Charlie knew that Emmett had extraordinary influence in Eastcliff. With him involved, Vera's proposal was bound to succeed. Furthermore, the feasibility of Vera's method was very high. As long as the authorities endorsed it and showed enough concern for the Ackers, their safety in Oskia wouldn't be a problem anymore. Even if Fleur was extremely bold and courageous, she wouldn't dare to openly oppose a country unless she was really tired of living, having lived for four hundred years. However, according to what Charlie understood now, the longer a person lived, the more they treasured their life and feared death. Fleur, having lived for four hundred years, must be extremely afraid of death. Otherwise, she wouldn't have fled from the mountains in such a miserable state.When Vera saw that Charlie had no objections to the proposal, she called Emmett immediately and informed him of the situation. Emmett didn't hesitate and readily agreed as he started to communicate with his connectio
Charlie sighed and said, “I didn't find any concrete clues, and I was persuaded to turn back when I was halfway there.”Keith asked in surprise, “Persuaded? Who persuaded you to turn back?”Charlie replied, “Grandpa, it's a long story. Let's go inside and talk slowly.”Keith readily agreed. “Okay, let's go in and talk.”Charlie and the Acker family members entered the villa and settled in the dining room. Since there were no outsiders present, Charlie truthfully recounted his recent trip to Mount Tason and disclosed Stephen's situation.Upon hearing that Charlie was persuaded back by a fake abbess from Quiant Monastery, everyone was greatly shocked. They couldn't believe that someone had anticipated Charlie's actions and waited for him while he was on the way up Mount Tason. What was even more surprising was that Stephen, who had silently guarded Charlie for nearly twenty years, actually served another master.After Charlie was done speaking, his uncle, Christian, asked incredulo
In the afternoon, Keith, accompanied by his eldest son, Christian, and his second son, Kaeden, secretly went to Eastcliff with Emmett.Instead of immediately returning to his home at Thompson First, Charlie went to the adjacent villa, then called Caden, who was in charge of teaching martial arts there, and asked him to inform Isaac and Albert to meet him.Charlie was initially even a little worried that Isaac might suddenly disappear for no reason. After all, as the spokesperson of the Wades in Aurous Hill and as Stephen's direct subordinate, it was likely for someone to have deliberately arranged for Isaac to work in this position. Fortunately, Isaac was still at Champs Elys Resort.The moment Charlie saw Isaac, he felt slightly relieved. Frankly, knowing that Stephen was serving another master made him feel somewhat disappointed. On one hand, Stephen had been his father’s most loyal subordinate, and although Charlie couldn't demand Stephen’s unwavering loyalty to the Wades, his
Charlie was relieved when he heard this. He then said to Isaac, “Mr. Cameron, Mr. Thompson will temporarily leave the Wades for some time. During this time, the position of the Wades’ chief butler will be vacant. I want you to take over Mr. Thompson's position temporarily. I hope that Mr. Thompson will return in the future, and if he does, you can return the position to him and act as his deputy. If he doesn't return, you will continue to hold the position.”Isaac was surprised and quickly said, “Young Master, my work has always been limited to this province, and I've only just managed to understand my current tasks. Now, you’re asking me to take over Mr. Thompson's position. How… How can I be qualified for that?!” Charlie asked, “Didn't Mr. Thompson climb up step by step?”Isaac awkwardly said, “Well, Mr. Thompson climbed up to that position over ten to twenty years. My abilities are much inferior to his, and I might not be able to convince others with my qualifications.”Charlie
After leaving Champs Elys hot spring villa, Charlie immediately rushed back to Thompson First. He planned to quickly pack his bags and inform his father-in-law, Jacob, and his mother-in-law, Elaine, that he would be rushing to another city tonight to take a look at another client’s Feng Shui.The couple was used to Charlie's constant travels all the time, so they weren't surprised when they heard the news.What surprised Charlie was that Elaine was suddenly showing concern for him, saying with a worried expression, “My dear son-in-law, you're always on the road all day long without resting. What if you tire yourself out?”Being unexpectedly cared for by his mother-in-law made Charlie feel a rare sense of warmth. He smiled and replied, “Mom, you don't need to worry. Although I'm busy outside every day, I don't actually feel tired at all.”Jacob, who was standing aside, looked at Elaine and sneered, “What do you know? Our dear son-in-law is a Feng Shui master now. Although he's on th
Jacob felt a mix of envy and jealousy when he heard that Charlie was giving Elaine a million dollars. Although he had some income from the Calligraphy and Painting Association, it wasn't nearly enough for his expenses. As the Vice President of the association, he often had to entertain guests, and his frequent trips in the luxurious car incurred substantial expenses. Despite his position, he was not as shameless as Elaine was, and he had always felt indebted to Charlie for his achievements and the opportunities he had, such as driving the luxury car and living in Thompson First. So, he didn't feel comfortable asking Charlie for money.But when he saw that Elaine was about to receive a million dollars simply by asking for it, he couldn't help but feel frustrated. He even contemplated asking Charlie for some financial assistance, but when he thought of how he had insulted Elaine earlier, he was embarrassed to ask Charlie for money.Meanwhile, Charlie wasted no time and transferred a
