“What?!” Martha only felt extremely shocked at this moment.She hurriedly asked, “Why did the police arrest them? Did they mention the reason why?”At this moment, Martha kept praying to God in her heart as she hoped that her husband and two sons would have been taken away by the police because of gambling, prostitution, or something else.It would not even matter if they were taken away by the police because of murder. But no matter what it was, it should not be money laundering!This was because murder would be nothing to fuss about!It would not matter even if any one of her two sons or husband were sentenced to death or even if all three of them were sentenced to death. After all, there would be a day when they would come out sooner or later. However, everything would really be over if it was a money laundering crime!That would mean that all the assets that she had worked hard for over so many years would be seized in accordance with the law!More than half of her life’
The second daughter-in-law, who was next to her, then blurted out without hesitation, “If even you don’t dare to do it, I naturally wouldn’t dare to do so either!” As she said that, she cried and said, “The police can seize whatever they want to seize. For so many years, aside from bringing up the children at home, I’ve never done anything illegal in the eyes of the law, so the police definitely will not be able to arrest me.”When the eldest daughter-in-law heard this, she also chimed in and said, “Yes, that’s right... We are just two women, and aside from giving birth, nursing our children, and raising our children, we do not know of anything else, and we have never done anything illegal. The police will certainly not be able to do anything to us!” When Martha heard this, the anger deep in her heart surged. She wanted to rush back immediately and hack these two daughters-in-law of hers to death.She clenched her jaw tightly and said in a cold and hysterical tone, “You have been
Although the Oskian ancestors had long admonished that money would come and go, in truth, many people still valued money more than life.For a heinous person like Martha, she had long put matters of her life and death aside, and the most important thing for her was to make more money so that her family could continue flourishing.If her descendants could become rich heirs in the future and continue being prosperous, that would be her ultimate life goal.Her ultimate life goal was not focused on any single descendant, but it was to enable her entire family to have a complete change of fate.To put it bluntly, she was willing to sacrifice herself to make several generations of her descendants happy. Therefore, she would never hesitate if she were to be killed at this moment as long as her family would not be affected in any way.But now, this matter had developed in the direction that she least wanted. It was the fact that this foundation that she had worked so hard for was fall
This was also the case for Jalen.Although he was also working alone in the United States to earn money and his wife, children, and grandchildren were all relying on his support in Oskia, his family was not considered rich in Oskia yet. Over the years, the cash that he had given to his family time after time was estimated to be around ten million Oskian dollars.In his opinion, this amount of money was enough for his family to live, but it was not as obvious and ostentatious as Martha’s. So, his family should be very safe even though Martha’s family members had been arrested. As Jalen thought of this, he felt even smugger and could not help but secretly think to himself, ‘Martha, oh, Martha, I never expected that you would also end up in this state one day! You usually scold me every day as if you’re some big shot with extreme power, so why don’t you have the same bullish energy that you had before now? I did not mind your age and wanted to be a temporary couple with you so that
Jalen, who had been secretly mocking Martha, collapsed and lost consciousness in an instant because he could not stand this sudden blow.Kyler hurriedly helped Jalen who had fallen to the ground up. He massaged him as he said helplessly, “Uncle, weren’t you very open-minded when you were persuading Aunt Martha earlier? Why don’t you have the same mentality when it comes to yourself?”When Martha saw that Jalen was unconscious, even though she was in despair, her mood seemed to ease a little. It was as if another acquaintance had suddenly jumped in with her when she was feeling desperate after falling into an abyss. This somehow comforted her a little. So, she spoke up and said to Kyler, “What’s the use of squeezing him so hard? He will not wake up even if you knock his front teeth off. Hurry up and pour some water on him to wake him up!”Kyler looked at Heather, who was next to him, and blurted out, “Go and get some water from the car. Why are you still standing here in a daze
