Claire wiped the sweat off her forehead and smiled as she said, “It might look like there are a lot of dishes, but it will not seem too much when we eat it. Moreover, since it’s your birthday dinner, it’s only natural for it to be a little grander. Besides, it was no hard work at all.”Jacob also smiled and said, “Charlie, why don’t the both of us have a drink together too?”Charlie nodded and said, “Of course I will have to drink with you. I’ll go to the storage room and get some liquor.”Elaine hurriedly said, “Charlie, bring a bottle of red wine here too. Claire and I can also drink a little with you.”“Okay,” Charlie agreed before he asked Claire, “Wife, can you drink?”Claire nodded as she smiled and said, “I’ll have to drink even if I cannot drink, but if the both of us are going to drink, we will not be able to drive to the concert later.”Charlie spoke up, “It’s fine. I have a way to metabolize all the alcohol within a short period of time.”Claire laughed helplessly and
Jacob instantly regretted his words as soon as he was done saying them.He had just been momentarily agitated, and that was the reason why he had blurted those words out. It was only after he had finished speaking when he realized that he had stirred up a hornet’s nest. Sure enough, as soon as Elaine heard this, she stretched out her hands as though she wanted to fight with him as she cursed, “Jacob, you b*stard! It’s fine if you don’t want to give me anything, but you are actually coming up with all those damn f*cking ideas when my good son-in-law is giving me something! Just wait and see if I will f*cking tear your face up into pieces!”Claire did not expect that the both of them would start fighting as they talked. So, she hurriedly stepped forward and stood in between them to block them as she said helplessly, “Oh! Dad! Mom! How long are the both of you going to keep this up?! Don’t forget that it is Charlie’s birthday today. It’s supposed to be a happy and joyous occasion, but
Charlie made a silent wish amidst the sound of Claire’s singing before he blew out the candles.After that, Claire spoke up, “Husband, close your eyes. I have a gift for you!”Charlie nodded, and he gently closed his eyes.Claire took out a gift box from behind her, and she held it up with both hands before placing it into Charlie’s hands as she smiled and said, “Okay! You can open your eyes now!”Charlie lowered his head, and he saw that there was actually a watch box placed in his hands.There was a simple line of English letters written on the box. Charlie recognized it at a glance, and it turned out to be Patek Philippe. Charlie looked at Claire in surprise and spoke up, “Wife, why did you buy such an expensive gift for me?”Claire said shyly, “It’s not expensive. Hurry up and open it to see if you like it!”Charlie nodded before he opened up the package. There was a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch lying serenely inside the box.At this time, Claire said softly from the sid
The family of four dined and wined to their heart’s content. Jacob was already a little drunk, and he had already started to speak with a lisp. It was obvious at first glance that he had drunk too much.Both Elaine and Claire could not hold their liquor very well, but after Elaine had heard that a bottle of wine costs more than a hundred thousand dollars, she ground her teeth and drank more than half a bottle of the wine. She drank until she was delirious, and she looked foolishly happy as she held onto the bottle of wine.Claire drank less, and although her cheeks were also a little flushed, she was still very sober. When she saw that everyone had already dined and wined to their hearts’ content and there was only an hour left to the concert, Claire then said to Charlie, “Husband, I’ll go upstairs and change my clothes. The both of us can just head to the concert directly in a short while!”Charlie nodded, and he smiled as he said, “Go ahead. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”At this
Charlie smiled awkwardly and said, “The both of them were just talking about the past, and as they talked about it, it seems as though their feelings have surfaced…”Claire nodded and said emotionally, “That’s good. I’ve not seen both of them embracing each other like that for many years now.”As she spoke, Claire hurriedly beckoned at Charlie and said in a low voice, “Then, we should hurry up and leave now! We should not disturb them anymore!”Charlie hummed slightly, and he quietly left the house together with Claire.***The couple went out and called for a taxi before they headed straight to the Aurous Hill Olympic Centre.When they were getting nearer and approaching the venue, the surrounding traffic was already so jammed that it was difficult to even move forward slightly.The couple did not want to trouble the driver too much, so they decided to get off the car earlier, and they walked toward the entrance of the venue.At this time, the surrounding area was already fill
Charlie recalled how Loreen had seen him and Quinn at Herrolls Bay. At that time, Charlie had even lied to Loreen and told her that Quinn’s family had always been helping him. Loreen obviously knew this, and so, the reason why she was asking him this question must be because she wanted to deliberately tease him.”So, Charlie casually replied, “Actually, I’ve never had any interest and feelings for any idols or celebrities. However, I’m just accompanying Claire to come and watch this concert because she likes it.”“Oh, so that’s how it is.” Loreen did not expose him, and she smiled as she asked Claire, “Oh, by the way, Claire, which section and which row are your seats located at? Let me see if we are seated close to each other.”Claire said awkwardly, “Oh! I would have forgotten about this if you did not ask about it. Charlie was the one who helped to get the tickets for us. So, I do not know exactly which row and which seats we have.”After saying that, Claire looked at Charlie, a