Jacob instantly blushed at her words, and he stuttered as he tried to defend himself, “Who said I was asking my dear son-in-law for money? Did I say that?! I have other reasons for talking to my dear son-in-law. Don't make false accusations against me!”Instead of arguing with Jacob, Elaine turned to Charlie and said, “My dear son-in-law, you heard what he said. No matter what he's scheming, don't give him a single penny!”Jacob was immediately furious, and he angrily exclaimed, “Elaine, why are you like this? Why are you always just talking about money?”Elaine playfully shook her head and grinned as she said, “What's wrong? Since you're not asking my dear son-in-law for money, why does it bother you if I tell him not to give you any?”Jacob was speechless. Elaine's strong defense had thwarted his intentions completely. With her words, he couldn't bring himself to ask Charlie for money anymore. How could he, after being put in such a situation?Jacob, who was at the losing end, w
Jacob felt incredibly uncomfortable when he saw Charlie go upstairs, but he felt even worse as if it was no longer worth living when he saw Elaine's triumphant smile. As Charlie went upstairs, he couldn't help but sigh, wondering when his father-in-law would break through his hesitation and weakness and truly live the life he wanted.-After packing everything, Charlie left home alone at night, intending to drive to the airport. As soon as he took the elevator to the first floor, he saw Jacob, holding a cigarette, stand up from the sofa with a smile, saying, “My dear son-in-law, are you leaving now?”Charlie nodded slightly and said, “Yes, Dad. I'm leaving for the airport now.”Jacob rubbed his hands and was about to say something when Elaine suddenly limped down the stairs, saying loudly, “Oh, my dear son-in-law, let me see you off!”Both Elaine, who had received one million, and Jacob, who missed out on it, wanted to see Charlie off.Jacob wanted to find an opportunity to sub
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
At this point, Don Albert could very well be Jacob's personal messiah.Even if he did threaten Zachary with calling Charlie persistently, he actually wouldn't dare call Charlie.After all, how would he start explaining that he was involved in a crime? And telling Charlie was basically telling his daughter—what would they think of him after this? Would he ever be able to hold his head high in the family again?As such, his only option now was to ask Don Albert and see if he would help.What he didn't know was that Don Albert was with Charlie, who had already anticipated Jacob's move.When Jacob realized he couldn't stop Zachary, Jacob would find someone who could, and Don Albert was the best man for the job!To no surprise, Don Albert's phone soon started ringing with a call from Jacob.Don Albert didn't answer right away, however, instead turning toward Charlie as he asked gingerly, "So, shall I stick to your script, Master Wade?"Seeing Charlie nod, he pressed on, "Should I
As soon as Jacob sent the voice message, Mr. Bay called.Jacob quickly answered, asking nervously, "How are things over there, Mr. Bay?""How, you ask…?" Mr. Bay sighed in exasperation. "The entire Calligraphy and Painting Association was demanding your dismissal as soon as Zachary Evans posted his statement, thinking that you have no business being the administrative vice president let alone have a place in the association."Even those officials came asking me questions, and you know how they are—gossipers, every last one of them, always finding out about the juicy stuff instantly even if it's really no big deal. The only excuse I have to stop them is that we don't have the facts, but this issue still needs to be taken care of."So, be straight with me. Were you a part of this? If you don't, do you have any definitive evidence that can refute Zachary's claims?""I… Uh…" Jacob stammered, unable to answer.He certainly wanted to say no, but he had no evidence to back himself up.
Jacob bellowed furiously, "Raymond Cole made over 19 million dollars! From my bronze sculpture! Yet you're telling me to refund that 300 thousand too?! You're just fucking with me, aren't you?!""Well, if you don't like it, just do what you like, then," Zachary replied calmly and quickly hung up before Jacob could answer.Jacob was left twitching and shaking endlessly, and there was no telling if it was from rage or fear.Beside him, Elaine quickly asked, "What did Zachary say, dear? Can he get that bronze sculpture back?"Caught by surprise at her question, Jacob flinched, and his phone slipped out of his grasp.As it seemed to hover in the air, he tried to catch it twice but failed, but Elaine managed to grab it.It was then that she noticed that he was sweating all over his face, and she promptly asked, "What's wrong, dear?"Coming to his senses, Jacob's eyes went wide with rage. "Zachary is trying to kill me! He leaked the whole thing to his Twitter page—it's like he's pulli