Charlie made a silent wish amidst the sound of Claire’s singing before he blew out the candles.After that, Claire spoke up, “Husband, close your eyes. I have a gift for you!”Charlie nodded, and he gently closed his eyes.Claire took out a gift box from behind her, and she held it up with both hands before placing it into Charlie’s hands as she smiled and said, “Okay! You can open your eyes now!”Charlie lowered his head, and he saw that there was actually a watch box placed in his hands.There was a simple line of English letters written on the box. Charlie recognized it at a glance, and it turned out to be Patek Philippe. Charlie looked at Claire in surprise and spoke up, “Wife, why did you buy such an expensive gift for me?”Claire said shyly, “It’s not expensive. Hurry up and open it to see if you like it!”Charlie nodded before he opened up the package. There was a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch lying serenely inside the box.At this time, Claire said softly from the sid
The family of four dined and wined to their heart’s content. Jacob was already a little drunk, and he had already started to speak with a lisp. It was obvious at first glance that he had drunk too much.Both Elaine and Claire could not hold their liquor very well, but after Elaine had heard that a bottle of wine costs more than a hundred thousand dollars, she ground her teeth and drank more than half a bottle of the wine. She drank until she was delirious, and she looked foolishly happy as she held onto the bottle of wine.Claire drank less, and although her cheeks were also a little flushed, she was still very sober. When she saw that everyone had already dined and wined to their hearts’ content and there was only an hour left to the concert, Claire then said to Charlie, “Husband, I’ll go upstairs and change my clothes. The both of us can just head to the concert directly in a short while!”Charlie nodded, and he smiled as he said, “Go ahead. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”At this
Charlie smiled awkwardly and said, “The both of them were just talking about the past, and as they talked about it, it seems as though their feelings have surfaced…”Claire nodded and said emotionally, “That’s good. I’ve not seen both of them embracing each other like that for many years now.”As she spoke, Claire hurriedly beckoned at Charlie and said in a low voice, “Then, we should hurry up and leave now! We should not disturb them anymore!”Charlie hummed slightly, and he quietly left the house together with Claire.***The couple went out and called for a taxi before they headed straight to the Aurous Hill Olympic Centre.When they were getting nearer and approaching the venue, the surrounding traffic was already so jammed that it was difficult to even move forward slightly.The couple did not want to trouble the driver too much, so they decided to get off the car earlier, and they walked toward the entrance of the venue.At this time, the surrounding area was already fill
Charlie recalled how Loreen had seen him and Quinn at Herrolls Bay. At that time, Charlie had even lied to Loreen and told her that Quinn’s family had always been helping him. Loreen obviously knew this, and so, the reason why she was asking him this question must be because she wanted to deliberately tease him.”So, Charlie casually replied, “Actually, I’ve never had any interest and feelings for any idols or celebrities. However, I’m just accompanying Claire to come and watch this concert because she likes it.”“Oh, so that’s how it is.” Loreen did not expose him, and she smiled as she asked Claire, “Oh, by the way, Claire, which section and which row are your seats located at? Let me see if we are seated close to each other.”Claire said awkwardly, “Oh! I would have forgotten about this if you did not ask about it. Charlie was the one who helped to get the tickets for us. So, I do not know exactly which row and which seats we have.”After saying that, Claire looked at Charlie, a
Claire laughed and said, “I cannot do these kinds of things to fool people. I’d better continue designing in a practical way instead.”Loreen, who was aside, could not help but feel more or less jealous when she saw the both of them whispering and laughing amongst themselves. So, she complained, “The both of you should also pay attention to the occasion even if you want to show your affection for one another. Don’t put on a public display of affection, okay?”Claire giggled and said, “Loreen, since we are all in the infield area, let’s go in together. We should not continue standing here.”Loreen nodded gently before following Charlie and Claire as they went inside the venue after the security check and ticket inspection.At this time, the interior of the venue was already crowded with people, and the surrounding stands were filled with Quinn’s fans. Most of them had glow sticks as well as LED light signs with Quinn’s name written on them. Tens of thousands of people were waving at
Charlie and Claire had just arrived at the first row and were about to head to the center when they suddenly saw that the four people who were sitting down before them were actually all their acquaintances.The person who was sitting closest to the entrance of the first row was Doris. When she saw that Charlie and Claire were here, she stood up and smiled as she said, “Master Wade, Chairman Wilson, the both of you are here too!”Claire was surprised and said, “Oh! Vice Chairman Young, are you also here to see Quinn Golding’s concert?”Doris laughed and said, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Quinn Golding, and I know how to sing every single one of her songs! How could I possibly not come now that she has finally decided to hold a concert in Aurous Hill?”Claire nodded repeatedly as she smiled and said, “I really would not have expected that you would actually have time to chase after celebrities when you are usually so busy with work.”Doris looked at Charlie before she said with p
In truth, Claire had seen the reports and news during Aurora and Nanako’s competition back then, but at that time, both girls had looked extremely valiant when they were wearing professional combat clothing on the field. Moreover, Nanako’s long hair had been tied into a neat and sharp ponytail, whereas Aurora had had medium-length hair at that time. But now, these two girls’ hairs were long and draped over their shoulders. They looked very gentle and meek, and this was the reason why it was very difficult for Claire to link these two girls to the two valiant girls during the competition back then.Each of these five women, who were sitting side by side, had their own characteristics and strengths. They were simply five extremely beautiful women.Just as Claire was still extremely dumbfounded, Jasmine took the initiative to speak up. “Hello, Mrs. Wade, long time no see!” Previously, when Claire’s best friend, Magnolia, had gotten married, Charlie had brought her to Jasmine’s top b
As soon as the few women heard Charlie’s words, all of them nodded knowingly.Although all of them had a very good impression of Charlie in their hearts, they also knew very well that Charlie wanted to spend some time alone with his wife tonight. So, they should not disturb them too much.At this time, Jasmine spoke up, “Master Wade, Mrs. Wade, in that case, we will not disturb the both of you while you watch the concert. We can meet up for a meal when you are free.”After saying that, Jasmine looked at Claire and said seriously, “In addition, Mrs. Wade, you can come and pay a visit to Moore Group when you are free. We also have had some design and renovation needs lately. We can collaborate if you are interested.”Currently, Claire was at the stage in her career where she was extremely ambitious.She had always hoped that she would be able to develop and build up her company to make it even bigger and stronger quickly. She also hoped that she would be able to take the initiative
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