As Charlie looked at Marianne for the first time, he felt that this girl was much more beautiful compared to how she looked in her photos.What Charlie saw on the documents were all the girl’s ID photos. Marianne was wearing glasses in her ID photos, and she was not smiling. She looked a little more delicate and beautiful, but she was far from being stunning.At this moment, however, Marianne, who was in front of him, was slender and tall with fair and rosy skin. Her facial features without makeup had the charm of a classical Oskian beauty. She had a long ponytail, and it seemed as though she was an angel that had fallen into this neighborhood and was the top version of the girl-next-door.Marianne’s dressing was very simple. She was wearing an ordinary dress with a simple pair of black sandals coupled with an unbranded shoulder bag. Such casual dressing actually brought out her extraordinary temperament to an even greater height. Charlie really did not expect that a fat man like
The person whom Marianne hated the most in her life was Jenna.For as long as she could remember, her mother had always been in tears every day at home. Her father rarely came home, and at that time, her mother had told her that her father was hooking up with a vixen outside. So, that was the reason why he did not care about them.The vixen that her mother spoke of was Jenna, whom Shawn had been hiding in this mansion on Steerlain Island. At that time, Marianne’s mother was still pregnant with her sister, and it was precisely because she had been pregnant with her sister that she had ignored her regular medical checkups and failed to detect and intervene in the initial stage of cancer in time. After being pregnant for ten months, her mother then breastfed her sister for half a year after she had given birth. During that time, her mother had been unwilling to take a single pill even if she had a cold in order to ensure that her breast milk was healthy. Thus, her condition had bee
Both Shawn and Jenna’s expressions changed the moment Charlie mentioned roast goose.As a local resident of Hong Kong, Shawn used to love eating roast goose.However, ever since he had learned that Janus, who was a talented businessman, had been selling roast goose for twenty years in Oskiatown in the United States, he had begun to hate roast goose to the core.This was because he would think of Janus whenever he thought of roast goose.As long as he thought of Janus, he would think of how Jenna had eloped with Janus and how everyone in Hong Kong knew about this matter. Moreover, what made him feel even more depressed was the fact that a woman like Jenna, who was so pampered and spoiled, would actually willingly follow Janus to sell roast goose in Oskiatown for several years. This made him feel even deeper pain in his heart. However, for anyone who had been wounded, no matter how strong they appeared on the surface, they would always be vulnerable in their hearts or have a part
When Shawn heard Charlie’s words, he really felt like slapping himself on the spot, and he could not help but curse to himself, ‘Wow! I’m really asking for it! Why did I have to ask him for the name of the restaurant?!’Jenna had an even more embarrassed expression, and she was also panicking a little at this time.It was already bad enough that Charlie was mentioning roast goose, but he just had to mention Campbell Roast directly! Wasn’t this a direct slap in the face for both Shawn and herself?!When Marianne, who was sitting opposite Charlie, saw the stunned expressions on Shawn and Jenna’s faces, she suddenly could not hold back her laughter, and she laughed out loud.Shawn turned around to glare at Marianne immediately and asked angrily, “What’s so funny?!”Marianne shrugged and said, “It wasn’t funny at first, but both of your reactions are simply too hilarious. Mr. Wade simply wanted to eat roast goose, so why are you both reacting so strongly to it?”Shawn said angrily, “
Charlie’s sudden laughter caused both Shawn and Jenna to look shocked and angry at the same time.Only then did they understand that the reason why Charlie kept mentioning roast goose was not because he missed the taste of roast goose as he had said, but it was because he was deliberately teasing them the whole time!However, Marianne was not surprised at all. Instead, she was amused by Charlie’s sudden change, and the both of them laughed heartily as they faced each other. The expression on Shawn’s face also became uglier with their laughter. A moment later, he slammed the table violently, looked at Charlie, and shouted angrily, “Mr. Wade! I’ve been treating you with courtesy, and I’ve regarded you as our distinguished guest from the moment we met, but why are you deliberately humiliating me?!”Charlie was not nervous at all, and he laughed lightly as he said, “Humiliate you? What do you mean by that, Mr. Long? You cannot possibly stop me from laughing even though this is your
Therefore, he did not dare to continue arguing with Charlie on this issue.After all, he still intended to catch Ito-Schulz Ocean Shipping Group, which was a big fish to him. So, it would be best for him not to turn against Charlie. He would have to pretend that he did not know about this matter as long as Charlie did not make it clear that he was laughing at him for being cuckolded.So, he quickly changed his expression and laughed as he said, “So, that’s the case, Mr. Wade. It seems as though I’ve misunderstood you. I’ll drink a cup of wine as punishment, then!”Having said that, he picked up the wine glass and drank the wine in the glass in one go.Charlie nodded with a smile on his face as he said, “I really did not expect that a mere roast goose would make Mr. Long so unhappy. If that’s the case, we don’t need to eat roast goose tonight.” Shawn did not expect that Charlie would still be mentioning roast goose at this time. So, he could only force a smile and say, “Okay, then
Shawn was finally relieved and relaxed when he saw that Charlie seemed to have a crush on his daughter.The fish had already opened its mouth, and the rest would depend on when he bit the hook.After having a satisfying meal, Shawn said, “Mr. Wade, I still have something to do at the company in the afternoon, so I will not be accompanying you. Let Marianne accompany you to have a good time going around Hong Kong.”Charlie nodded and said casually, “Mr. Long, feel free to go ahead and get busy if you have something to do. It’s good enough for me to have Miss Long accompany me.” Shawn nodded in satisfaction and instructed his daughter, “Marianne, be sure to be a good host and entertain Mr. Wade on my behalf.” Marianne was also unambiguous as she asked directly, “When will you arrange for the donation of the fifty million Hong Kong dollars that you promised me?” Shawn casually replied, “I will ask the finance department to transfer the money to your foundation’s bank account with
Charlie casually took over the box, carried it, and left the villa with Marianne.After arriving in the yard, Marianne walked directly toward a normal version of the Tesla Model 3.This was Tesla’s cheapest entry-level sedan which looked completely out of place in a yard filled with Rolls-Royces and Maybachs. Charlie did not expect that Marianne would actually drive an electric car that was just more than two hundred thousand Oskian dollars. So, he could not help but feel a little surprised. Marianne could also see the look of surprise in Charlie’s eyes. So, she spoke up and said, “Mr. Wade, my car is a little simple. I hope that you do not mind it.”“No.” Charlie waved his hand and smiled as he said, “I’m not particular about cars. Not to mention four-wheeled electric cars, but I would also be fine even if it was a two-wheeled electric vehicle.”Marianne nodded and said a little coldly, “That’s good. Please help me put the things in the car trunk, Mr. Wade.”“Okay.” Charlie r
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