Furthermore, if something were to happen, it would be difficult for him to protect Vera.Vera seemed to know what Charlie was thinking. She smiled and took the lead to speak up and say, “Darling, don't worry. Yorkshire Hill rarely experiences strong winds, and it's even rarer up here. Moreover, the weather is so clear now. We're only staying for one night, so there won't be any strong winds. Even if there were, they wouldn't reach us.”Charlie didn't expect Vera to still hold onto this immature idea, so he deliberately said, “Okay then, Darling, let's head down the mountain first and discuss what to do on the way.”“Okay!” Vera nodded contentedly, linking her arm with Charlie's, and saying affectionately, “In that case, we have to hurry. I'm afraid if we come late, there won't be any suitable spots left!”As the two descended the mountain and were alone, Charlie spoke up, “Miss Lavor, were you serious about what you just said?”Vera solemnly replied, “Call me ‘Darling’! The topic
Charlie didn't expect that Vera, who seemed delicate and inexperienced, would have such courage. She clearly knew that neither she nor Charlie was a match for Fleur. Once they encountered her head-on, they would almost certainly die.After all, previously, Ruby had told them both in person that Fleur had activated her elixir field over a hundred years ago, which meant her strength a hundred years ago was much greater than Charlie's current strength.But even so, Vera was willing to take the risk.“You realize there's no chance of survival for us against Fleur. Are you sure you want to take this risk here?” Charlie asked seriously.Vera nodded solemnly, looking at Charlie with unwavering determination as she spoke up and said, “For over three hundred years, I've been avoiding her. I've been cautious to the point where I hardly set foot in any place related to her for almost my entire life. But now, knowing she might come here, I don't know why, but I suddenly want to take this risk!
As Vera had said, in her lifetime, she couldn't seek revenge on Fleur with her strength, but she could confront Fleur with immense courage. Not being detected under Fleur's nose might be the best way for her to confront Fleur now.So, Charlie was also somewhat influenced by her and said, “In that case, there's no need for someone to secretly install any monitoring equipment. I'll accompany you here and wait for Fleur to come. I want to see for myself who exactly this Fleur is!”Vera asked in surprise, “Young Master, are you really willing to accompany me?”Charlie nodded. “Yes.”Vera said seriously, “This is equivalent to walking a tightrope on a cliff. One mistake could be fatal.”Charlie laughed and said, “If you're not afraid, why should I be?”Vera smiled slightly, and her eyes were full of sincerity as she said, “I’m content with your words, Young Master, but I'm not like you. I have no family or relatives. Death is not a terrifying thing for me. On the contrary, it's a reli
“I’m sure!” Vera pulled Charlie onto the cobblestone bridge. In the center of the bridge, she pointed to a chipped bluestone slab and told Charlie, “This damaged piece was caused by a frightened horse. Its owner was a stonemason who came to deliver two stone sculptures to the new mansion of the chieftain of Stoneridge. The horse had some difficulty crossing this cobblestone bridge, so the stonemason whipped it harshly. The horse got anxious, slipped, almost fell down, and then struggled forward as if crazy, overturning the cart it was dragging. One of the stone sculptures smashed into this bluestone slab, leaving this chip here.”As she spoke, Vera continued, “Coincidentally, I accompanied my grandfather from Digerro town that day to congratulate the chieftain here. So, I happened to witness the entire incident of the horse causing trouble at the bridge.”As Charlie listened to her description, he couldn't help but imagine the scene she described. At that moment, a girl about seven
When faced with the invitation from this young man called Helron, Charlie gladly accepted and said with a smile, “Since that's the case, we won't stand on ceremony with you guys!”Helron laughed and said, “You don't need to be so polite. We're all friends from different places, taking care of each other is the fine tradition among us hikers.”With that said, he asked Charlie, “Buddy, what's your name?”Charlie was about to speak when Vera, who was beside him, smiled and said, “My boyfriend is Charlesly Lavor. You can call him Charles!”Charlie was taken aback. He understood Vera's intention. After all, they were here to wait for Fleur. Whether it was Charlie's real name or Vera's real name, Fleur would definitely be familiar with them, so it was best to avoid using their real names as much as possible.However, he didn't expect that Vera would give him the alias ‘Charlesly Lavor’ and even came up with the nickname ‘Charles’ for him. He thought to himself, ‘Charles? Why does that
Young people who were enthusiastic about the outdoors generally have very outgoing and open personalities, and most of them are extroverted and sociable. Moreover, these young people were all very enthusiastic toward Charlie and Vera, so everyone quickly engaged in lively conversation.Helron was very influential among this group of people, and it was evident that everyone respected him. Charlie noticed that he didn't seem very old, so he curiously asked him, “Helron, are you a student or already working?”Helron nodded and said, “I'm still a student. I was studying in the United States before. I'm an Oskian American, and it's summer vacation now, so I wanted to come back to Oskia to hike a little and experience the beauty of our country.”He continued, “Most of us are university students. Jung, Louie Mant, and I are all studying in the United States. Shermaine and Bobbi are from Queenston University. Perry Hinskey and Jenell Looten are from Blastun University. There are also some w
Shermaine, who was aside, said, “It’s not like that. The allocation of spots for the clinical trials of Apothecary Pharmaceuticals is not based on who has money and power, but on who needs treatment the most. Those who sign up for the clinical trials are all cancer patients without exception. At least thirty percent of them have been declared by doctors to have less than six months to live. There are hundreds of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer alone, and many of them are children. People like us in our twenties hardly stand a chance to get a spot.”Curious, Charlie asked, "Shermaine, did you also sign up for Apothecary Pharmaceutical’s clinical trials?”Shermaine nodded and said, “I did, but I didn't get selected. The evaluation mechanism of Apothecary Pharmaceutical is somewhat like comparing miseries. First, they compare who has the most severe illness, and then they compare who is the youngest, whose family situation is the most pitiful, whose family responsibilities are
Charlie didn't expect that while camping in the mountains of Yorkshire Hill, he would encounter two young cancer patients. What surprised him even more was that both of these individuals had wanted to participate in the clinical trials of Apothecary Pharmaceutical in Aurous Hill, but they were both rejected. What astonished him the most was that this person, Leni, even knew Jameson.While others were marveling at the fact that Jameson, who once led the entire FDA, had voluntarily resigned and started charity work in Aurous Hill, Charlie curiously asked Leni, “Helron, are you very familiar with Jameson Smith?”Leni calmly replied, “Not really. After all, before he resigned, he was a high-ranking official in the United States, and the people he interacted with at the FDA were all top-notch biopharmaceutical companies and entrepreneurs worldwide. Someone like Jameson is outstanding even in high society. How could an ordinary person like me have the opportunity to know him?”Leni then
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