He then stood up, grabbed a piece of tissue paper, and wiped his mouth before turning around and walking out.Janus was truly relieved when he saw Merline leaving and walking out the door.He wasn’t afraid of Merlin finding out his identity as an illegal immigrant, but of Merlin noticing that the latter had met him before and linking Homer’s disappearance to himself.Charlie and Quinn had been to his shop more than once so. If Janus got exposed, Merlin would be able to follow the trail and find Charlie.The case of Homer’s disappearance was not perfect. It wasn’t that Merlin could not find any clues, it was only that the clues were well hidden. If Merlin found out a clue and grabbed it, he’d be able to dig out the whole truth. Just as Janus pondered over this, he saw that Charlie and Quinn were also walking down. He stepped forward and said, “Young Master Wade, why did you come down? Inspector Lammy just left. I think he’s still not far away by now.”Charlie hurriedly said, “Unc
New York JFK Airport.Two private jets took off twenty minutes apart.Charlie’s uncle Christian was on the first plane that took off first. Quinn, who had a Healing Pill with her, was on the plane that took off later. Christian was also in a state of confusion at this time. He felt extremely nervous and distressed for his father. He had never thought about waiting for his father’s death, just so that they could divide the Acker family’s property. He also knew very well that his father was the core of the Acker family. The Acker family would be severely damaged if the man died at this time.Therefore, he really didn’t want his father to suffer such hardships. Compared to other families, the Acker family was relatively united. There was little to almost no conflict between the siblings. The main reason the Acker family could be so united was because of Ashley’s unexpected death. Ashley’s death didn’t only cause the Acker family to be in great sadness, but the Acker family
Everyone could put the interests of the Acker family first. Even if there were any disagreements, they could also be objective and democratic in their discussions.It was precisely because of this structure that Kaeden, Jaxson and Lulu had all put aside all of their businesses and rushed home when Lord Acker was suddenly critically ill. At the same time, they were all waiting for their elder brother Christian to come back home to preside over the emergency situation.Quinn, who was sitting on the plane at the same time, looked at the wax pill in the white plastic box in her hand. She was feeling extremely excited.Although she knew that she shouldn’t be feeling this way in this situation, she simply couldn’t control her own feelings. Charlie was actually asking her to go to his grandparents’ house and pose as his fiancée!To Quinn, this was Charlie’s recognition of her.Compared to the previous ambiguity, Charlie’s attitude this time was a big step forward in her opinion!What
Lulu took Christian with her as they rushed all the way to the Acker family’s medical center.This medical center was not only staffed with the top experts from various departments, but it was also equipped with multiple ICU intensive care units, delivery rooms, and operating rooms.The hardware facilities here were also fully capable of handling the world’s most complex organ transplant surgery. At this time, Keith, the head of the Acker family, was lying in the largest ICU ward in the medical center. His body was plugged with various equipment and tubes, and his entire face was covered with an oxygen mask. He was relying on the ventilator to barely maintain a faint breathing. His wife, who was also Charlie’s grandmother, was sitting next to him as she rubbed his right hand gently with both her hands. She was already in tears.Although there were several doctors on standby, there was nothing they could do.In their opinion, Keith’s life was coming to an end. It was just like
“This…” Christian stammered. “Mom… Things haven’t reached that point yet, so you shouldn’t be thinking about them.”The old lady shook her head, wiped away her tears, and said expressionlessly, “We’ve already tried all the methods that could be used, and we also tried the methods that normally can’t be used. I even invited Master Howton, who your father has always been disgusted with, to come over. I really don’t know what else to do…”Christian knew his father didn’t believe in religion in his life, let alone metaphysics. Regardless of whether it was Master Howton from Golden Taoism, or Old Master Lennard from the Book of Changes and the Eight Diagrams, they were all no different from charlatans to Keith.His mother would never invite Master Howton to their house if it wasn’t a last resort. Christian, who had been comforting his younger siblings and mother, felt even more desperate.He feared his father really wouldn’t be able to survive this time.…At the same time…In mid-
This staff member of the Acker family did not know who Charlie was, but he froze when he heard Ashley’s name, as if he had been hit by lightning.As soon as he heard Quinn saying that Charlie was Ashley’s son, he was instantly appalled.He immediately thought of how the main family had been searching everywhere for the whereabouts of the son that Ashley had left behind for so many years, yet failed to find a single clue at all.Could this be an important clue delivered to his doorstep?!As he thought of this, he approved the plane’s request to land immediately. At the same time, he also picked up the phone to report to his superiors.The words, ‘Ashley Acker’s son’ were like a shocking thunderbolt which caused the Acker family’s butler to rush into the medical center.At this time, Christian was still trying his best to comfort his mother as he forced himself to endure the pain.For the old lady, her eldest son was at this moment her spiritual support.The butler hurriedly ran
In fact, he was eager to go out with everyone to see if it was Charlie who returned or not.Although all of the siblings in the Acker family had deep affection for Ashley, Kaeden had the closest and deepest relationship with Ashley among his siblings.Even though he had always been resolute and extremely strong, this strength was something he gained after Ashley’s death.When Ashely was still alive, he was her most devout follower and was always around Ashley. It was only after Ashley’s death that he began to subconsciously imitate his sister’s behavior and gradually accomplish his current achievements. Deep in his heart, he always felt that he wasn’t as good as his sister’s.Meanwhile…A plane gradually approached from the sky and landed at the end of the runway. The Acker family felt more and more nervous.Lady Acker couldn’t help but ask the children around her, “Do you think…that Charlie will be on the plane?!”Everyone dared not answer. After all, Charlie had been mis
“I…”When Quinn heard Lady Acker’s question, she pursed her lips, feeling extremely embarrassed.However, she recalled what Charlie had instructed her. She could only bite the bullet and lie, “Sorry, Grandma… I haven’t been able to find Brother Charlie… Yet.”As Quinn said this, she saw clearly the glimmer in the old lady’s eyes dimming instantly.She suddenly felt that it was too cruel for her to say this to this old lady with such a kind face. Christian, standing nearby, sighed and asked her, “Miss Golding, have you been looking for Charlie as well?”“Yes…” Quinn said seriously. “My father’s been looking for Brother Charlie for almost twenty years. He’s searched almost everywhere in the world.”Lady Acker said softly with a grateful expression, “The Golding family is affectionate and righteous. You guys haven’t forgotten about Charlie, even after so many years! Thank you… I thought we were the only ones who were still looking for Charlie’s whereabouts. I didn’t expect you peo
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