‘What does Sophie mean when she said ‘some things’? Could it be that she is indeed in a relationship with our benefactor now?’So, he hurriedly said, “Look at you. You’re regarding me as an outsider too. If both of you are indeed in a relationship, our benefactor will also be my brother-in-law in the future. We do not even know our father’s whereabouts now. If the both of you are going to get married in the future and we are still unable to find our father, perhaps I might even have to take on the responsibility to hand you over to our benefactor at the wedding. So, is there really anything that you cannot tell me?”Sophie replied very seriously, “Brother, if I’m truly fortunate enough to be able to step into a marriage hall with our benefactor, I will naturally not hide anything from you. However, it is not the time yet.”Jaime realized that it was impossible for his younger sister to tell him the specific details. So, he simply sighed and said, “In truth, in the literary themes ev
Sophie’s guess about Jaime was indeed very accurate.The first thing that Jaime did after returning to his room was to immediately report the conversation that he had just had with Sophie to Cadfan, word for word.When Cadfan heard Jaime saying that Sophie had decided to subject Cadfan to legal sanction at the press conference tonight, he was suddenly overwhelmed with anxiety.He naturally had his own way to save himself from any legal sanctions, but what he was truly worried about was that he would never be able to make a comeback if Sophie were to do this.This was because as long as he was not executed, the people in the whole country would not forget about this matter so easily. In that case, as long as he were to appear in the public’s eyes, the public would feel that he was a criminal who should be locked up in prison.If that happened, no matter where he went, he would be hated and abused by everyone.He would never be able to make a comeback when it came to his reputation
Jaime knew that his younger sister was indeed smarter than him, but Lord Schulz’s words really did hurt his pride a little.At the same time, he could not help but think to himself, ‘Could it be that Sophie was really just using me to pass the message on to Grandpa?’Cadfan did not have the time to care about Jaime’s mood at this time, and he spoke up, “Alright, then. Why don’t we do this first? I’ll give Sophie a call.”After saying that, Cadfan hung up the phone directly as he called Sophie.Sophie was sitting in front of her desk at this time, and her eyes were fixed on her cell phone which was placed on top of the desk.When she saw that the cell phone was suddenly ringing, and when she saw the word ‘Grandpa’ written on it, she was finally relieved.However, she did not pick up the cell phone to answer the call immediately. Instead, she waited until the phone had rung for the fourth time before she finally pressed the answer button.As soon as the call was connected, Sophie
When Sophie heard Cadfan clearly saying everything that she was thinking in her heart in such a straightforward manner, she could not help but sigh as she thought to herself, ‘It is really worry-free to be talking to a smart and intelligent person. We are all masters who can just nod in a word, and it really saves us the trouble of having to go through the process of beating around the bush.’So, Sophie did not continue hiding her true motives, and she spoke up, “You’re right. I’m trying to fight for some compensation for my mother and I. I think that this is what we deserve.”As she spoke, she also added another sentence, “By the way, I’m not just seeking compensation for my mother and I, but I’m also demanding compensation for my dad’s share! I heard that my father has disappeared like my second uncle. He disappeared because he was getting things done on behalf of the Schulz family. So, he also deserves a certain amount of compensation as well!”Cadfan spoke up and asked her, “Sop
“Moreover, I also demand that I’ll be solely responsible for the operation and finances. The equity and shareholding will also belong to me alone, and it will not have any affiliation with the Schulz family at all!”Cadfan never would have expected Sophie to have such a big appetite.He secretly thought to himself, ‘This girl, Sophie, wants the entire Schulz family’s ocean shipping business?!’‘The Schulz family’s total assets in this business alone have already exceeded three hundred billion dollars! It accounts for at least 20% of the Schulz family’s assets!’‘She is asking for so much in just one breath. This girl’s appetite is not small indeed!’Cadfan had always been obsessed with power as if his life depended on it. So, for him, he was very unwilling to allow anyone to have a share or portion of his power.So, even at such an old age, Cadfan was still firmly controlling the position as the head of the Schulz family. He was also in control of every sector of the Schulz famil
Cadfan’s willingness to part reluctantly with what he treasured so much made Sophie, who was on the other end of the line, feel extremely relieved deep down in her heart. The so-called press conference and outcome justice and procedural justice was absolutely not an exaggerated part of a gimmick for the Sophie of the past. But for the current Sophie, she would be willing to compromise and give in because the most important thing was for her to be able to achieve the results that she wanted. And the result that she truly wanted was the Schulz family’s ocean shipping business.Although this business was in deep trouble now because of Cadfan’s actions, Sophie had the confidence that she would be able to bring this business back to life. The ocean shipping business was highly profitable, and it had great potential. It was definitely the most promising sunrise industry at the moment.Moreover, since the Schulz family’s business had already suffered a big hit and was very difficult
