Helen had been wanting to visit Aurous Hill for almost twenty years.Ever since the death of Curtis and his wife, she had wanted to visit Aurous Hill at least once. After all, that was the place where Curtis had finally resided and perished.As a woman who had loved him for most of her life, she especially wanted to visit Aurous Hill to walk, see, and live for a while, trying to find traces of Curtis’ existence in the city.However, as a married woman, her morality had always gotten the upper hand over her that she should not go to Aurous Hill because that would be unfair to her husband.The secret visit to the Wade family’s ancestral tomb to pay respect to Curtis was already making Helen feel guilt toward Sheldon, so it would be inappropriate to visit Aurous Hill.But now, she no longer had those moral constraints.Sheldon had cheated on her in the first place and broken the marital vow, so she no longer needed to be bound for any reason. It was time to realize her wish to visit
Sophie quickly said, “Okay, Mom. Have a good rest tonight. I’ll call you in the morning!”“Okay.”After Sophie ended the call, Jaime said with some concern, “Sophie, Dad has always been a bit evasive about Aurous Hill. If he finds out that we’re going there with Mom, will he be mad?”Sophie snorted coldly, “Who cares? He has an illegitimate daughter, and he even dared to bring her home and put her under the eyes of our family. Why doesn’t he think that we will be mad too?!”After a pause, Sophie said angrily, “Seriously, I want to confront him about this! Us going to Aurous Hill is a sign for him to know that it’s all his fault!”Jaime said awkwardly, “Hey, we are his children. It isn’t nice for us to bring this up or even confront him about it…”With that, Jaime added, “Think about it, how many of those rich and famous guys in the world are completely loyal to their wives? I bet most of them have an affair or two outside. Dad was just confused at that time. He is still considere
That night, the entire Eastcliff was greatly shaken.After the big stir the Schulz family had caused in Japan and the family had then been targeted by the Japanese National Security Bureau, it had brought a huge blow to the reputation as well as the influence of the Schulz family.At the same time, other families in Eastcliff, led by the Wade family, were restless and ready for action.Now, the Schulz family had not only lost a large number of martial artists, but they had also offended their overseas plutocrats, causing them to shrink in power and be humble. Because of this, it was the best opportunity for other families to seize the Schulz family’s wealth and power.Jeremiah was particularly excited about this. He felt that this was God’s blessing for his family to rise again!Therefore, he gathered all his children except Carmen and immediately made a three-year plan.From now on, for the next three years, the Wade family would launch an all-out attack on the Schulz family, ju
Eastcliff, the Dunn family.Before Helen arrived home, her parents, as well as her siblings, knew about the scandal of the Schulz family and also Sheldon’s illegitimate daughter.Therefore, before she returned, Lord Dunn urged the other siblings to go home.Lord Dunn and Lady Dunn knew Helen’s temperament and character very well. They knew that as soon as Helen learned about this, she would definitely come home, so they didn’t call her, nor did they let others call her, and they gathered at home to wait for her return.When Helen’s car drove into the Dunn residence, her parents and siblings came out to welcome her.When Helen saw her whole family appearing in front of her, she was exceptionally moved.Unlike other families who were into business and industrialization, the elders of the Dunn family held important positions in politics and academics, hence, money was never an issue in the family.It was because they didn’t care about money that there was not much of a rivalry betw
When Jefferson let out a sigh, it made everyone somewhat grimace in regret.Lady Dunn hurriedly pinched him on the waist and chided in a low voice, “Shush! Stop rubbing it in! Hurry and get in to get ready for dinner!”Jefferson sighed and said, “Well, Helen is so big now. She is more open-minded than we are. I’m also just stating my opinion. You don’t have to be too discreet about it.”Helen nodded and said seriously, “That’s right, Mom. I’m not angry or sad at all. You don’t have to be so sensitive.”Lady Dunn was shocked. “Helen, you’re truly not angry at Sheldon for keeping this secret from you for so many years?”Helen said earnestly, “Nope, I’m not angry. Instead, I feel relieved.”Jefferson laughed. “Wonderful! I’m happy to know that you’ve moved on! Frankly speaking, I’ve always felt that you’ve been unhappy over the years. Now that you’ve moved on, I’m heartily happy for you.”Helen nodded with a smile. “Thanks, Father!”Jefferson laughed out loud and beckoned, “Let’s
