“I don’t have one.” Vera shook her head and then said immediately, “But there is one person who does.”After saying that, Vera did not beat around the bush and told Logan and his wife, “I came to Aurous Hill this time to find a man named Charlie Wade. He saved my life in Northern Europe.”To Vera, Logan and his wife were absolutely credible, just like Emmett. She could not have come to Aurous Hill this time without their help, so she did not hide anything from them.After saying that, Logan and his wife were naturally shocked and speechless. When Vera spoke about how she had found out Charlie’s identity step by step, Logan exclaimed, “Miss, your benefactor is Keith’s grandson?!”Vera nodded and then asked him curiously, “Do you know Keith Acker?”“Yes, I do.” Logan nodded and said, “The Acker family was in the rubber business in the early years in the United States. We had a collaboration, and almost all the rubber that I had on hand was sold to him, so we could be considered to
Meanwhile, Charlie brought Claudia back to Mrs. Lewis’s new home from the shopping mall. Both Charlie and Stephanie gave Mrs. Lewis a helping hand in the kitchen like they did back in the orphanage to help her to cook a table full of good dishes. Mrs. Lewis and Stephanie were very happy to learn that Claudia’s schooling matters had been taken care of. They both expressed their full support for Claudia’s decision to pursue an archaeology major. After the four of them had lunch happily, Stephanie suggested, “Charlie, do you have anything to do in the afternoon today? If you don’t have any plans, let’s take Claudia out to visit all the famous scenic spots in Aurous Hill together today!”Charlie said apologetically, “It might not be convenient for me this afternoon. I just came back, so there are still some things that I have to attend to urgently.”Charlie had already asked Isaac to go to Porter to ask him for the current address of the old lady who had given him the Phoenixica. A
When Rosalie heard that Charlie was coming, she told her parents as well as her grandfather, Holden, about this matter immediately. They were all so excited that they hurriedly gathered all the Harker family members and waited in the courtyard to welcome Charlie. When Charlie arrived at the Harker family villa, the Harker family was already lined up on both sides to wait for him. Sheldon, who had a completely new look, was also among them. As soon as Charlie got out of the car, Holden led the Harker family to kneel on the ground in unison and said respectfully, “Hello, Mr. Wade!” Even Sheldon knelt beside Yashita and Rosalie without hesitation after seeing all the Harker family members kneeling. Charlie was a little surprised and hurriedly said, “Please get up quickly. It’s not the first day you know me, so why are you still giving me such a grand welcome?” Holden, who was kneeling at the front, said respectfully, “Mr. Wade, you have shown great kindness to the Harker famil
There were almost no resources that Charlie could not regulate in Aurous Hill.The hotel, wedding dress, and convoy were the three most important elements of a wedding, and Charlie could provide Sheldon and Yashita with the best in Aurous Hill.It was also with Charlie’s support that Sheldon and Yashita could feel at ease to set their wedding date on August 8th. Sheldon knelt on the ground to express his gratitude, but Charlie stopped him and said, “You can start drawing up the guest list for the wedding now. Theoretically speaking, I won’t interfere with anyone you want to invite, but the premise is that the people you invite must basically be controllable.”With that said, Charlie looked at Yashita and said frankly, “After all, Madam Yashita’s severed limb has been regenerated. Once this kind of thing is exposed to the public, I’m afraid that will set off a shocking wave in the medical world. The inexplicable self-healing of advanced cancer is rare in the history of medicine, bu
“Oh, Nanako-chan...” When Charlie heard this, he did not think much about it and replied directly, “Since she said so, it’s up to you to decide whether you’d like to invite her or not.”Rosalie nodded lightly and spoke up, “I’ll give her a call later, then.”Although Rosalie knew that the reason why Nanako wanted to come to her parents’ wedding was most likely because she wanted to take this opportunity to meet Charlie, she also knew very well that Charlie’s affection for Nanako was far more than his affection for her. She could not and should not deliberately avoid this matter just because the two would meet. Since Charlie had no opinion about this matter, she would invite Nanako and her father, Yahiko, to come to Aurous Hill to attend her parents’ wedding. ***At this moment, in Kyoto, Japan. When Yahiko returned from the United States, he did not choose to go to Tokyo but went directly to the Ito family’s mansion in Kyoto. This house had a very special significance to h
After hearing Nanako’s words, Yahiko stopped what he was doing and leaned on his sword as he panted and asked, “Nanako, what did you say? We may have to go to Oskia?”“Yes!” Nanako smiled and said, “Wait a moment, I’ll answer a call first.”Yahiko was even more surprised. He thought Nanako had received a call from someone, which was why she had said that they might have to go to Oskia, but he did not expect that she had not even answered the call yet.Nanako answered the call, and Rosalie, who was on the other end of the line, asked, “Miss Ito, am I bothering you by calling so suddenly?”“No.” Nanako said with a smile, “I’m not doing anything much, just playing around with some flower arrangements. Miss Rosalie, why are you calling me?” Rosalie got straight to the point and said, “It’s about my parents’ wedding.”Nanako asked in surprise, “Are your parents finally getting married?”“Yes.” Rosalie said truthfully, “Mr. Wade just came, and my parents’ wedding date has been set fo