Cadfan sighed. “Holden Harker did not even leave any leeway before this. So, I think that he is already determined to draw a clear line between us. Therefore, even if I were to beg him now, it would probably be useless.”After that, Cadfan said again, “Even if there is still an opportunity with Holden Harker, we will not be able to find a breakthrough at the moment. So, you should make a trip to Aurous Hill and hand the ocean shipping company over to Sophie. Calm Sophie down first so that we can safely make it through today’s hurdle.”Arrington could only nod and say respectfully, “Okay, Lord Schulz. I’ll get ready to set off now!”***Meanwhile, Charlie had already received a phone call from Yashita.The Harker family had already selected the ten family members with the strongest strength, highest talent, and also the highest loyalty as they prepared to set off to Aurous Hill to report to him immediately. According to Yashita, Holden, who had just broken through his fourth meri
Charlie nodded.In truth, the martial arts path had already declined much ever since its ancient development to the present time.In fact, there was a period of time where the development of martial arts was relatively prosperous.After all, during the era of cold weapons, karate was actually very useful. Not only was it used to protect families and the country, but it could also be used to make a living. Therefore, back then, aside from scholars, everyone else wanted to become martial arts masters.However, later on, foreign powers had begun using guns and cannons to hit the country, and all of a sudden, the martial arts practitioners realized that the skills and abilities that they had gained from training hard all their lives could not even match up to a single gun or cannon in the foreigners’ hands.Back then, many patriotic martial artists also had the heart and loyalty to serve their country, but their strength was not worth mentioning at all in front of these hot weapons.
As Zachary agreed to do a favor for Vintage Deluxe's Mick Crane in passing, he and Jacob agreed to meet up at 7pm at the car park by Antique Street.He first took Jacob back to the Calligraphy and Painting Association and called Billy, one of his boys whom he thought was smarter than the rest, giving him the gist of the plan and telling him to familiarize himself with the script.Then, he took the sculpture back to Heaven Springs and met up with Billy in office, telling Billy what to do in finer detail and making sure he committed everything to memory.Zachary's strength as a judge of character certainly proved itself—Billy had never done anything like this before, but he took to the plan like fish to water. He committed the script to memory soon enough, and he was flawless.Once he made sure that Billy was fine, Zachary called Mick.As soon as Mick answered, he immediately asked, "Hello, Mr. Evans. How is that thing we talked about going?"Zachary chuckled. All the arrangements
Zachary continued, "Why do you think casinos are always making a profit? It's exactly because no matter how unassuming a guest is the first time, they would be allowed to win a couple of hands, making a little profit.""And suddenly, they would think that they are the chosen one, destined to win against all odds and always come out triumphant! Once such radical, blind confidence hits them, every last bit of his money would be lost to the casino!""At that point, you can get anything from them—their house, their wife, their children… hell, they'd be willing to die if you'd just let them gamble again!"Turning toward Jacob with a grin, Zachary then asked, "So, with all the points I made and that sculpture you're holding… Do you still think Raymond wouldn't fall for it?"Jacob laughed out loud. "Oh, talk about a plan within a plan! No one would ever see it coming! Raymond Cole is so screwed!"Zachary smiled and nodded. "That's why there's no reason to rush—I'll arrange a man to get r
As soon as they drove out of the village, Jacob asked Zachary eagerly, "So, when do you think we should make our move? I can't wait!"Zachary didn't hesitate, "Let's do it today. It's better than waiting! I'll get someone reliable to bring this to Treasure Measure and get him interested. I'm sure that since he has just returned to Antique Street, he'll need a hot deal to generate hype and make himself known. That's why I'm sure he'll take this sculpture."Jacob nodded repeatedly as he chuckled. "I think so too. Today is definitely best since I'll be going to Dubai soon and probably leaving once I'm done with this. Once you get this settled by the end of today, I'll get tickets for the flight tomorrow!"Zachary grinned. "Don't worry, chief. We will definitely get it settled today…"He trailed off for a moment before continuing, "Still, you should be a little patient. We should do this in the evening—at the second just before Raymond Cole closes shop.""But why?" Jacob asked in curi
