The Ackers had long known that their benefactor and the Fox family’s benefactor were the same person. However, when Christian found out that the behind-the-scenes figure, who had eyes and ears everywhere, was actually his missing nephew of twenty years, he still felt somewhat incredulous.At this moment, Charlie didn't hide anything and said calmly, “During the auction for the Rejuvenating Pill that day, Mr. Fox intended to purchase a Rejuvenating Pill. However, his son unexpectedly took advantage of the opportunity to seize power from him. I had some acquaintance with Miss Fox, so I helped them a bit.”Christian nodded lightly and said, “I really didn't expect that my eldest nephew actually has such extraordinary abilities. You’re truly extraordinary!”Merlin, who had been silent all this time, spoke up, “Christian, don't forget that even my life was saved by Mr. Wade.”Christian came to his senses and said, “Yes, that’s right. It's truly remarkable! I used to hear my brother-in-l
The preface is usually introductory content before the main text. So, Charlie felt that if the book his father received back then was really called ‘Preface to the Apocalyptic Book’, perhaps it was indeed the preface to the Apocalyptic Book!With this in mind, he quickly asked, “Uncle, after my dad got this book, what were some of the statements or actions that you couldn't understand or left a deep impression on you?”Christian thought for a moment and said, “There were too many behaviors of your dad that I couldn't understand. He searched for ancient books and materials everywhere and even went on field trips with your mom several times, sometimes for several months. But at that time, I thought your dad's mind was a bit strange, so I didn't pay much attention to what he was actually doing.”At this point, Christian suddenly remembered something and blurted out, “Oh, I remember your dad mentioning more than once to your mom about how people's fates are related to the dragon and pho
Charlie originally planned to have dinner with his grandparents before heading to Scarlet Pinnacle Manor to meet Vera, so he was not in a hurry to rush over to ask Vera about the specific details of the fate of the ascending dragon.Deep down in his heart, he was still reeling from the shock of his parents' past. When he heard from his uncle that his parents were researching something like the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book over twenty years ago, Charlie felt a seismic shift in his perception of his parents.He never imagined that his parents were deeply involved in cultivation matters. What's more, he never thought that his parents had obtained the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book over twenty years ago. For Charlie, this revelation was as shocking as a nuclear explosion.His father had accidentally obtained the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book, and he had stumbled upon the Apocalyptic Book at Vintage Deluxe twenty years later.Could there really be such coincidences in the world?
Christian couldn't help but sigh and say, “Yes… back then, none of us took my sister's words seriously. We thought she might have been following her husband to research some strange things and was maybe even getting a bit obsessed. However, never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that many of the unbelievable things she said would come true.”When Charlie saw the deeply regretful expression on Keith’s face, Charlie's previous complaints instantly eased. So, he spoke up to comfort him, “Grandpa, you don't need to blame yourself. With the strength of the Qing Eliminating Society, if the entire Acker family had been involved, it's possible that we would have met a disastrous end over twenty years ago. Qing Eliminating Society's power far exceeds your imagination. If they wanted to deal with the Ackers, it would have been an extremely easy task for them.”Keith sighed and said, “I've experienced their power firsthand when I was in New York last time. I truly didn't expect them to spen
Christian shook his head and said, “I wasn't interested in those things at all, so I didn't pay attention to it.”Charlie asked again, “Do you know where this book went later?”Christian continued shaking his head. “I don’t know… After your parents studied that book, they went to Oskia for some reason. As for where the book went exactly, I'm not very clear about that as well.”Charlie nodded. It seemed that his parents' departure from the United States to Oskia wasn't as he had previously thought.Previously, Charlie remembered his grandfather being relatively cold toward his father, so he had always thought that his parents returned to Eastcliff because of various pressures from his grandfather, laying the groundwork for their future murder. Now, it seemed that they had accidentally obtained the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book while in the United States, and after researching this book, they had decided to return to Oskia. Their true motive for returning to Oskia should have been
Merlin’s words suddenly made everything clear to everyone.For so many years, the Ackers couldn't understand why Curtis, who was full of literary grace and gentlemanly demeanor, had clashed with the Rothschild family in such a rough manner. Even Charlie couldn't understand why his father would become enemies with the Rothschild family. For a long time, Charlie even thought that the ultra-rich and powerful Rothschild family might have been the culprits behind his parents' murder.But today, after chatting with his grandfather's family and Merlin for so long, he finally understood why his father had acted that way back then. He just wanted to give himself a proper chance to distance himself from the Wades and even from the Ackers.He and his mother had probably already realized that they were facing danger and were drawing a clear line with both families to undoubtedly protect them.Keith couldn't help but burst into tears as he choked up and said, “Why did these two foolish children
