Very soon, Emi had arranged a team to go with Charlie, who was in his own car.Nanako sat in Charlie’s car without hesitation.Charlie drove his car to the Ito family’s mansion in Tokyo under the escort of the team.Tokyo was one of the world’s cities with the highest housing and land market price as each acre of land was very costly. Nonetheless, the Ito family had a private manor located in a quiet environment.The design of the manor was in a Japanese vintage style—quaint but elegant.Charlie could see that the wooden materials used in each room were distinctive.Apparently, the filthy-rich ones had too much wealth and had nowhere to spend. Thus, they would spend as extravagantly as they could during their house construction and renovation. They would spend lavishly on all the exported high-end stuff over the local and lower-end stuff. In other words, they would only spend on luxurious goods.All of the servants in the Ito Family’s mansion were dressed neatly and stood resp
Without a moment of hesitation, Charlie answered, “Say it. I promise I’ll give it my all.”Nanako hesitated for a while, then she looked at him expectantly and said in a serious tone, “I hope you can depart a while later….”“Later?” Charlie was slightly stunned, then he asked subconsciously, “How long do you mean by a while? To be frank with you, I plan to return to my home country tonight. My airplane is on standby in Osaka.”Nanako felt the heat around her eyelids, then her eyelids drooped slightly, and she said in a faint voice, “That… will depend on Charlie-kun’s time arrangement. It doesn’t matter even if you manage to delay it for a few more hours…..”Nanako then added hurriedly, “Please don’t misunderstand. The main reason is because my father and Tanaka were seriously injured. Then, my aunt is fully occupied. Not only does she have to settle our family’s affairs, but she also has to take care of them…..”“Moreover, I am confused myself and don’t know how I should begin. Th
Charlie looked around. He did not have any particular preference for any of those scrumptious cuisines. He then smiled and said, “Just get me a bowl of ramen, thank you.”Nanako immediately spoke to the chef who was an expert in the making of ramen, “Kuwa-san, please get two bowls of ramen ready. Please prepare double portions of noodles for Charlie-kun’s!”The chef answered respectfully, “Understood, Miss. Please be seated, and we will serve you in a while.”At the same moment.While Charlie and Nanako were enjoying their breakfast at the Ito family’s mansion, a man in his fifties had just woken up in his presidential suite at St Regis Hotel, Tokyo.He held a cup of coffee and a cigarette as he gazed at Tokyo’s street view at dawn outside of his window.When the cigarette burned out, he poked the cigarette butt into the ashtray and lit another one. He asked his faithful servant who stood beside him, “How are the young master and miss now?”Yasin Zuniga checked the time, then an
Daylight brightened the sky of Tokyo City. Charlie and Ito Nanako were having breakfast together.Nanako turned to Charlie, saying, “I’ll ask the servants to prepare the guest room for you, Charlie-Kun. You should rest first. You haven’t slept all night. It must be hard for you.”Charlie smiled a little and shook his head. “Don’t trouble yourself. I am not tired.”“How can you not be?” exclaimed Nanako. She couldn’t hide the distress in her words. “Since last night’s battle with Fujibayashi’s ninjas, you haven’t rested at all. Not to mention how you endured two battles and drove for hundreds of kilometers…”Charlie smiled. “You didn’t rest too. Aren’t you feeling tired yourself?” he asked.Nanako was startled by his question. After pondering for a moment, she replied, “I’m not really tired. In fact, I feel as if my body is inexhaustible, filled with renewed vigor. I feel at the top of my game…”“This should be the effect of the medicine you gave me, right?” she interjected quickl
“I heard from my subordinates in Japan that there had been many successive criminal cases in Tokyo within these two days,” replied Issac. “They seem to be related to foreign forces. As a result, Tokyo has tightened customs and landing procedures for private jets. If you want to leave Japan, Osaka seems to be the only viable choice. Other airports don’t allow takeoffs.”Charlie finally understood the current situation after he heard that.The tight control in Tokyo had to be related to the Schulz family planning to destroy Matsumoto Yoshito.In fact, after some careful thought, Charlie was able to comprehend their intentions.Take the Tokyo police department as an example. If someone were to violate the law in Tokyo, the perpetrator would surely be punished through the normal legal means.However, if a group of foreigners suddenly popped up in Tokyo, threatening the lynching of citizens, saying that the methods used were brutal and inhumane, no country’s security department would e
After breakfast, Charlie, who was idling, was dragged by Nanako into her boudoir.It was the same scenario as when they were in Kyoto. Charlie was invited to sit on the tatami mat in her boudoir, where a plate of incense was burned, and a cup of Japanese matcha was prepared.After that, she turned to Charlie. “Charlie-kun, I’d like to take a look at the financial statements and detailed information about my family’s business to familiarize myself with the operations as soon as possible. Please let me know if it bores you in any way.”Charlie replied casually, “Don’t worry about me. I’m good. You should get to work. I’ll just be on my phone.”In actual fact, Charlie disliked spending too much time on his phone. He was unlike current youngsters, always glued to technologies and their devices.He was only browsing through his phone to read up on Tokyo’s news in hopes of getting some useful information about the situation.Nanako, who was by his side, leaned over in front of the book