Jacob was naturally gleeful that he could get the late medieval bronze sculpture along with its base. Right after he wired the agreed upon ninety-eight grand to Mr. Cardensky, he was already imagining how Raymond would buy it from him for several hundred grand.On the other hand, once Mr. Cardensky received the transfer, he saw the name on the account: Jacob Wilson.He was left perplexed—wasn't that man's last name Montague? Who was this Jacob Wilson?Still, he didn't worry about it too much since most antique hustlers preferred to work with anonymity and therefore, using a different name was perfectly normal.He then carefully wrapped up the bronze sculpture before passing it Jacob, asking politely, "Would you happen to have any other requests, Mr. Montague? I have plenty of other items here if you'd permit me to give an introduction."Jacob shook his head, "Just this sculpture will do. I'm not fully confident in your work either since this is our first deal, so I'm just trying i
Jacob asked, "Then, what would this sculpture be worth if it was genuine?"Mr. Cardensky thought about it. "Well, there are standards when it comes to Renaissance relics, but with something this exquisite, it'd definitely be auctionable for one or two million—and that's the conservative estimate.""How much would you sell it to me for?" Jacob then asked."Thirty percent of the market price," Mr. Cardensky quickly replied. "As I've said, the conservative estimate for this one is around one to two million, so we will set the price with the median estimate value at 1.5 million. And thirty percent means 450 grand."Jacob shook his head right away. "No, no, no… that's too expensive. What if I end up unable to sell it, on top of that?"In his mind, while he could barely accept that pricing, he still needed Raymond to be able to afford it if he wanted to swindle Raymond for twice the money.Mr. Cardensky quickly chuckled, "Oh, Mr. Montague—now you're being too serious. In this business,
"Okay!"Mr. Cardensky smiled and pointed at a nearby farmyard. "There's our workshop—the good stuff is all in there. Allow me to take you there!"The farmyard seemed uninteresting at first glance, but Mr. Cardensky soon led them to the stables and brushed off the straws covering the floor, revealing a plank laid flat on the ground.Mr. Cardensky then lifted it, revealing a passage below—they had dug a cellar into the ground beneath, with the stables as an entry point.As Jacob followed Mr. Cardensky down the cellar, he exclaimed in awe, "Your operation is definitely big, digging such a huge cellar!"Mr. Cardensky smiled humbly. "Anyone working in the business would have sustained their losses before. In the end, we're all folk of humble origins, starting out with raiding tombs or excavating artifacts. Just digging a cellar is really nothing."As they conversed, they cleared the stairs and arrived at the main hall.It was certainly a hall as it was around a hundred square meters,
Zachary nodded repeatedly. "Mr. Montague? Very well!""Yes!" Jacob grinned smugly. "Longer last names are simply better—it just sounds so authoritative."With that agreed upon, both men alighted, where the master was waiting nearby.Seeing them get off, he hurried over to them, smiling, "Please, follow me."Zachary looked around and huffed, "Honestly, Mr. Cardensky, isn't this way too far from the highway? The road is narrow and terrible, and I have to park my car all the way out here. Just coming here is taxing."Mr. Cardensky smiled in turn. "My friend, that's exactly why we picked this place. Do you remember seeing a couple of cars parked by the road, occupying half of it?""We arranged for them to be there. Anyone coming by car would have to slow down that way, buying time for us to see who they truly are. If it's cops, our watchers would quietly text us while we clean the house and bail."Zachary exclaimed in realization, "You boys really run a tight ship!""For sure," Mr.
After working in Antique Street for years, Zachary's connections and influence were naturally special. And yet, though he was acquainted with some of the more impressive individuals, he was not that close with them either.For example, the forgery masters who worked specifically to deceive experts only accepted jobs from major clients, usually antique traders high in social status and wealth.In contrast, they wouldn't ever be interested in frivolous people like Zachary. Even if he could reach them, they might not look at him twice.If one would describe them as the cartel boss, then Zachary would be a low-level enforcer, managing night joints or goofing off.But now, Zachary had turned over a new leaf—he worked under Don Albert, so one of those masters was pleasantly surprised when he called one of them, inviting him to his own workshop for a visit and further discussion.As such, Zachary picked up Jacob and went over to the master's hideout where the latter worked on his count
Zachary was naturally shrewd enough to read Jacob's intention.In reality, he wasn't offering to pay just because he wanted the profit. He merely wanted to get in Jacob's good graces. After all, wouldn't Jacob be even more grateful that he wasn't just helping his revenge but also helping him make money?As such, he didn't hesitate to tell Jacob, "Well, chief—since you'll be paying, I will make sure that you will get every cent of profit that you deserve."Jacob was grinning ear-to-ear, but he said, "Oh, you don't have to! If we really are making a profit, there's no way I would let your good work go unrewarded!"Spreading his arms, he continued generously, "How about this? I will pay the full cost while you get twenty percent of the net profit!"Zachary laughed. "Now, that can wait, chief. We need to pay as soon as we decide on the item we want, and there's no time for buyer's regret. But if Raymond doesn't take the bait, all that money will go down the drain, and whether we can s