Nanako said happily, “It’s a deal, then!”Yahiko asked, “Since we will be staying longer, should we buy a mansion in Aurous Hill? I’m afraid it will be too boring if we stay in the hotel for a long time.”Nanako asked him with wide-opened eyes, “Is that possible, Otou-san? Can we buy a mansion in Aurous Hill?”Yahiko shook his head helplessly and said, “You’re the head of the Ito family, so you have the final say on how money is spent, right?”“That’s great!” Nanako said to Hiroshi, “Tanaka-san, if you’re free tomorrow, why don’t you leave for Aurous Hill early in the morning to find a suitable mansion first, then?!”Hiroshi said without hesitation, “No problem, Miss. I will leave early in the morning tomorrow.”Having said that, he asked again, “By the way, Miss, do you have any requirements for the mansion?”Nanako thought for a while and said, “Bigger, quieter, and it doesn’t matter if it’s remote. It will certainly be impossible to find a Japanese-style mansion in Aurous Hil
When Charlie returned to the villa at Thompson First, Claire was still cleaning up the house with several cleaning staff.The cleaning company even used professional odor-purifying equipment to clean the entire first floor thoroughly because the smell of tobacco, alcohol, moldy food, and vomit on the first floor was really too strong.Jacob, who was one of the sources of the stench, had been invited to the courtyard by Claire at this time.After Jacob had been enlightened by Charlie, he did not drink too much alcohol all day, but he was still a little disheveled. He was wearing a pair of boxers and a basketball vest as he smoked a cigarette and sighed as he sat in the courtyard. Only then did Charlie realize that his old father-in-law’s body had become puffier, especially when he was sitting there. His belly was piled into a large lump, and coupled with his scruffy beard, he suddenly looked much filthier.Jacob’s eyes suddenly lit up when he saw that Charlie was back. He quickly
With those words, Jacob didn't wait any further as he turned and left Antique Street, intent on seeking legal counsel.Raymond watched him leave before returning to Treasure Measure.He wasn't going to leave, but he had said so because he didn't want to waste much time with Jacob.Still, to avoid any trouble, he turned the sign outside to 'closed' before locking the door from the inside.That was when a man suddenly arrived, asking through the glass door, "Can I still take a look inside, sir?"Raymond was ready to refuse without even turning around when he realized that it was Charlie.He turned around and saw him standing outside just as expected.Smiling, he hurried over to open the door for him. "It's been a while, Mr. Wade!"Charlie was aware that Raymond was sticking to his identity of 'Raymond Cole' who had not been in touch since Raymond had been fired from Vintage Deluxe.Charlie chuckled in turn. "It has indeed. And you're a business owner yourself now, too.""It's j
Jacob zipped toward Raymond, his attitude immediately subservient, "I'm sure you've seen what Zachary Evans posted on his Twitter page, and to be honest, it's so terrible that my position in the Calligraphy and Painting Association has been affected too. I mean, you've made a lot of money, right?"Hell, even if you donated ten million, you'd still have another ten million and 970 thousand in net profits. So, all I'd like to ask is for you to post something to disclaim Zachary's post.Jacob's words left Raymond in thought.For Jacob, just being suspected of fraud would definitely be terrible. In fact, his position in the Calligraphy and Painting Association would definitely be threatened—if not dismissed altogether—if he wasn't cleared of suspicion.Since Jacob was Charlie Wade's father-in-law, Raymond had reason not to drive Jacob over the brink.But that also begged another question—it must be under Charlie's intention for Zachary to post his confession, and that meant Charlie in
Raymond couldn't help chuckling just as Jacob finished—he had honestly never heard of anyone who demanded a refund after donating to charity, but he was certainly seeing one now.Still, the receptionist was clearly experienced and slowly explained, "Sir, it's a legal clause of the country that all donations for philanthropy purposes can not be refunded under most circumstances—""It truly was a mistake," Jacob quickly said, cutting the receptionist off. "I was going to donate thirty thousand but pressed an extra zero by mistake. Please discuss this with your management—you just have to refund 27 thousand, see?""Sorry, sir," the receptionist apologized. "But it's a strict rule that we ourselves do not get to access the funds that have been donated into our accounts. Every donation will be screened extensively, and if you consider that there was a major oversight on your part, you may seek legal counsel to appeal for a refund. If the courts back your appeal, our organization will the