Seeing how the old master pitied Curtis Wade, Clayton retorted, dissatisfied. "Father, Curtis has left us for so many years. Please stop bringing him up. Besides, we are all responsible as to why Curtis left us. Basically, the entire Eastcliff was involved in one way or another. It wasn't something that we could control."Caleb agreed and chimed in, "Yes, father. Isn't this supposed to be about Jaime and Sophie? How did this suddenly turn into a talk about Curtis?"Old master sighed. "Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. Let's get down to business. So, to sum up, the Schulz family screwed up their venture to Japan. The upcoming events are not looking good for them; hence this is a perfect opportunity to make our move and catch up to them! What do you think?"Everyone glanced at each other excitedly. Clayton nodded in agreement. "You're right, Father. I, too, think that this is a great opportunity for us!""Our shipping business started out a little later than the Schulz family
After hearing the old master's words, Clayton admitted in embarrassment, "Father, you've previously talked about having an arranged marriage with Schulz family. You wanted Sophie as Wade family's daughter-in-law, but you did not select a suitable groom."Jeremiah chipped in, "Didn't we agree on it last time? The son of Curtis is the best candidate.""But Stephen previously mentioned that Curtis' son did not want to come back to the family. I think he might even hate us," replied Clayton.Jeremiah waved his hand. "It's not up to you or me to determine whether or not the kid hates us."Caleb, who was by his side, quickly asked, "Father, are you saying you'd want to look for Curtis' son and ask him to return to the family?"Jeremiah nodded. "Indeed. It's on my mind, but I'm unsure how I should persuade him."Clayton suddenly felt threatened, tremendous pressure bearing down on him. He quickly interjected, "Father, Curtis' son has been away from home for so many years! He is uncontro
However, Jimmy realized something important even as he sighed in relief. "Wait, Mr. Wade… I know I should settle things in the family Stateside, but won't I be arrested upon arrival?""That's Julien's department," Charlie chuckled and turned toward the man. "Tell your butler not to send the evidence to the feds. If it has reached them already, ask to have it back and tell the feds they saw nothing."Julien promptly nodded. "I'll text him right now. You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Wade."Jimmy remained worried. "But sir, I think Nate's not going to let this slide. The man is cunning—he deliberately dug a pit so we'd fall into it, and he gathered all the dirt he could on us to be used as leverage when necessary."Charlie shook his head. "That's no big deal. Julien can make sure that you're fine even if the feds get the evidence."Julien nodded nearby. "Don't worry, Mr. Wade. The decision remains in your hands, either way. Just say the word, and it's 25 to life… otherwise, not e
The fact that Jimmy was a partner in Ares LLP already meant he had skill, while Matilda had herself been retired for years and definitely had lost her touch a little. So, having someone like Jimmy who had stayed on the frontlines all this while would definitely be no issue.And in turn, it was a good thing for Jimmy as it was better than the kennels either way.Charlie then asked Jimmy pointedly, "You say you're interested, but are you sincere about it?"Jimmy nodded without hesitation. "Yes, absolutely!""No regrets? We're talking about ten years here.""None, absolutely none!""Do you know what to say if anyone asks?""Yes, of course! I chose to further my career here in Oskia, and it was absolutely voluntary! That's what I'd say even if my family asked!"Charlie nodded. "Good. Then, you will have two weeks. Go home and set your affairs in order and report in for work afterward.""No problem!" Jimmy nodded repeatedly, actually surprised and grateful that Charlie would let hi
And yet, Julien was suddenly clapping his hands, and exclaiming excitedly, "Yes, right! We should get his wife and son over too for a happy reunion!"He then paused and quickly corrected himself, "Wait, no! I mean, they should each be caged with one empty cage separating each of their cages. They can see each other and talk, but there will be no touching. How dare he flex on me—I gotta teach him a lesson to remember!"Jimmy dropped limply on his rump, and Matilda beckoned for Paul to help him up while turning toward Julien as she pursed her lips. "Please, Mr. Rothschild… Even if you don't accept his apology, don't bring his family into this. It's against Oskian tradition—you'd insult your family's name!"Julien shrugged, not hesitating to retort, "What do your traditions have to do with me? If I mean to hurt him, forget his family—I'll drag his dogs over too!"Seeing that Julien was so furious, Charlie decided to stop him, or he might actually go through with it."That's enough, J