After smoking the same cigarette for twenty years, the tobacco company had improved its factory’s production line, upgraded the formula, and replaced the cigarette paper and filter material.Everyone felt that the upgraded version was more exquisite and upscale than before, but Jefferson felt that the taste was not right and could not adapt to it. Later, he had even fallen sick because of this.When his subordinates had heard about his hospitalization, he had hurriedly gone to visit him. After learning that Jefferson’s illness had been caused by the difference in the taste of the cigarette he had smoked for twenty years, he immediately called and made the tobacco company restart the discontinued production line that had been dismantled and was ready for scrapping, and they produced the original version of the cigarettes for Jefferson alone. Miraculously, it had instantly cured his illness.However, Jefferson felt guilty for abusing his influence and power, so he specifically ask
While the entire Dunn family was indulged in the happy and harmonious ambiance, Sheldon had packed his luggage and was ready to depart for Australia.He was in a very passive position this time. His father had explicitly told him to lie low before the dust settled, so he could only do so upon his command.Before leaving, he called Jaime and said, “Jaime, come to my study with your sister.”Jaime hurriedly said, “Okay, Dad. We’ll come over right now.”After saying that, he ended the call and said, “Hey, Sophie, Dad wants to see us in his study.”Sophie huffed agitatedly, “You go by yourself. I don’t want to see him!”Sophie was still having a hard time accepting the fact that her father had cheated on her mother and had an illegitimate daughter who was only a year younger than her, so she was very reluctant to see Sheldon right now.Jaime persuaded in a helpless tone, “Sophie, as their children, we should not interfere with our parents’ business so much. Besides, are you really g
Jaime said furiously, “Dad! Grandpa is too much! He was the one who sold Rosalie out! Frankly speaking, he is a sly fox who betrayed his own granddaughter! Not only did he not think about how to solve the immediate crisis, but he even pushed you out as a target! He is really too much!”Sheldon waved his hand and said seriously, “You can talk about it here, but don’t you say anything when you get out of this room, do you hear me? This is how your grandfather is like, anyway…”“In his eyes, personal interests are the most important element, and everything is sacrificable for the sake of personal interests.”“He can hand Rosalie over to the Japanese Self-Defense Force today; who knows if he will hand any of us over to some other group tomorrow? So, when you’re around him, remember this: he who rules the family is like a tiger!”Jaime nodded solemnly.Sheldon added, “After I leave, accompany your mother more, apologize to her on my behalf, and throw in some good words for me, will you
While Jacob was feeling delighted after pulling off his con, Raymond had posted details of the bronze sculpture online.The website he was using was the biggest platform for antique collectors and the antique trade where each user could set a favorite tag in the antique category and era. If a user who preferred canvas art pieces of the Tudor dynasty set that label as their favorite, they would immediately be notified with text or desktop notifications in regards to any item with the same label.As medieval bronze sculptures were rare in the first place, most who were interested had already set that label on their favorites and were immediately notified soon after Raymond posted pictures of the bronze sculpture online.The collectors were naturally eager to check it out as gilded sculptures of the medieval era were really rare, and most collectors would go a lifetime without picking one up for their collection.On top of that, the seller had even listed a major flaw and was only ask
"Nope," Jacob chuckled. "We were both working separately and just happened to get back in at the same time."Then, he immediately became smug and excited, "Guess what, dear? I made 200 thousand out of the deal! In net profits!""For real?!" Elaine gaped. "200 thousand in just one night?! That's amazing! How did you do that?"Claire was surprised to hear that too, and she came over to ask, "What deal was it, Dad?"Jacob grinned, "Oh, it's nothing to brag about. It's just that I managed to pick up a nice antique item thanks to my wisdom and then sold it for 200 thousand."Pausing, he then sighed in dismay, "However, the buyer wasn't too rich—I would have squeezed him for 400 thousand, but he couldn't afford more, so I had to settle for less."Elaine quickly exclaimed, "Shit, we're talking about a loss of 200 thousand! People would work a year and still never earn that much…"She trailed off for a moment before asking, "By the way, dear—are we still flying out first thing tomorrow?