Nonetheless, Jacob darted into Treasure Measure and plucked off his mask, asking nervously, "Excuse me, Mr. Cole? It's me… Jacob Wilson…"Raymond looked up, pausing for a moment before acting as if he was actually curious, "Mr. Wilson! What brings you here? Don't tell me—you want that bronze sculpture back too?""No, no, no…" Jacob quickly shook his head. "I would never… I returned all the way from Dubai to apologize!""Apologize?" Raymond smiled faintly, and he did not play dumb this time as he asked bluntly, "Did you come back because of Zachary Evan's post?"Knowing he couldn't deny it any longer, Jacob nodded, "Yeah…"Raymond nodded and said calmly, "That's unnecessary. I was the one who benefited in the end."Jacob wasn't quite keeping up—thinking that Raymond was just trying to be nice by telling him he didn't have to apologize, he quickly pulled out his phone.Tapping on it and bringing up his transaction records, he handed it to Raymond reverently, "Mr. Cole, I understan
The cabbie chuckled. "You're a local yet you're heading to Antique Street right away as soon as you land instead of going home? And you're still saying you're not trying to pick up a killer bargain deal?"Come on, man—it's not just you, I want that too. We cabbies work ourselves to death only for ten thousand per month at best while our friend over there made twenty million in one night. I could keep driving cabs for the rest of my life and still not make that much money."Jacob knew that the cabbie must be talking about Raymond and became even more miserable then, grumbling unhappily, "I'm going to Antique Street for business—I'm not trying to pick up some missed bargain.""No? Then you didn't hear what happened yesterday?"The cabbie was immediately curious, and without waiting for Jacob's answer, he exclaimed happily, "Look, man—it was so ridiculous not even Hollywood would put it in their script. There were these fools who were trying to sell an antique trader a replica, but th
It was nighttime in Dubai as Jacob dragged his weary body from the hotel back to the airport.As he was flying economy this time, he was left sitting at the hard bench near the boarding terminal, waiting for it to open.While he waited, his heart was torn as he tapped into the website of the Aurous Hill Charity Fund, found their donation account, and wired the entire 300 thousand he had made over to them.He had picked the Aurous Hill Charity Fund because the circles of antique collectors in Aurous Hill were all discussing how Raymond had donated half of the 20 million he had made to that same charity fund.After Raymond skyrocketed to prominence in Antique Street and became a star, it could not be denied that people admired his profound ability.However, there were also people who envied his skill in turning the tables just as there were those who were jealous he had made twenty million in a single night.Still, Raymond moved fast—soon after word spread that he had made twenty m
Elaine quickly asked, "Well, what if you can't get it done?"Jacob was apprehensive even as he sighed. "If they really pressed the issue, guess I can't even stay at the Calligraphy and Painting Association now… We will see. If things get bad, I'll just resign. I won't ask for much right now, just as long as I don't have to go to jail."Elaine nodded. "Then you should try to reason things out with Raymond Cole or ask for Charlie's help if push comes to shove. Being humiliated is still better than prison.""Okay!"-It was nighttime at Aurous Hill by the time Elaine and Jacob arrived at their hotel.Charlie and Claire had just had dinner, and Claire pulled out her phone, saying, "I just checked my flight app, and it says my parents should have landed two hours ago. They are probably at the hotel, so I'll check in on them with a video call."She had yet to open her WhatsApp when Elaine called her on a video call.Jacob was planning to check in with Claire and Charlie to put their
Hearing what Jacob had said, Elaine became anxious and pressed him as he hung up, "What's going on? You're leaving? But we just got here! My shoes have just caught Dubai dirt, so why are we leaving so soon—"However, Jacob was wiping the sweat off his brow as he mumbled quietly, "Well, at this point, I have to leave or I won't be vice president anymore."Elaine immediately fumed. "We've been married for half our lives, and this is supposed to be our honeymoon, yet we're just leaving? I've posted about this on social media too—there are plenty of people who're waiting for more posts on our trip!"And don't forget—we spent a lot on our flight tickets and our hotels! The hotel bookings can't be refunded either!"Jacob scowled dolefully. "Well, what can we do? Why don't you stay? I'll go home and get this sorted out first….""Well, how long would that take?" Elaine asked."How should I know?" Jacob sighed, uneasy and annoyed. "Don Albert is saying I have to go back and donate the 300
"But I spent 98 thousand on that bronze sculpture!" Jacob exclaimed in agitation before he knew it. "I made 300 thousand from it, and that means my profit was 200 thousand at best, but I'm supposed to return that to him as well?! That means I'd have lost my own capital too!""I can't help you if you can't bear to part with that money, Mr. Wilson," Don Albert said quietly. "In that case, you'll just have to handle it yourself.""Wait, wait, wait!" Jacob immediately became antsy and cried out right then, "Please, Don Albert! I'll return the money! I'll return it, alright?! The entirety of my profits—202 thousand, okay? At least let me keep the money I spent, okay?""By that reasoning, Mr. Wilson, when a phone scammer is told by the cops to return the money they've made from defrauding, should he be allowed to keep the money he spent on telco charges? ""Oh, I…" Jacob was left stumped and could not come up with an answer.Don Albert then pressed on, "Mr. Wilson, I've offered a prom