Holding up a thumb at Charlie, Julien exclaimed in approval, "You're right, my friend! That's far more exciting than having him jailed!"Just hearing that he would be sent to a kennel, Jimmy knew nothing would come of it—even if he didn't know the details, it was so obvious that Julien was thrilled by the very idea!Turning nervously toward Charlie, he was sobbing as he asked, "Mr. Wade…? What's this about a kennel…?"Julien chuckled coolly even before Charlie said a word. "A kennel is where you keep dogs, of course. Though there are literal dogs and metaphorical dogs, and you are the latter."Oh, don't worry. It's a really nice place where you get your own cage, and you'll be fed every day. You don't even have to work, so just sit tight and keep eating until the day you die."Jimmy's soul left his body in that instant.He was going to be locked in a cage?! That was way worse than being locked up and sent to jail! Where was the humanity around here?!Even as the thought struck h
Matilda was actually caught off guard by Jimmy's pleas, and even Paul found it hard to watch.Turning to Charlie, he said, "Please, Mr. Wade—my uncle can be a little despicable, but he is my father's brother. Please, let him have a chance to turn over a new leaf, seeing that he's earnestly repenting."While Paul spoke with Charlie, Jimmy was still confused and wondered why Paul would plead his case with Charlie instead of Julien. If there was anyone Paul should ask, it was Yolden since he was Julien's friend. So, why would he ask some young man instead of Yolden?That was when Charlie asked in curiosity, "You want to let him off? After he tried to take away your parents' legacy?"Paul smiled awkwardly. "I mean, I know the guy. He made sure to travel all this way to make a scene because he had nothing legal that could help him claim Smith Group Corporate Law from us. Otherwise, he'd have already filed the lawsuit in the States. Sure, it's a dirty move, but that's basically a des
As Julien finished, he realized something was wrong and turned toward Charlie before he knew it.Charlie held his gaze in turn, his expression quizzical and amused.Julien cleared his throat right then. "See, there are people who can order me around, but they have my utmost respect. However, a third-rate lawyer like you? Who do you think you are?"That was when Julien's butler called, and he reported respectfully as soon as the call was answered, "Sir, I've spoken with Nate Ellis, the owner of Ares LLC. He has since agreed to fire Jimmy Smith right away as well as disbar him nationwide."Julien asked, "Good. Anything else?""Well, Mr. Ellis also delivered some documents that can be used as evidence against Jimmy Smith, which he claims is enough for a lifetime sentence. If you deem it necessary, we can have it sent to the FBI.""Yes, let's go with that!" Julien replied, his tone satisfied. "And ask the director to handle it personally—I want this prick to never set foot stateside
Jimmy was sweating profusely in fear, but he argued back before he knew it, "That's impossible! Everything you say is bullshit! Gaiman simply thought he had a fair chance of winning and didn't want to pay Ares that much, and I have no idea who he partnered with, and I'm certainly not involved. Don't you try to slander me!"Nate chuckled. "Come on, Jimmy. We're all adults here, so there are things we shouldn't have to be so direct about. Mills Gaiman and your old classmate met in private many times, not to mention the private conferences you three had in secret, discussing your overall strategy and decisive points. Just so you know, Gaiman recorded every conversation, and I have the tapes with me."Jimmy's heart was left pounding as he blurted, "B-Bullshit! That's impossible!""Grow up, Jimmy," Mr.Goodman chuckled. "Every partner in every law firm always strives to rise higher, so I'm going to need as much leverage as I can. Otherwise, I'm not about to let them advance any further, e
Although the ringtone and vibration frequency were the ones Jimmy always used, this call somehow felt more urgent, leaving him exceedingly uneasy.When it abruptly stopped and left a missed call on his log, Nate Ellis soon sent a text: [Answer your damn phone this instant!]Just seeing the text left Jimmy feeling like his throat had gone dry, and as he gulped, it felt like his throat was being ripped, leaving him hurting.Still, he couldn't care less as his boss called again.Having seen the text, Jimmy didn't hesitate this time and promptly answered, watching Julien's smug face as he started tentatively, "Y-Yes, boss...?"Nate immediately yelled at him hysterically, "What the hell did you do?! Why did the Rothschilds call to complain about you?! And the complaint was from their heir apparent, at that! I worked hard for them and always toed the line for years, and I still haven't gotten a chance to meet the man, so how the fuck did you upset him?!"Jimmy's heart sank to rock bott
Fuming, Jimmy snapped at Julien, "If you insist on playing it like that, I will call my boss, and you can talk to him yourself!"Julien chuckled. "That's unnecessary. I've never met him. He would never recognize my voice."Jimmy laughed and nodded despite himself. "Impressive—you can really come up with anything! You don't have his number because he's beneath you, you refuse to call him because he's beneath you, and when I say I'll call him for you, you say he won't recognize your voice. Well, how do you suppose we should sort this out? At least prove you're a Rothschild, or anyone could claim that they are—"Julien held up a hand to stop him. "Then, how about this? I'll ask my butler to talk to your boss."Jimmy laughed even more loudly as if it were the best joke ever. "Hahaha!!! Butler, you say?! You really know how to talk! Alright, I'll wait and see what your 'butler' can do… I mean, what you can do. We'll see whether my boss calls me!"Julien ignored him and whipped out his