Although Porter, who had always been very strong, was extremely angry, at this moment, he knew very well that he could not leave Oskia before the Tomb Sweeping Festival. Otherwise, if anything were to happen and delay his plan to take revenge, how could he possibly face his parents who had died tragically so many years ago?Therefore, Porter could only continue pinning his hopes on Zayne.However, Porter also knew that Zayne might not have any other ways to reduce the number of casualties while dealing with the other party directly. Therefore, Porter had givenZayne his own solution in order to prevent Zayne from taking the wrong path again. “Since that b*stard, Hamed, has built his own base into an iron barrel, we will just surround him completely so that they will be completely isolated and helpless while they await their own doom!”A siege was actually a very cruel tactic. As long as the besieging party had sufficient troops to block off everything and have a steady and consta
Therefore, a large number of stragglers came to seek refuge with Hamed just after dawn in Syria.Immediately after that, several leaders of smaller opposition forces also brought their teams with them to seek refuge with Hamed.The vast majority of these people were worried that they would be wiped out soon. So, after seeing Hamed’s powerful strength, they decided to come and seek refuge with him in exchange for a chance to save their own lives.So, after only half a day, Hamed had accepted more than five thousand men into his base.Two days later, Hamed had already accepted more than eight thousand men into his base, and the total number of people in his base had already exceeded ten thousand men. His entire base was instantly overcrowded with people.Hamed carried out Charlie’s instructions resolutely, and regardless of whether it was a small team of ten men or a large team of one thousand men, as long as they came to rely on him, that team would have to be broken up before bein
What Hamed was worried about was that once his base was besieged by the other party, it would be very difficult for him to send Sheldon out.Hamed also knew very well that Sheldon was very important to Charlie, and that Charlie also wanted to bring Sheldon back to his country in a few days. Although Hamed was not sure why Charlie wanted to bring Sheldon back, Hamed could feel that Charlie really attached great importance to this matter. When Charlie heard about Hamed’s worry, he said, “You don’t have to worry about this matter for the time being. Now that they have already surrounded and blocked you completely, it would not be realistic for you to send Sheldon Schulz out now. So, it would be better for you to remain steadfast and do a good job of maintaining and building up your defenses first. If there is really no good opportunity when the time comes, I’ll go over there personally and find a way to bring Sheldon Schulz back.”Charlie had two goals for the Wade family’s ancestor w
The intermarriage with the royal family from Northern Europe was something that the Wade family had been planning for a long time.In any big family, the eldest son and the eldest grandson were always the most important facade. Therefore, Jeremiah wanted to find a good daughter-in-law for his eldest grandson who would be a good match for the Wade family. But in Oskia, there were only two girls who could truly match Felix’s status. One of them was Sophie, the only granddaughter of the Schulz family, and the other one was Quinn, the only daughter of the Golding family.The daughters of all the other families were one level lower compared to Felix.But how could Felix possibly have the opportunity to deal with Sophie, who was such a supercilious woman?As for Quinn, it was even more impossible. Who would not know that Quinn had been waiting to marry Charlie?Moreover, Quinn had made such a huge scene at her concert just a few days ago. Felix did not even need to think to know t
The princess from the Northern European royal family quickly confirmed her itinerary.She would depart for Oskia in two days, and her itinerary plan was for her to stay at the Wade family mansion for a few days first. After that, she would then attend the ancestor worship ceremony with the Wade family on the day of the Tomb Sweeping Festival. When the other members of the royal family flew into Eastcliff, the princess would then stay at Shangri-La Hotel in Eastcliff together with the other members of the royal family. Besides that, her engagement ceremony with Felix would also be held at Shangri-La Hotel.So, Jeremiah called Stephen to discuss this matter as he spoke up and said, “Stephen, the princess from Northern Europe will be coming the day after tomorrow. So, you have to hurry up and get people to set up everything at home. Everything has to be prepared perfectly to the smallest detail, and there must not be any negligence in our etiquette either.”Stephen hurriedly said, “L
“Tell me, do you think that he is planning to live with Claire Wilson for the rest of his life?”Stephen hurriedly said, “Lord Wade, we cannot control or try to influence matters such as feelings. I think that you still have to respect Young Master Wade’s choice.”Jeremiah waved his hand and said seriously, “As the head of the Wade family, I really cannot accept my own grandson marrying a woman with such a bad origin!”As he spoke, Jeremiah was a little emotional as he said, “The reason why I say that Claire Wilson has a bad origin is not only because the Wilson family’s background is really too lowly, but it is even more so because that Claire Wilson’s grandfather was originally a slave who worked for the Wade family!”“Tell me, which big family would allow their own grandson to marry their own slave’s granddaughter and take her as his wife? Wouldn’t that be blatantly shaming and embarrassing our ancestors?!”“So, no matter what it is, Charlie must divorce that woman!”Stephen h