The smuggler was not afraid that they would run away at all because the smuggler did not take them to the United States directly but to Mexico first. Either way, as long as they got on the smuggler’s boat, they were just like the slaves who were sold by the Europeans back then, and their life and death were in the individual’s hands.Those who were obedient could live until the boat docked, whereas those who were disobedient would have rocks tied to their feet directly before they were thrown into the sea on the spot to be sunk to the bottom of the sea.The two had managed to escape with great difficulty, and they did not dare to disobey, so they followed the boat all the way to Mexico.After disembarking in Mexico, the two were forced to stuff a few packs of contraband into their rectums in Mexico before they then traveled to the United States with the fake identities provided by the smuggler. According to the smuggler’s price, three thousand US dollars would be discounted for
“Elaine?!”Jose was stunned when he heard this.Immediately after that, he had an incredulous look on his face as he asked, “Martha, do you mean that Elaine was the one who pinpointed us?! She... She does not know of our true identities!”Martha responded with a serious expression, “I think that the fact that our family met with this situation is inseparable from Elaine’s arrest, so it might be because of her. However, if you want me to come up with substantial evidence, I cannot come up with it either.”Kyler, who was aside, hurriedly said, “Aunt Martha, I think that Elaine is just an old and pathetic loser. She was fooled so easily, so she cannot possibly have any great abilities.”Heather also chimed in and said, “That’s right, Aunt Martha! Elaine doesn’t look like someone with any real abilities.”Martha said coldly, “Do you still remember her son-in-law?”“Yes, I remember.” Kyler said, “Isn’t it that kid named Charlie Wade or something?”“Yes, that’s him!” Martha nodded he
“Ahh?!” Kyler’s face turned pale out of fright, and he blurted out and asked, “Aunt Martha, what should we do now?!”Martha blurted out, “It seems that I made the right decision in choosing to go to Mexico. Let’s flee to Mexico as soon as possible. The law and order there is chaotic, so it would also be more convenient for us to hide. Let’s slowly think about countermeasures after we get there!”***Meanwhile, Elaine had just woken up on the soft bed in the luxury single ward in the highest-end private hospital in New York.Although she had broken a rib, the good thing was that her condition was not serious. The doctor gave her oral and topical medication to help her minimize the pain, so the physical pain that she felt was almost negligible.However, unlike her physical body, Elaine’s spirit had suffered all night long. She had had many dreams when she slept last night. Although each dream was not quite the same, each dream ended with her being sentenced to death by the court.
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
Zachary chuckled and continued, "Well, I went to Antique Street and asked around. Turns out our mutual friend only brought a few hundred thousand grand with him. If he messes up and loses all his money, won't it be over for him?""He won't just be broke either—he'd be humiliated and forced to fuck off from Antique Street. You'd get even then!"Jacob was at once excited.Just yesterday, Claire and Charlie were warning him that assault meant doing time.As the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association and the next presidential-hopeful, he would lose his place if he was charged with assault or being an accessory to a case.However, Zachary's plan was much better. Jacob wouldn't have to take responsibility, and the damage on Raymond would be even worse!In comparison, slapping Raymond meant nothing. Watching him go broke and get humiliated would really ease his heart!With that in mind, he promptly pressed Zachary, "Are you sure that prick will mess up?""I can't a
Jacob Wilson was in his office at the Calligraphy and Painting Association, planning his itinerary in Dubai.Still, he was immediately thrilled when Zachary told him that there was progress, and he quickly said, "Come see me at the Calligraphy and Painting Association. We'll talk in my office!""Alright!" Zachary agreed to it happily. "Just wait, Mr. Wilson. I'll be right there!"Jacob then quickly told him, "By the way, remember to address me as the vice president when you're here. Got it?"Zachary was naturally sharp enough to understand why, especially around other members of the Calligraphy and Painting Association.Smiling, he said, "Don't worry, chief. You can always be at ease when I'm on the job!"Once he hung up, he drove to the Calligraphy and Painting Association at top speed.There were just a dozen people around the dozens of work cubicles although Zachary was curious about the personal effects or office tools in the cubicles.After asking around, a staff member le
Then, Mick continued, "I won't lie—Moore Group's bean counters have been eager to get rid of Vintage Deluxe for a while now. It's only Miss Moore's insistence that keeps them at bay, even occasionally coming to check on how business is going. That means she holds sentiment for this place, but if she knows that Raymond is back and doing well, she might hire him again!"Zachary could laugh right then. After all, Mick was terrible at gathering information—he could worry about anyone taking his palace, but not Raymond. The man was fired because he had insulted Master Wade's father in-law, and Miss Moore was endlessly respectful—even obedient to Master Wade. There was no chance that she would hire Raymond back after what he had done, and Mick was just being paranoid.However, Zachary did not tell Mick that.As Mick was begging him to intervene and thus owing him big time, he would also be helping Jacob Wilson get even.Two birds with one stone, so why not?With that in mind, Zachar
