Mrs. Wayne’s face twisted in a disdainful grimace that the already tight mask crumbled and fell off her face due to the distorted facial muscles.She looked at the poor mask on the floor, feeling upset. She got even more upset when she thought of yesterday’s incident.Although she and Elaine were not the best of friends, they shared a pleasant friendship where they often played mahjong and went for facials and spa treatments together.They had plenty of acquaintances like this who treated each other courteously, but Elaine’s ridiculous reaction yesterday had made her so angry that she couldn’t sleep at night.Claire couldn’t help but be bewildered and puzzled upon hearing Mrs. Wayne’s complaint. Why did her mother talk to her friend like this? She had been keeping a low profile recently because she didn’t have any money, but what’s with her sudden change of attitude? Did she stumble upon an unexpected wealth?She even said things like buying a beauty salon for herself! It proved
In other words, Elaine was penniless.Then, why had she insulted Mrs. Wayne on the phone like a snobbish wealthy shrew not long after?Did she suddenly become rich in such a short period of time?Where did the money come from?Even if she was indeed rich, why did she have to disappear then? Was it really because she despised her and her father after she became rich?It was not absolutely impossible though, based on her understanding of her mother’s characteristics, but how about Thompson First villa, the dream home that she had been drooling for a long time?Logically speaking, if she did get a fortune by accident, she would hide the money and continue to stay at the luxurious villa, which was in line with her character. She wouldn’t have disappeared with the money and abandoned the villa just like that, not to mention that she didn’t even get to spend a night at the villa yet.The more Claire digested and analyzed the situation, the more confused she was. She felt that her di
Charlie drove around town aimlessly. When he got a call from Jacob saying that Matilda was going to their house soon, he drove home.Claire received her father’s call too with the same message, and she headed home despite her reluctance.Loreen insisted to stay out of dinner at home tonight when she learned that there were visitors coming. Claire wanted her company to avoid awkward silence, but she felt awkward enough already so she rejected her offer by saying she had to work overtime and had dinner by herself.Claire was in no place to force Loreen though, she warned Jacob beforehand instead, “Dad, when your friend comes over, please don’t try to talk about me, I’m not in the mood to chit chat today.”Jacob knew that he could not push her too much since she was willing to come home and have dinner with Matilda for his sake, so he said to Charlie, “My dear son-in-law, at dinner later, I need you to lighten the mood, okay?”“Alright.” Charlie nodded hesitantly.At this moment, th
Matilda nodded and said, “100 million is not that expensive, but I don’t quite get it, how could Jacob afford the villa here based on his current situation?”Paul smiled and said, “Well, you need to ask him yourself then.”Matilda smiled too. “Hmm, maybe he hides his light under a bushel.”Paul pondered for a while and said, “Honestly speaking, Uncle Wilson is a nice man, but I can’t say that he has any light to hide, in fact, I don’t think he has a bushel too.”Matilda asked curiously, “What do you mean by that?”Paul replied, “Nothing, I just feel a little weird, that’s all.”Matilda laughed lightly as she replied, “Okay, enough with that. I should be happy for my old pal who can live in such an expensive villa. As for other things, it’s none of our business.”Paul nodded earnestly. “Yes, mom, you are right.”At this moment, Jacob opened the gate and said excitedly as soon as he saw Matilda and Paul, “Hey, Matilda, Paul, you’re here. Come, please come in!”Matilda smiled as
At this time, Jacob had already brought Matilda and her son, Paul to walk through the courtyard.As soon as they met, Claire was really shocked by Matilda’s appearance. She had already heard Charlie saying that Matilda’s temperament and appearance was simply amazing but she really did not expect it to be so good.At the same time, Claire could not help but feel a little envious of Matilda.After all, it was really amazing for a woman to be able to maintain such a good level of her temperament and appearance when she had already reached the age of fifty or so.Matilda was also a little surprised when she saw Claire. She really did not expect Jacob and Elaine’s daughter to turn out to be so beautiful and outstanding.At this time, Paul, who was standing next to Matilda, was also a little stunned. He was really surprised at Claire’s beauty and temperament.Jacob hurriedly introduced them to one another. “Matilda, this is my daughter, Claire.”After that, he looked at Claire again b
Charlie nodded as he said, “Alright, Dad. I got it.”Jacob hurriedly said, “Also, don’t forget about the thing that I reminded you about!”Charlie knew what he was talking about. Jacob wanted him to pay more attention to the situation and to make sure that he would not allow his mother-in-law to enter the villa if she came back. Jacob did not want Elaine to see Matilda in the villa.So, he smiled before he said, “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t make any mistakes since you have already given me military orders for this matter.”Jacob gave him a thumbs up before he exclaimed, “You’re really my good son-in-law. I won’t treat you badly in the future!”After he was done speaking, Jacob hurriedly brought Matilda to the kitchen.Claire asked Charlie curiously, “What did Dad tell you? Both of you are acting so mysteriously as if you are engaged in some sort of shameful conspiracy.”Charlie thought to himself, ‘It’s impossible for me to tell you that your father asked me to stay guard and watc
Charlie looked at Paul before he asked curiously, “Paul, did you come to Oskia often previously?”Paul shook his head before he smiled and said, “I only visit for business purposes occasionally but I’ve never stayed here for more than a week for each trip.”Charlie had a puzzled look on his face as he asked, “Then, how do you know so much about tea, furniture, and wood?”Paul smiled before he said, “It’s mainly because my mother really likes these things. Therefore, I have already come into contact with these ever since I was a young child.”After that, Paul continued speaking, “Although I am mixed race and even though I resemble an American more, I am a downright Oskian down to my bones. I’ve been particularly influenced by my mother ever since I was a child. I especially love the culture, food, and traditions here.”“I see.”Charlie nodded slightly as he boiled some water for the tea. After that, he began to prepare the tea leaves that his father-in-law had been tricked into bu
At this moment in the kitchen, Matilda had put on an apron as she started preparing and processing the ingredients that she was going to cook with Jacob’s help.Jacob was standing at the side as he helped her as diligently as he could.He had always been dreaming of this day where he could finally prepare a hearty dinner in the kitchen, together with his beloved Matilda.However, he really did not expect his dream to finally come true after more than twenty years.Matilda was also feeling very emotional at the moment. She had been living in the United States with her husband for more than twenty years and though the two of them would often cook and prepare meals together, she had never felt this way before.She felt that as long as this man was standing next to her and as long as he was staying by her side, he would always be able to bring her an infinite sense of intimacy.Therefore, she was filled with joy and satisfaction because she was able to cook for him and be busy in the
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