Sensing that his mother didn’t want others to know his middle name, Paul smiled politely and said, “Everyone, please enjoy your gathering. Excuse me.”Jacob hurriedly said, “Hey, Paul, what’s the hurry? How about joining us for lunch?”He intentionally talked to Paul as a hint for the rest to realize that he and Paul knew each other so they could assume that he had already met Matilda before the reunion.It was also to suggest to them that both of them shared an extraordinary connection and to chase away Matilda’s suitors.Indeed, when the others heard their conversation, they found it rather odd and peculiar. They wondered how and when Jacob and Paul had become so close.Paul smiled and said, “Thanks, but no thanks, I have a meeting in the afternoon.”Then, he said to Jacob in a moderate voice, “I have an appointment with Charlie. He’s coming to my new office to check out the Feng Shui there, so I have to be there to entertain him.”Jacob nodded with a smile. “My son-in-law has
William sneered contemptuously. “Hey, think about it. You’re a married man, so I’d advise you not to mess around and not to nurse any illicit passion for other women! If that shrew wife of yours knows about it, she will not spare you!”Jacob was incensed by his ridicule that he blurted, “Hey, William Pearson, what the heck are you talking about?! I don’t mess around, and I definitely don’t nurse any illicit passion for anyone! Don’t you dare make oblique accusations just because you have some dirty money in your pockets! Don’t come the old soldier with me, I’m not buying it!”Matilda felt extremely awkward with the ridiculous exchanges and she started to growl, “Could you guys shut up, please? What did I just say earlier? We’re here today for the reunion, not to watch you fight like rabid dogs! If you guys still behave like this, I’ll leave then!”Jacob whined innocently, “Matilda, you heard him, it’s this old fart who’s fanning the flames!”William was a renowned businessman in Ho
William immediately wiped that arrogant expression off his face when he heard that the man was Uncle Oscar.Back when he was still studying in Aurous Hill, he had learned about the powerful Moore family and their top position in the social pyramid in the city.Although he was a renowned businessman in Hong Kong with a net worth of hundreds of millions, he was incomparable to the Moore family. Their fortune was worth at least hundreds of billions of dollars, a hundred times higher than his, so even the status of their butler was higher and more powerful than his.Paul was a little flattered and taken aback by Uncle Oscar’s appearance in the suite.Oscar smiled and said, “Mr. Paul, the Moore family and you go way back. When the family first operated their export business in the US, I accompanied Lord Moore to look over the operations and whenever we encountered any legal problems, it was your father who solved it all for us. Frankly, our Lord Moore and your father shared a personal f
Paul turned to the table and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy your reunion. I’ll see myself out, please excuse me.”Then, he intentionally turned to Jacob and said, “Goodbye, Uncle Wilson.”Jacob glanced at Paul like he was looking at his own son and said in a kind and fatherly manner, “Okay, go right on with your business!”Oscar was rather astonished to see Jacob. “Oh, you are Mr. Wilson, Master Wade’s father-in-law, aren’t you?”Jacob was surprised that the well-known Oscar, the butler of the Moore family, would know him personally, so he asked with a shocked expression, “How…how do you know me?”“With all due respect, Mr. Wilson, Master Wade is the life savior of the Moore family and everyone in the family is very grateful to his help! You are his father-in-law, how can I not know you?”Jacob gaped in realization!So Oscar knew him purely because of Charlie, his son-in-law…He realized that Charlie was getting more and more ambitious in his scam. He had thought tha
William, who was disdainful of Jacob, suddenly became a little dreaded.Oscar was so respectful and reverent to his son-in-law, which proved that Jacob was a more important figure than him in Oscar’s opinion.He asked his friends about Jacob’s son-in-law’s information, who happened to have attended the last reunion. He said with a smile, “Oh, him. I think he’s an unemployed househusband, but we’re not quite sure exactly what he does for a living.”William was a businessman, after all. He had seen much of life to know the differences.Oscar’s attitude alone was enough to indicate that Jacob’s son-in-law was not someone he could underestimate. He must be a somebody who did great things to earn such honorable recognition from Oscar.This also made him feel worried and fearful of the consequences after ridiculing Jacob earlier. He could tell that, based on Oscar’s gracious manner towards Jacob, it would not end well for him if he went up against Jacob for real.He glanced at Jacob, h
A founder often used their last name as the name of the company they founded.For example, the famous Boeing Company, the aerospace group that produced passenger aircrafts, military aircrafts, and space shuttles, was named after its founder, William Edward Boeing.Another example was Conrad Hilton, who founded the world-renowned Hilton Group, an American multinational hospitality company that managed and franchised a broad portfolio of hotels and resorts. The Hilton family was one of the prominent families in America.Paul’s full name was Paul Smith, Paul being his first name and Smith his last.His father had named their law firm ‘Smith Group Corporate Law’ after his family name since he founded the company and it gained an enormous resounding reputation internationally after many years of hard work.When Paul decided to shift his company to Aurous Hill, he chose the best central business district in the city and the most prosperous office building in the area, Gemdale Plaza.Th