Zachary then said, "By the way, I have some friends who have a lot of stock. How much capital do you have, Mr. Cole? I'll check if they have stuff that suits you, and you can partner with them."When Zachary asked how much capital, he was basically asking Raymond how much he would invest in his own business and how much he could spend on taking new stock as he was buying.As such, Raymond replied modestly, "I've been chasing my tail for a while, so I didn't earn more than a few hundred thousand. I definitely would have no issue taking items with rebates, but I'm afraid I can't afford premiums.""Alright!" Zachary nodded, having discerned the scale of Zachary's capital."I'll check on what's available and see if we can get a few personal deals."Raymond nodded. "Thank you, Zachary!"Zachary smiled, shaking his head. "Mr. Crane, please buy another fruit basket for Mr. Cole—I'll pay you later."Mick quickly said, "Oh, you don't have to, Mr. Evans! It's my pleasure, no worries!"Zach
With the last stroke, Raymond got on a ladder to reach the old signboard, pasting the banner over the old shop sign.Then, he added a notice by the entrance: We buy all antiques and measure all treasures.As soon as the makeshift sign and notice were up, Mick was the first to arrive with a fruit basket to celebrate the occasion.The instant they met, he greeted Raymond warmly, "Ah, Mr. Cole! You sure are efficient—you just came back yesterday evening, and you're already setting up shop today at noon!"Raymond smiled, "Doing a small business by myself is naturally much quicker."Mick shook his head disapprovingly as he put the fruit basket by the door, "Now, now. Don't be a stranger, Mr. Cole—almost everyone in Antique Street is a friend, but you didn't tell the gang when you opened the shop! It'd hype things up when everyone comes bringing you gifts!"Raymond quickly shook his head. "Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't know if this humble trade will last. It's better to keep m
To not lose three months' worth of rent on top of that, Donald called over the owner at top speed while getting some of the friends in the antique trade to appraise what merchandise he had left.Taking losses had always been the hardest pill to swallow, but once the decision was made, there really was nothing that couldn't be given up.The owner was plenty pleased as well since that meant someone was picking up on his rental. He promptly had Donald sign the agreement transferring the last three months for the rental to Raymond while signing a new rental contract with Raymond.Raymond didn't have to pay up immediately either—he just had to start paying rent to the owner once Donald's three-month rent was up.Once the agreement was signed, every stall owner as well as owners of businesses resembling the Pearl House swarmed the premises.After all, they loved to take stock from people in the same line of business. Once a business owner decided to close shop, they wouldn't be bothered
If Donald had to maintain his business under such circumstances, the next three months would be even worse.Hence, instead of doing that, he really wanted to stop this business altogether.As for what remaining merchandise, he'd just get some fellow in the same business to take them off his hands at a lower cost while he gained his freedom sooner.Hence, he stopped Raymond, "Wait, my friend! Let's talk about this… if the hundred fifty grand transfer fee is too much for you, why don't I cut it down even more—say, a hundred grand instead?"Raymond turned and told him solemnly, "I'm not paying a transfer fee at all."Frustrated, Donald blurted, "At least give me ten grand for my troubles! My shop is good—you'd definitely make bank once you take it off my hands!"Raymond thought about it and eventually said, "How about this—if you can clear up the place by the end of the day, I will pay you five grand on top of the forty five grand that is your remaining rent, but not one cent more."
The reasoning was simple too—with businesses failing, most shops were losing money.With months left on Donald's rental contract, all he could do now was keep his business afloat while attempting to transfer the rental to someone else. At the same time, he must be prepared for the situation where no one would rent it from him, and he must honor his contract to the very last second.With the losses he had sustained up until the contract expires, he definitely wouldn't extend it. That meant packing up to leave while returning everything to the owner to claim the deposit that the owner was holding.Even now that he was asking for a transfer fee, his mindset was to get whatever he could get. By the last month, Donald would naturally give up on such pipe dreams regardless.Still, when Raymond saw the lack of merchandise in the shop, he could tell Donald's business was at its final stretch. What little he sold would serve to recuperate his losses, and there was no chance in hell he would