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
Jaxson nodded slightly and whispered, “I understand, Dad…”Keith didn't say much more. Instead, he introduced Charlie's aunt, saying, “Charlie, this is your aunt, Lulu. The last time you went to the United States with your mom, she was still a young girl. Your mom loved her the most back then.”Charlie politely greeted, “Hello, Aunt Lulu.”Lulu's eyes turned red, and she cried as she stepped forward to hug Charlie, sobbing as she said, “I've been waiting for so many years for you to finally be home, Charlie. Charlie, you’ve grown up and achieved so much. Your parents in heaven must be very proud…”Being the youngest in the Ackers, Lulu naturally received the most affection. She was raised by her older sister since childhood, so Ashley could almost be considered to be just like a mother to Lulu. Needless to say, Lulu’s three brothers all doted on her in various ways as well.Although Keith and his wife valued and cherished their eldest daughter, Ashley, the most, Ashley became inde
Keith spoke up and said, “From today onward, 60% of the assets in various fields of the Ackers’ industries will be transferred to Charlie's name.”He continued, “Hold your opinions for now. Let me explain why I made this decision. There are three reasons. Firstly, at least half of the Ackers' current assets were earned by Charlie's mother. Secondly, Charlie has been away from home for so many years, and we owe him. Thirdly, Charlie has saved the Ackers twice, and he has done us a favor. What do you all think?”Charlie’s uncles and aunt replied unanimously, “Dad, we have no objections!”At this point, Charlie spoke up, “Grandpa, the assets of the Ackers belong to the Ackers, not me. I can't accept them.”Keith waved his hand and said, “Charlie, I’m not just being polite with you. Money isn't important to the Ackers. Even if we give you 60%, the remaining amount we have would last for generations. It's just a number, but now, you have to confront the Qing Eliminating Society, and you
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