Paul was very curious about Charlie. Initially, he thought that Charlie was a member of the Wade family in Eastcliff. Although his assumption was later rebutted, a new doubt arose inside Paul’s mind upon the mention of the title ‘Master Wade’.It was also Paul’s objective in inviting Charlie to come over and check out the Feng Shui layout here.Indeed, he had a master to check and arrange the Feng Shui layout in his office. If Charlie could not tell the existence of these layouts when he was here, it proved that he did not have what it took to be called Master Wade.But if Charlie could clearly see the layout, it meant that he was extraordinary.Unexpectedly, Charlie could see all the Feng Shui layouts at a glance. These layouts had been reviewed and studied by the previous master for a long time before deciding their arrangements, yet it only took Charlie one glimpse to see them all.Charlie was not annoyed by Paul’s skepticism. On the contrary, he admired Paul’s blunt honesty an
Paul nodded gratefully and blurted, “Charlie, thank you so much! I’ll get someone to do it right away!”Charlie plastered a smile on his face. “Hold up, I haven’t finished.”Paul said respectfully, “Oh, please proceed.”“While applying the films to the windows, you must place a golden Pixiu on each side of the wall. Remember, it must be a pure gold Pixiu in order for it to play the best role in attracting fortune. Moreover, the Pixiu is known for eating gold, silver, and jewels but cannot expel it, which makes it the perfect symbol of the acquisition and preservation of wealth. By doing so, it forms the perfect layout of retaining the wealth when the money comes in and your business will subsequently flourish and prosper.”Paul clasped his fist at Charlie with a grateful look and said, “Wow, you are indeed very talented and gifted! From now on, I’ll call you Master Wade like everyone else!”Charlie laughed and waved his hand, “Oh, please don’t! If you call me that in front of my f
Fleur had repeatedly mentioned the conspiracy theory of Ashley using a body double over the last twenty years.Tarlon had investigated from many different angles, but everything from the gender, age, dental records, to body figure pointed to the fact that the deceased was Ashley Acker.And yet, Fleur had never bought it, insisting that Curtis was prepared for them just because Curtis' son had gone missing soon after.There was no way Curtis would save his son but not his wife, and the disfigured corpse only added fuel to Fleur's suspicion.Thus, over the last twenty years, Fleur had kept a close eye on the Ackers, arranging for two 'scholars' to be embedded amongst their ranks as sleeper agents. She went that far all to determine if Ashley was dead or had faked her death.However, the scholars had since been killed in action, and they had no spies within the Ackers left.As for Tarlon, he still doubted Fleur's theory even now, but he remained respectful as he spoke, "Milady, I mu
Meanwhile, on the edge of the South Pole, Tarlon Griffin rushed outside of Fleur Griffin's room, knocking the door gingerly as he announced, "I have news, my lady!"Fleur didn't respond, but the thick wooden door between them slowly opened as if pushed by an invisible force.Tarlon entered to find Fleur seated on the floor with her legs crossed at the ankles. Her eyes remained closed as she molded her Reiki, asking, "What is it?"Tarlon quickly answered, "News from Oskia. The Ackers are partnering with the Wades on a joint venture into electric-powered vehicles."Fleur slowly opened her eyes, asking quietly, "And you're telling me because?"Tarlon quickly explained, "It just came out of the blue, so I thought I should report it to you right away."Fleur sighed. "After I tried and failed to wipe out the Ackers so many times, they wouldn't dare set foot stateside. If anything, they must have decided to seek asylum in Oskia by offering a substantial investment, and it's a base whe
Silent for a while, Matilda then asked Yolden, "Do you think I can do it?""Yes!" Yolden nodded without hesitation. "You definitely won't have any problems!"Matilda sighed, shaking her head. "We traveled far abroad to study while we were young, but we didn't return to Oskia to help the country's development. It's been thirty years since, and now that we have returned to the country at the same time, I definitely wouldn't turn down such an opportunity to help."Pausing, she then said, "That said, major corporations make it a point to not hire family members. Forget spouses—employees aren't allowed to date, and one of the two will be asked to resign if necessary."Don't you think it's inappropriate since we are legally married, having gotten our certificate and all? And if we set these precedents, we would have trouble asking other employees to follow that policy. You are going to be a CEO, so you need a very clear answer on this issue."Yolden shrugged. "In the first place, that p