In Jeremiah’s eyes, during the ancestor worship ceremony this time, although he was really looking forward to Felix’s marriage, in the final analysis, what he really valued the most was Charlie. The royal family was really wealthy, and they also had status and reputation, but their property and status could only be considered at the medium to high level. So, as a whole, the royal family was a jack of all trade but master of none. They were good in all aspects, but there was nothing that was particularly outstanding or top-notch about them. If they really wanted to compare the overall strength, ten princesses from Northern Europe might not even be able to match up to Quinn.After all, although the members of the European royal family were not as large as the Middle East, they were all families with at least a few children. However, Quinn was the only rightful child of the Golding family. So, how could the royal princess possibly compare to her?Stephen has followed Jeremiah for
Moreover, he had always been a little worried about Charlie. He was worried that Charlie would be angry at him because of Charlie’s parents’ death. Therefore, getting Charlie back would actually do him more harm than good.He knew very well in his heart that he would most likely be bringing someone ungrateful back after finding Charlie and bringing him back.However, the main reason why he insisted on bringing Charlie back to acknowledge his own ancestors and the reason why he was willing to beg Charlie to come back to do so was all because of an experience that Jeremiah had had in Singapore three years ago.Three years ago, Jeremiah had gone to Sweden to attend an entrepreneurial summit. It was a global event for the top entrepreneurs in the world, and there were no more than five entrepreneurs in Oskia who were truly qualified to be invited, and he was one of them. The other people from other countries were all also representatives of top-notch families with trillions of dol
Zachary couldn't help pointing at the screen and snapping, "Fucking loser! The more you feel pressed, the less you should be nervous! What are you thinking?! You're falling right under that bastard's trap!"Jacob was frustrated too, growling through his teeth, "Shit! I didn't think that bastard was a sly old fox. Fucking hell!"He then sighed, shaking his head. "Forget it, Zachary—I'm going home to pack my shit, and I'll depart for Dubai first thing tomorrow. Just handle that bronze sculpture for me and wire the money over."As he was about to get off, Zachary sighed in exasperation and apologetically said, "Sorry, Mr. Wilson… but it's fine! Even if this plan screwed up, just let me cook up another plan to destroy Raymond Cole!"Jacob ignored him as he strode out of the car, but that was when Raymond spoke audibly from Zachary's phone, "You can calm down. I'm not accusing you of lying to me. I just think that it's not Renaissance… Rather, it's medieval.""E-Early medieval…?" Billy
In Treasure Measure, Raymond unwrapped the red cloth around the bronze sculpture in front of Billy and the camera.There was a brief flash of surprise on his face, and it was soon gone.Still, he picked up the bronze sculpture, fiddling with it as he asked, "Do you know where it's from?""Yeah," Billy nodded. "A Renaissance-era sculpture. I think the base makes it obvious."Raymond looked up at him and asked in curiosity, "Are you sure about that?"Billy, presuming that Raymond had already noticed a catch, quickly said, "Well, the old man had an expert check it, and the expert said it was immediately obvious! To be honest, I want to sell it because the old man just passed away—gotta sell this baby before my brother goes for a garage sale."He had certainly added more details to the script, and Raymond nodded as he said nonchalantly, "But it doesn't look Renaissance to me. Sculptures from that era—be it the craftsmanship or the unique attributes? It's quite different from this one
In the antique trade, items that raised eyebrows would only be shown in the evenings—when various shops were about to close.That was certainly the case in Antique Street, as most items arriving in the evening were either freshly excavated, stolen, or forgery used to dupe unsuspecting victims.Even if Raymond had started his career abroad, he had learned every last unspoken rule during his earlier stint in Aurous Hill.Seeing the wariness on Billy's face and the way he was holding something in his arms, Raymond knew right away that what he carried wasn't legal.Still, the antique trade was no different here than it was abroad.Tomb raiding, forgery, or adding some touch-ups that increased the value of an item—everyone across the globe pretty much played the same tricks, and Raymond had his fair share of experience.Still, he did not let his wariness show, instead grinning, "Yes, of course. Come on in—let's talk inside!"And with that, he quickly led Billy inside.Meanwhile, bot
"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