in the family again?As such, his only option now was to ask Don Albert and see if he would help.What he didn't know was that Don Albert was with Charlie, who had already anticipated Jacob's move.When Jacob realized he couldn't stop Zachary, Jacob would find someone who could, and Don Albert was the best man for the job!To no surprise, Don Albert's phone soon started ringing with a call from Jacob.Don Albert didn't answer right away, however, instead turning toward Charlie as he asked gingerly, "So, shall I stick to your script, Master Wade?"Seeing Charlie nod, he pressed on, "Should I
As soon as Jacob sent the voice message, Mr. Bay called.Jacob quickly answered, asking nervously, "How are things over there, Mr. Bay?""How, you ask…?" Mr. Bay sighed in exasperation. "The entire Calligraphy and Painting Association was demanding your dismissal as soon as Zachary Evans posted his statement, thinking that you have no business being the administrative vice president let alone have a place in the association."Even those officials came asking me questions, and you know how they are—gossipers, every last one of them, always finding out about the juicy stuff instantly even if it's really no big deal. The only excuse I have to stop them is that we don't have the facts, but this issue still needs to be taken care of."So, be straight with me. Were you a part of this? If you don't, do you have any definitive evidence that can refute Zachary's claims?""I… Uh…" Jacob stammered, unable to answer.He certainly wanted to say no, but he had no evidence to back himself up.
Jacob bellowed furiously, "Raymond Cole made over 19 million dollars! From my bronze sculpture! Yet you're telling me to refund that 300 thousand too?! You're just fucking with me, aren't you?!""Well, if you don't like it, just do what you like, then," Zachary replied calmly and quickly hung up before Jacob could answer.Jacob was left twitching and shaking endlessly, and there was no telling if it was from rage or fear.Beside him, Elaine quickly asked, "What did Zachary say, dear? Can he get that bronze sculpture back?"Caught by surprise at her question, Jacob flinched, and his phone slipped out of his grasp.As it seemed to hover in the air, he tried to catch it twice but failed, but Elaine managed to grab it.It was then that she noticed that he was sweating all over his face, and she promptly asked, "What's wrong, dear?"Coming to his senses, Jacob's eyes went wide with rage. "Zachary is trying to kill me! He leaked the whole thing to his Twitter page—it's like he's pulli