Yolden nodded slightly. "He does.""My gosh…" Matilda murmured. "That's too much… Ashley's son? A member of the Acker family and the Wades?!"Pausing, she then asked in confusion, "Wait, if Charlie has so much power and influence, why would he permanently reside in Aurous Hill… No, why would he be content as Jacob Wilson's son-in-law? Does Jacob know who he really is?""Definitely not," Yolden shook his head. "There were some compelling circumstances, and his identity is a sensitive one. That's why I'm asking you to tell no one except Paul—and even then, you should only tell him if he can keep the secret."Matilda was sharp enough to pick up on the reasoning, too. "Charlie's hiding because of his parents' accident, isn't he?""Yes," Yolden sighed. "He has his plans, but I didn't pry since I can only do that much, let alone help him on that.""Got it," Matilda nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry. My lips are sealed… And you just said you're resigning? Are you going to help with this e
"That would be Ashley Layna Acker," Matilda replied without hesitation. "She was our age, as well as a major investor in Silicon Valley, while we were only starting to get our first clients. It's no exaggeration to say that she's the shining example in many case studies when it comes to business."Pausing, she then continued, "And she used to be your classmate, right? I remember you mentioning that in our conversations before.""Yes," Yolden sighed emotionally. "She was a classmate and the star of our generation."Matilda nodded but soon shook her head, "Wait, weren't we talking about Charlie's car company? What does that have to do with Ashley Acker?" "Here's where I let you in on a secret," Yolden said. "But first, you have to promise me that you won't tell anyone except Paul."Matilda nodded without hesitation. "Don't worry—if it's a secret, I won't tell Paul either."Yolden scratched his head. "Actually, Paul should know. We are going to marry soon, and he's my stepson, lega
In fact, the legal department of major enterprises covered many responsibilities, the chief of which concerned intellectual property, which was why veterans were needed to lead.Additionally, Charlie trusted Matilda's accomplishments in the legal field, especially since she had worked in the United States for years.With Curtis Autos' intended expansion worldwide, that meant the legal department should also know the laws of countries abroad, ready to file or respond to lawsuits at any time. After all, competitors may use the law to impede their growth, along with the government applying unfair policies to impede their development and impact on local businesses.Moreover, Charlie considered Paul young and therefore lacking in experience, not to mention that it was not likely he would abandon his family's law firm. As such, the ideal solution was to poach Matilda for now.As for Matilda, she was still in the dark and had no idea what she was in for, asking Charlie in confusion, "Lega
Later, after Charlie told Jeremiah over the phone about the joint venture with the Ackers to establish Curtis Autos, the old man was awash with tears, especially after Charlie told him that it was Keith who suggested it. After all, Curtis was his favorite son whose death he could never really get over. Moreover, he once believed that only his family mourned Curtis while the Ackers never did, and he held a grudge over his son's passing. As such, he was surprised that Keith held such great respect toward his late son and didn't hesitate to say yes when Charlie invited him to Aurous Hill to sign an agreement with the Ackers.Still, Charlie wasn't in a hurry to arrange for a specific time, and he was going to let the Ackers sort out the human resources of Godot Autos over a few days. It still wouldn't be too late by then.Moreover, he was keen to allow the buzz to have time to grow so that the automotive industry would be astounded by the joint project between the Ackers and the Wade
Christian was the first to exclaim in approval, "Yes! Curtis Autos sounds wonderful! It has my vote!""Seconded!" Kaiden nodded, pumping the air with his right fist. "I've looked up to Curtis the most, and I absolutely agree with naming the company after him!"Jaxson was nodding too. "Me too!""Yes!" Lulu chirped.Yolden couldn't help agreeing as well. "Curtis Autos is definitely a good name!"Merlin raised his hand gingerly as well. "Quit it with your flattery already," Keith chuckled, and he turned toward Charlie solemnly. "In the end, Curtis is Charlie's father, and the final decision goes to him!"Charlie's eyes were welling up with tears—his parents had been gone for almost three decades, yet he had never thought of dedicating anything to their memory.As such, Keith's suggestion to use Curtis's name for the car company left him thrilled. After all, wouldn't his father's soul be honored if Curtis Autos rocked the country, maybe even the world?With that in mind, he nodd
Charlie also had to agree that this was an opportunity to formally reconcile the Wades and the Ackers.While he couldn't reveal himself just yet, the Wades and the Ackers had been in-laws for years. Even if they had had a dispute for the longest time, restoring good relations made sense now that the Ackers had come to Oskia, and it wouldn't arouse any suspicion.That was why Charlie agreed to it without hesitation, even making a mental note to invite his paternal grandfather, Jeremiah, to Aurous Hill.The old geezers could meet up and clear the air while deciding on the partnership.Yolden was prepared to resign as a professor as well so that he could help the Ackers and Charlie fully develop their automotive company.With a general direction planned, he asked everyone, "Since we're creating a new brand, has anyone come up with a name?"No one was feeling inspired at that moment, but that was when Lulu, who had been silent throughout, said, "Since Charlie and our family are worki