Sophie was overjoyed when she heard Charlie say that he was going to pay a visit to her house. She nodded gratefully and said, “Okay, Mr. Wade. I’ll go and pick my brother up first and wait for you at my mother’s mansion.”“Okay.” Charlie nodded slightly and said to Isaac, “Mr. Cameron, please make the arrangements to bring Jaime to meet Miss Schulz after he gets off the plane.”Isaac said without hesitation, “Don’t worry, Young Master, I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”Charlie nodded and then said to Sophie, “Miss Schulz, you should head to the airport first, I’ll see you in the afternoon.”“See you in the afternoon, Mr. Wade!” After Sophie bid farewell to Charlie, she drove to the airport impatiently. Although Jaime had chosen to turn to his grandfather, Cadfan, after his family was in danger, Sophie did not blame him.She was actually very aware of her brother’s character. He was not a bad person, but he had just been pampered for too many years, so he really lacked
Jaime sighed and said piously, “I didn’t suffer much, but I always feel very guilty whenever I think of you and Mom. I’ve never been able to forgive myself...”Sophie comforted him quickly, “Those are already things of the past, so don’t mention it again. Mom and I also understand you very well, and we are not mad at you at all.”With that said, she hurriedly wiped her tears away and said, “Brother, Mom is waiting for you at home, so let’s go back quickly!”Jaime said somewhat embarrassedly, “Sophie, it’s not good for Mom to see me in this state. Why don’t I find a place to take a bath and change my clothes first?”“No need.” Sophie shook her head and said, “Mom already prepared a set of clothes and also a razor for you. Just come back with me quickly...”Jaime asked in surprise, “Did Mom know that Mr. Wade would let me come back today? Could it be that Mom pleaded with Mr. Wade to let me come back?” “No.” Sophie shook her head and explained, “I was talking to Mom yesterday abou
Aurous Hill old town district.The mansion that Charlie shared with his parents when he was young now seemed brand new.Helen had put a lot of effort into renovating and rebuilding the mansion bit by bit. Although everything looked the same as it did back then, it seemed that time had been turned back directly to twenty years ago.During this period of time, Helen lived a very relaxed life every day. She read books, drank tea, practiced calligraphy in the mansion every day, and patiently took care of the flowers and plants in the courtyard in her free time. She lived a very fulfilling life every day. Jaime had been on the pilgrimage during this period of time, and Sophie often traveled for work and rarely had time to come back to accompany her, but Helen felt that such a solitary life made her immensely satisfied. Although she was also worried about Jaime, she also knew that this was Charlie’s punishment for him. Charlie would not forgive him so easily, but he would definitely e
In both ancient and modern times, many members of the royal family and heirs to wealthy families had long gotten used to betraying and turning their backs on one another because of their own interests.Jaime was still kneeling on the ground, and tears were streaming down his face as he said in an incomparably firm voice, “I disregarded my mother and sister’s lives and only cared about my own future. That was utterly inhumane and unrighteous, and I was being too disloyal and unfilial!”Helen said seriously, “I understand what you’re saying, but you couldn’t help it either. I don’t blame you.”Jaime continued in a loud voice, “If I was wrong, I was wrong! Saying that I couldn’t have helped it is nothing more than an excuse! I could have chosen to stand with my mother and sister and seek justice for you, but instead, I made the wrong choice to disregard your lives and only care about my own self-interest!”Helen was silent for a moment. She then sighed softly and said earnestly, “Okay
“Eight months?”Sophie exclaimed, “Wouldn’t you have to travel at least eight to nine kilometers every day if you want to reach Jordan Temple within eight months?!” Sophie nodded and said, “Eight to nine kilometers is just the minimum. If the condition is good and the weather is good, I will have to travel a little faster so I can have more time to enjoy for a while when I pass by places with beautiful and majestic scenery.”Sophie felt distressed again. Helen turned around and said to her, “Sophie, don’t disturb your brother and let him take a good bath.”Sophie nodded slightly and said to Jaime, “Brother, take a good bath first. We will wait for you outside.”Jaime hummed in response. After Sophie had closed the bathroom door, Jaime took off his tattered clothes and prepared to take a good bath.However, after standing in front of the bathtub, he looked at the clear warm water inside, then took his dirty clothes to the shower room at the side after hesitating for a moment.He
Vera wanted to build a good relationship with Marianne, so she took the initiative to accompany Marianne to Aurous University to sign the contract, but she did not expect that Marianne would want to come to Thompson First after signing the contract. This decision really shocked her.Although Vera had come to Aurous Hill in order to find Charlie, she was not ready to meet Charlie at the moment, so she was absolutely unwilling to come to Thompson First. Fortunately, the back row of the SUV was covered with privacy tinting, so she stayed in the car and waited for Marianne, using the excuse that she was a little unwell. After Marianne had gotten out of the elevator, Madam Marilyn opened the sliding door on the right side of the back of the car. Marianne got into the car and said to the two with a smile, “Sorry to keep the both of you waiting. Let’s go.”Vera heaved a sigh of relief and said with a smile, “It wasn’t that long, it was just five to six minutes.”Marianne nodded and ask
Nanako was following behind Charlie, and when she saw Charlie suddenly stop and frown, she hurriedly asked him, “What’s wrong, Mr. Wade?”Charlie said with a confused expression, “I don’t know either...”After saying that, he subconsciously took the ring out.The ring was still shaking like a Parkinson’s patient when it was between Charlie’s fingers, but after Charlie took it out, it gradually became calm and motionless again.Charlie was even more puzzled. He could not help but wonder, ‘Why are you acting up again? Are you feeling hungry again? Are you trying to cheat me out of my Reiki again?’When Nanako saw Charlie looking at the ring in his hand with a puzzled expression, she asked again, “Charlie-kun, is there anything special about this ring?”Charlie came back to his senses and casually smiled as he said, “It’s nothing special. It’s just a broken ring that I picked up from the walkway earlier. I’ve been hesitating as to whether I should throw it away or not.”Nanako purs
Vera casually said, “It’s that handsome guy who walked past our car in the underground parking lot just now. He’s quite tall and handsome.”“I-Is that so...?” Marianne panicked and said, “I didn’t see him. I was a little distracted just now...”“Okay.” Vera laughed and said, “I’ll be sure to tell you as soon as possible when a handsome guy passes by next time.”“Okay...” Marianne subconsciously answered as she thought that she had fooled Vera successfully.Her series of performances also made Vera even more convinced of her previous judgment that Marianne had come to Aurous Hill for Charlie. Vera did not say anything else but took out her cell phone and typed the words ‘Ito Nanako’ on the search engine. She had already read all of Charlie’s files before and had carefully deduced Charlie’s identity, experience, current business map, and power blueprint.She guessed that Charlie must be leading Ito-Schulz Ocean Shipping Group behind the scenes, so she paid special attention and
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