Claire laughed and said, “I cannot do these kinds of things to fool people. I’d better continue designing in a practical way instead.”Loreen, who was aside, could not help but feel more or less jealous when she saw the both of them whispering and laughing amongst themselves. So, she complained, “The both of you should also pay attention to the occasion even if you want to show your affection for one another. Don’t put on a public display of affection, okay?”Claire giggled and said, “Loreen, since we are all in the infield area, let’s go in together. We should not continue standing here.”Loreen nodded gently before following Charlie and Claire as they went inside the venue after the security check and ticket inspection.At this time, the interior of the venue was already crowded with people, and the surrounding stands were filled with Quinn’s fans. Most of them had glow sticks as well as LED light signs with Quinn’s name written on them. Tens of thousands of people were waving at
Charlie and Claire had just arrived at the first row and were about to head to the center when they suddenly saw that the four people who were sitting down before them were actually all their acquaintances.The person who was sitting closest to the entrance of the first row was Doris. When she saw that Charlie and Claire were here, she stood up and smiled as she said, “Master Wade, Chairman Wilson, the both of you are here too!”Claire was surprised and said, “Oh! Vice Chairman Young, are you also here to see Quinn Golding’s concert?”Doris laughed and said, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Quinn Golding, and I know how to sing every single one of her songs! How could I possibly not come now that she has finally decided to hold a concert in Aurous Hill?”Claire nodded repeatedly as she smiled and said, “I really would not have expected that you would actually have time to chase after celebrities when you are usually so busy with work.”Doris looked at Charlie before she said with p
"Five hundred grand?"Mick chuckled. "Well, the sculpture looks Renaissance, and the craftsmanship as well as the material are all ideal. It would sell for up to two million in an auction, while established antique traders like us could offer up to a million. So, why the lowball?"Bill sighed. "I won't lie—it belonged to my old man, who just croaked this afternoon. But you see, he left a will stating that every antique in the house would be given to my brother… Since he's playing favorites, I thought I had to get something for myself.""That's why I quietly sneaked this baby out without anyone else knowing and am trying to sell it quickly to change my own circumstances. You don't have to tell me how many millions it's worth—I'm not that greedy. Give me five hundred grand, and it's yours."Mick shrugged as he shot back, "If it's as you say and your old man intended for your brother to have it, the fact that you sneaked it out here makes this theft. Do you think I'd buy stolen proper
It was half past six, and the skies were darkening when a figure hurried into Antique Street, heading straight toward the center—to Vintage Deluxe.Mick Crane, the manager, was holding the fort with some of his employees, and there were some guests window shopping there as well. As Mick asked the employees to assist the guests, he waited anxiously for Billy—Zachary's henchman.Nonetheless, a certain figure rushed inside within minutes, asking eagerly as he entered, "Is the manager in? Do you still buy antiques?""Yes, and yes!" Mick exclaimed as he approached Billy enthusiastically, asking, "May I ask what you're planning to sell?"Billy looked around before sneakily holding up a parcel wrapped in red cloth, carefully lifting a corner to reveal an edge so that Mick could see.Then, he promptly lowered the cloth again, whispering, "This is the good stuff. I'm just not sure if you have the money to buy it."Mick grinned. "What are you saying? If it's something Vintage Deluxe coul
Jacob chuckled. "Can't tell you right now. But I will once it's done.""Well, have you decided when we're going to Dubai?" Elaine quickly pressed.Jacob said, "I'd have to wait until tonight to see if this deal works, but we're leaving first thing tomorrow. I'll get the tickets first, and we will be staying at the Burj Al-Arab that I told you about. People are always saying how amazing it is on the internet every day, seeing how luxurious the seven-star hotel is, but I'll be the judge of that."Elaine was overjoyed to hear that. "That's amazing! And I was just thinking we can't go sooner! Go about your business, then. I'll pack our luggage right away."Jacob chuckled smugly. "Don't pack so much, though. Just stick to the necessities, since we can get the rest over there!""Alright!" Elaine exclaimed, beside herself in excitement. "Alright, you hurry up and get your thing done over there. I'll start packing now!"After hanging up, Elaine called Charlie, who was in Champs Elys Reso
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,