Charlie listened in amazement and couldn't help but ask her, “Back in Northern Europe, you had an old man accompanying you. You referred to him as ‘grandfather’ in front of me, but was he actually another orphan you raised?”Vera smiled faintly and said, “The old man you mentioned is called Mr. Raven, and he is the last abandoned infant I adopted in Eastcliff after the July 7th incident just before heading to the United States.”After pausing for a moment, Vera continued, “In fact, the majority of such children would establish businesses themselves with my assistance after reaching their twenties. Some assets might be entrusted to them for management purposes, but it's essentially a gift from me. In these more than two hundred years, I have given away countless fortunes.”“Only a very small portion, such as Mr. Raven, who has deep affection, will willingly stay by my side. I will keep them by my side as well. After all, being just a woman and lacking self-defense skills, when I’m on
Over the past three hundred years, she had contemplated ending her own life countless times. However, the thought of her father sacrificing his life in exchange for her immortality always dispelled her thoughts of suicide. After all, she knew in her heart that her father's greatest wish before his death was for her to keep living. He hoped his beloved daughter would live a long life, not just for a hundred years, but preferably five hundred years. Meanwhile, his own life had ended at the age of forty-one.It was because of this that Vera, who was on the verge of collapse numerous times, clenched her teeth and persevered. Nevertheless, her heart had long been tormented and ravaged by immortality.Charlie truly felt pity for the young girl in front of him even though she was nearly four hundred years old.At this moment, Vera sighed deeply, and her eyes turned red as she sobbed and said, “Thank you for your compassion, Young Master…” After saying that, Vera continued, “I have inve
When Vera heard Charlie’s words, she exclaimed, “A woman? Young Master, do you remember what that woman looked like?”Charlie furrowed his brows, recalling the brief glance he had, and said, “I feel that the woman appeared to be in her thirties, and she has a pretty decent appearance.”Vera nodded gently and said, “That should be Miss Dijo, one of the four great earls of the Qing Eliminating Society!”Charlie asked in surprise, “You know about the four great earls?” “I know a little.” Vera replied, “Although only Fleur has survived to this day in the Qing Eliminating Society, there are still descendants of my father's former subordinates within the organization. Due to the special poison concocted by Fleur, they are bound to serve her through generations. However, they are aware that I am still alive and have been trying to inform me in every possible way. Therefore, I still have some understanding of the internal situation of the Qing Eliminating Society.”“Although the four gre
Rosalie was already on the verge of an emotional breakdown. She suddenly sat on the ground and burst into tears, immediately drawing the attention of others.People quickly stepped forward to comfort Rosalie. Although Albert was also deeply troubled, he still took the lead and spoke up, “Miss Rosalie, don't worry too much for now. Perhaps Master Wade has God’s blessing over him!”“That’s right, Miss Rosalie,” Isaac, though red and teary-eyed, tried to reassure her, “As long as there's no concrete evidence that Young Master is in danger, there's still hope for everything.”Rosalie knew they were all just trying to comfort her. In reality, everyone was deeply worried and sorrowful because they couldn't find Charlie. It was just that she was the first to lose control of her emotions.Just then, Merlin walked up with a confident look on his face and said to everyone, “Don't be too pessimistic for now. From what I see, the chances of Mr. Wade surviving are very high!”The crowd suddenl
Albert was momentarily bewildered when he heard Charlie’s voice. His mind couldn't snap back to reality immediately. He just stared blankly at the sky, muttering, “Oh, my… Am I dreaming? Is God really this miraculous?”Charlie, who was on the other end of the phone, asked, “Albert, what are you muttering to yourself?” Only then did Albert snap out of it, asking in astonishment, “Master… Master Wade?! Is it really you, or am I hallucinating?!”As soon as Albert spoke, everyone around him had countless questions in their minds. They questioned him, demanding to know if the call was really from Charlie. Charlie asked Albert again, “You can't recognize my voice anymore?”It was then that Albert confirmed that the person who was talking to him on the other end of the line was actually Charlie. Albert instantly burst into tears of joy, asking, “Master Wade, where are you?! We've been searching the valley for nearly an hour and still haven't found you. We were getting so worried…”C
As she spoke, Vera blushed slightly and said, “Besides, you’re not even clothed. If word about this gets out, it wouldn't bother me, but how would you explain things to your wife? Furthermore, Mr. Raven and the others live downstairs. If a helicopter flies in at night and several men come to my room, and another man without clothes is taken away, what would they think of me, then?”Charlie nodded and said helplessly, “You’re right about all that, but how are we going to get there now?”Vera said, “Wait a moment, Young Master. I'll make the necessary arrangements.”After saying this, Vera immediately stood up, went downstairs, and changed into a simple T-shirt and a pair of jeans.She made a phone call, and twenty minutes later, a two-seater light helicopter swiftly flew above the courtyard, then slowly landed in the yard.Once the pilot got out of the helicopter, he left through the courtyard gate without looking back.After he left, Vera came to the courtyard, took down a new se
As Charlie flew with Vera toward Champs Elys hot spring villa, Merlin, Isaac, Albert, and others heaved a sigh of relief, stopped their search, and headed back to Champs Elys hot spring villa ahead of time.Merlin knew that the Ackers were worried about Charlie’s safety, so he hurried back to the villa as soon as he got off the plane. The Acker family members were anxiously waiting in the living room, hoping that Merlin would bring back good news. After all, Charlie was of great significance to the Ackers and had been a great concern for them for twenty years. Furthermore, Charlie’s other identity was actually the benefactor who once saved the Ackers, which further elevated Charlie’s status in the eyes of the Acker family members. When they saw Merlin walking in briskly, the Acker family members instantly stood up and looked at him eagerly. Lady Acker subconsciously walked toward him and murmured, “Merlin, have you found Charlie’s whereabouts?”Merlin smiled and said, “Lady Acker
Lord Acker chuckled and said, “You deserved to get kicked out. Charlie already said that the pill must be taken directly on the spot, but you challenged his rules, so isn’t it natural for him to kick you out?” Christian was depressed and said, “Dad, who was I challenging Charlie’s rules for?”Kaeden, who was aside, patted Christian’s shoulder and said with a smile, “Come on, Christian. Although you were kicked out of the auction by Charlie, we should all be grateful for that incident. If it weren't for you, the Ackers might not have caught Charlie’s attention so soon. It's a good thing, and our whole family benefitted from it!”Christian sighed and said sincerely, “Oh, it’s not a big deal for me to get kicked out by my nephew. I just didn’t expect that my nephew would be so capable and end up being our benefactor. I just feel a little embarrassed when I think back to my words and behavior back at the auction.” At this moment, the sound of a helicopter could be heard outside the v
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
"Mr. Wilson, what you boys did was truly heinous!" Don Arnold growled. "I scolded Zachary myself when I found out, and I was the one who told him to post that statement!"Jacob was shocked. "But why, Don Arnold? Are you friends with Raymond Cole?""Never met the guy," Don Arnold replied.That left Jacob even more confused. "Then why are you taking his side?""I've been doing my best to clean up my image over the past couple of years," Don Albert replied coolly. "I rarely get involved in mob business or anything illicit, and everyone in Aurous Hill knows that Zachary is my right-hand man, yet he confessed to committing such a heinous crime behind my back. What is that if not sullying my reputation?"Jacob was left reeling as he didn't expect Don Albert to be so serious, but he quickly explained, "I'm sorry. I didn't expect it to affect you so terribly… It's all Zachary's fault! I wouldn't have been aware that Raymond had returned at all, but he just had to tell me and come up with