Jacob laughed. "Put that issue behind us? Sure, but we're not becoming friends. Hell, I can't even hold a grudge now that you're shit out of luck."Then, his tone changed sharply and suddenly became icy, "But you see, Aurous Hill is not a place you can stay just because you want to. No… After this, you're not going to be able to make a living in the antique trade.""If I were you, I'd be running a thousand miles away, far away from Aurous Hill where no one would know my face to start over. That way, you just might be able to make a living."Raymond simply kept smiling, "You need not be concerned about how I'm going to survive here, Mr. Wilson. I'd be very grateful if you'd cease any form of harassment once you leave my premises."Jacob pursed his lips, staring at Raymond in disappointment. "I'm plenty magnanimous, so I won't stoop to such pettiness. Just do whatever you like!"Clicking his tongue, he huffed, "Tut, tut… And here I'd thought you're tough, but you're just yet another
Raymond chuckled at the title, humble as ever, "The Duke of Wastage? Now, that's quite the royal title, and I don't think I deserve such an honor…"Trailing off, he then made an especially curious look, "By the way, how'd you know they were calling me that?"Seeing that he was still so ignorant, Jacob scoffed. "You bought a Renaissance-era bronze sculpture earlier, didn't you?"Raymond nodded. "I did. But technically, it's medieval and not Renaissance, along with a Renaissance-era base."Jacob clutched his stomach as he laughed, "Oh, please! Medieval? Hahaha… You're killing me, Mr. Cole!"Raymond kept a serious look on his face. "It's really medieval. Why don't you take a look?""No way," Jacob snorted, pursing his lips. "Anyway, word has already spread that someone was selling a counterfeit bronze sculpture to defraud Antique Street for some serious dough. He went first to Vintage Deluxe, but their manager, Mr. Crane, saw through it and didn't buy it… and then he came to you, an
That was why most of the collectors only knew that such an item existed but they did not know in whose possession it was.After registering a new account and paying the ten thousand registration fee, Raymond got in.It was very safe as it was anonymous, and he posted a photo of the bronze sculpture and an announcement with an asking price of twenty million.In his opinion, it wasn't that expensive—if it was still gilded, it would be worth around a hundred million. Without it, it was plenty reasonable to cut the price down to just thirty million.And Raymond was cutting another ten million off that, so twenty million was plenty reasonable.Moreover, medieval bronze sculptures were exceedingly rare, and less than one specimen showed up annually at times. Collectors who desired it would therefore be willing to break the bank for it, and that was why Raymond was sure that someone would put in an order once he posted it.As he wrote the summary of the item, someone knocked on his door
Jacob frowned in disdain. "Why would I be worried? He's no longer the manager of Vintage Deluxe, and he just lost a shit ton of money for messing up his appraisal. I am also the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, so why would I be worried about some loser who will soon be kicked out of Antique Street?"Straightening his collar, he snorted coldly, "I am now going to see Raymond Cole and humiliate him face-to-face! He thinks he's impressive, doesn't he? Let's see how he will keep up that facade!"Zachary chuckled, "Yes, exactly! People like him need to be given a slap in the face! As hard as you can! Don't worry—I'll be right behind you. If he gets physical, I'll rush in to help. If he doesn't dare to start a fight, you just insult him as much as possible!""Good plan!" Jacob nodded since he was concerned that Raymond might get physical when pushed too far.And with his body, there was no way he could beat anyone…Spreading his arms, he exclaimed, "Come! I'l
Mick inspected every video to see who was getting the most views, and he then paid out of his own pocket to use paid advertising to get the video viral.It cost five thousand and it hurt, but reaching the trending page was definitely worth it.Mick was quite shrewd too, making sure that the paid advertising was focused locally. After all, he knew all too well that five thousand didn't buy many clicks, and clicks from elsewhere might be too sporadic to gain any worthwhile attention.As he worked in Antique Street, he naturally had to come up with a plan to promote himself in this place, ideally presenting himself as a master appraiser.That way, his fame would slowly extend throughout the province and perhaps Eastern Oskia, and eventually the country.As such, focusing on Aurous Hill was the best idea.Moreover, he also had another idea—if Jasmine Moore happened to see this video, she would see him in a new light.When that happened, he could look forward to getting really rich!
Soon, the video of Mick's staged act was uploaded to the online group, and everyone eagerly watched it as soon as it was done uploading.Mick certainly set a new bar with his acting as none of them could see that it was an act.Moreover, everyone could see that the bronze sculpture looked like the real deal, and they might have been swindled if it were them.As such, they couldn't help being impressed as Mick had easily seen through Billy's con, and he was the definition of a pro in that video.No matter how Billy had packaged it, there was no tricking real experts like Mick Crane. Just a quick glance and he had seen through that it was a postmodern replica, matched with a base from the Renaissance era to misdirect and beguile.With that, many fellow antique dealers changed their opinion of Mick.After all, Vintage Deluxe's business had been declining after Mick took over as manager, and people were presuming that his skills were lacking.But now, they were all shown that he had
"Amazing, Mr. Crane!""It's Mr. Crane who shines through, in the end! His eyes see through everything!""I guess Miss Moore made the right choice firing Raymond and appointing Mr. Crane! Mr. Crane is infinitely better!"Mick was immediately thrilled to see them fawning over him, and he laughed, "You flatter me—I'm merely sharing my personal perspective on this. In this trade, anyone who knows would understand how hard it is to get the good stuff in this age of technology.""There are plenty of people who hold ulterior motives and change their tactics knowing that there are always those scheming to get their hands on vintage treasures, so they just have to make it. That is how they started making counterfeits of everything, from scrolls to sculptures to statues, each of them so real just to trick those fools who think they could get rich overnight!""Exactly!" Someone promptly agreed. "There's never a lack of any such fools, and I just happened to meet one. I had this piece of jade