Upon careful consideration, this indeed seemed somewhat perplexing and incomprehensible.At this moment, even Keith was a little confused. He looked at Charlie, frowned, and said, “Lulu is right. Charlie is their only son. The more dangerous the situation, the further they should have sent their son away, but why did they bring Charlie to Aurous Hill?”After saying this, he asked Charlie, “Charlie, do you remember the details of when your parents took you to Aurous Hill?”Charlie thought for a moment before replying, “We were together in Aurous Hill for about half a year, and there are too many details I can't recall now. But thinking back, I didn't find anything particularly strange at the time.”He continued, “All along, I thought my parents went to Aurous Hill because they had a falling out with Grandpa and the entire Wade family, so they settled in Aurous Hill out of necessity. Therefore, in my perception, I always thought that Grandpa and the Wades were indirectly responsible
He was dining with his grandparents and family for the first time in twenty years, but Charlie felt like his brain couldn't keep up even before the meal began.He hadn't told his grandparents or Merlin about him obtaining the Apocalyptic Book. So far, he had only shared this information with Vera. This wasn't just because Vera had shared her secret of living nearly four hundred years with him, but also because deep down, he felt that he and Vera had some extremely similar traits. It could even be said that they had a certain mutual understanding. It wouldn't be an exaggeration for him to call her his confidante.At this moment, Charlie only wanted to see Vera as soon as possible. He instinctively felt that the matter of the fate of the ascending dragon, the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book, and the Apocalyptic Book could only be discussed with Vera. Vera was knowledgeable and might be able to help him resolve his doubts. Even if Vera didn't understand the mysteries, Charlie still felt
Raymond chuckled at the title, humble as ever, "The Duke of Wastage? Now, that's quite the royal title, and I don't think I deserve such an honor…"Trailing off, he then made an especially curious look, "By the way, how'd you know they were calling me that?"Seeing that he was still so ignorant, Jacob scoffed. "You bought a Renaissance-era bronze sculpture earlier, didn't you?"Raymond nodded. "I did. But technically, it's medieval and not Renaissance, along with a Renaissance-era base."Jacob clutched his stomach as he laughed, "Oh, please! Medieval? Hahaha… You're killing me, Mr. Cole!"Raymond kept a serious look on his face. "It's really medieval. Why don't you take a look?""No way," Jacob snorted, pursing his lips. "Anyway, word has already spread that someone was selling a counterfeit bronze sculpture to defraud Antique Street for some serious dough. He went first to Vintage Deluxe, but their manager, Mr. Crane, saw through it and didn't buy it… and then he came to you, an
That was why most of the collectors only knew that such an item existed but they did not know in whose possession it was.After registering a new account and paying the ten thousand registration fee, Raymond got in.It was very safe as it was anonymous, and he posted a photo of the bronze sculpture and an announcement with an asking price of twenty million.In his opinion, it wasn't that expensive—if it was still gilded, it would be worth around a hundred million. Without it, it was plenty reasonable to cut the price down to just thirty million.And Raymond was cutting another ten million off that, so twenty million was plenty reasonable.Moreover, medieval bronze sculptures were exceedingly rare, and less than one specimen showed up annually at times. Collectors who desired it would therefore be willing to break the bank for it, and that was why Raymond was sure that someone would put in an order once he posted it.As he wrote the summary of the item, someone knocked on his door
Jacob frowned in disdain. "Why would I be worried? He's no longer the manager of Vintage Deluxe, and he just lost a shit ton of money for messing up his appraisal. I am also the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, so why would I be worried about some loser who will soon be kicked out of Antique Street?"Straightening his collar, he snorted coldly, "I am now going to see Raymond Cole and humiliate him face-to-face! He thinks he's impressive, doesn't he? Let's see how he will keep up that facade!"Zachary chuckled, "Yes, exactly! People like him need to be given a slap in the face! As hard as you can! Don't worry—I'll be right behind you. If he gets physical, I'll rush in to help. If he doesn't dare to start a fight, you just insult him as much as possible!""Good plan!" Jacob nodded since he was concerned that Raymond might get physical when pushed too far.And with his body, there was no way he could beat anyone…Spreading his arms, he exclaimed, "Come! I'l
Mick inspected every video to see who was getting the most views, and he then paid out of his own pocket to use paid advertising to get the video viral.It cost five thousand and it hurt, but reaching the trending page was definitely worth it.Mick was quite shrewd too, making sure that the paid advertising was focused locally. After all, he knew all too well that five thousand didn't buy many clicks, and clicks from elsewhere might be too sporadic to gain any worthwhile attention.As he worked in Antique Street, he naturally had to come up with a plan to promote himself in this place, ideally presenting himself as a master appraiser.That way, his fame would slowly extend throughout the province and perhaps Eastern Oskia, and eventually the country.As such, focusing on Aurous Hill was the best idea.Moreover, he also had another idea—if Jasmine Moore happened to see this video, she would see him in a new light.When that happened, he could look forward to getting really rich!
Soon, the video of Mick's staged act was uploaded to the online group, and everyone eagerly watched it as soon as it was done uploading.Mick certainly set a new bar with his acting as none of them could see that it was an act.Moreover, everyone could see that the bronze sculpture looked like the real deal, and they might have been swindled if it were them.As such, they couldn't help being impressed as Mick had easily seen through Billy's con, and he was the definition of a pro in that video.No matter how Billy had packaged it, there was no tricking real experts like Mick Crane. Just a quick glance and he had seen through that it was a postmodern replica, matched with a base from the Renaissance era to misdirect and beguile.With that, many fellow antique dealers changed their opinion of Mick.After all, Vintage Deluxe's business had been declining after Mick took over as manager, and people were presuming that his skills were lacking.But now, they were all shown that he had
"Amazing, Mr. Crane!""It's Mr. Crane who shines through, in the end! His eyes see through everything!""I guess Miss Moore made the right choice firing Raymond and appointing Mr. Crane! Mr. Crane is infinitely better!"Mick was immediately thrilled to see them fawning over him, and he laughed, "You flatter me—I'm merely sharing my personal perspective on this. In this trade, anyone who knows would understand how hard it is to get the good stuff in this age of technology.""There are plenty of people who hold ulterior motives and change their tactics knowing that there are always those scheming to get their hands on vintage treasures, so they just have to make it. That is how they started making counterfeits of everything, from scrolls to sculptures to statues, each of them so real just to trick those fools who think they could get rich overnight!""Exactly!" Someone promptly agreed. "There's never a lack of any such fools, and I just happened to meet one. I had this piece of jade
In groups like these, any gossip would immediately spread like wildfire as people share everything here with their other circles.Within minutes of these people's good work, Antique Street was abuzz even as the skies darkened: one of the antique traders had been swindled for 300 thousand, and it was Raymond Cole—the former manager of the Vintage Deluxe at that!Some of them wondered when Raymond had actually returned while others were laughing.He was supposed to be the former manager of the Vintage Deluxe, but he had messed up as well? You had to be kidding!Many were dumbstruck too—how would Raymond survive in Antique Street after losing so much money? It had been so long since such a major scam had been pulled!As such, all the antique dealers were asking one question: how did Raymond Cole get fooled?Meanwhile, Mick didn't leak the security footage right away, instead sending his people out to spread the news in other channels, claiming that Raymond thought he had won big by
Mick had already clipped the security footage and was waiting for Zachary's word.He had checked the footage repeatedly as well and was only getting more impressed with his masterful acting by the second. He looked just like a maestro, and every detail he mentioned was flawless and showed experience.Zacahry even said that Raymond had truly slipped up with that bronze sculpture, leaving him endlessly thrilled.The proverbial missing piece of the puzzle was here!Hence, calling all the staff he trusted, he told them excitedly, "Spread the word right away—Raymond Cole slipped up, spending 300 thousand on a fake Renaissance-era bronze sculpture!"His staff had no idea of the conspiracy involved, only that Mick had said that someone had tried to sell a counterfeit bronze sculpture but he had seen through it right away and chased him away, only for Raymond to end up buying the fake bronze sculpture soon after.Someone asked, "Mr. Crane, don't you think Raymond Cole bought from the man
Raymond had said everything he should and shouldn't and with complete sincerity exactly because Billy would never believe it.As Billy just wanted to swindle him, it didn't matter how sincere Raymond was—he wanted the 300 thousand whatever it took. The key here was that Billy had refused a better prospect when told it was possible, and there was evidence that would support Raymond if either he or Zachary realized the truth and came to start trouble.That meant Raymond had nothing to worry about—they could take this to the United Nations but he'd still win this case.Having been in the antique trade for so long, he had seen every form of oddity and was always cautious with people, considering every aspect of any issue.Hence, once he downloaded the security footage to his phone, Raymond decided that he needed to sell the bronze sculpture—not because he was in urgent need of money, but because he realized that there were those who wanted him out of Aurous Hill's Antique Street.Afte