“That’s fair. That’s fair indeed.” Marianne could not help but repeat herself.Then, she suddenly seemed to figure something out as she said, “Miss Fox, you’re right. It’s not wrong to fall in love with someone else, but it is most important to be open and honest...”Kathleen nodded and smiled as she asked, “So, how are you feeling now? Do you still feel that you’re wrong now?”Marianne pursed his lips and said softly, “I still feel that I’m wrong, but I feel much better now...”Kathleen sighed softly and smiled as she said, “Oh, if you feel that you’re wrong and cannot control how much you like Charlie, you will just have to adjust your mentality because you have too many competitors, and each of them are all incredibly powerful. I can’t even rank here as a member of the Fox family.”With that being said, Kathleen asked her, “Do you know why Ito-Schulz Ocean Shipping Group seems to be a joint venture between the Ito family from Japan and the Schulz family from Oskia but Charlie i
Kathleen’s joke frightened Marianne, and she became flustered as she quickly waved her hand and said, “I-I dare not... My sister is still studying...”Kathleen smiled and said, “Can’t she fall in love if she’s still studying? Aren’t you also a doctoral student? You have not graduated, right?”Marianne hurriedly said, “That’s... That’s not what I meant...”When Kathleen saw Marianne’s flustered appearance, she smiled and said, “We’ll put the matter related to your younger sister aside first, but let me ask you something else. Do you know Quinn Golding?”“The celebrity, Quinn Golding?!” Marianne subconsciously blurted out, “She’s my idol!”Having said that, she suddenly thought of something and asked in horror, “Does Quinn also like Charlie?!”Kathleen raised her brows and smiled as she said, “Quinn is different compared to us. She has a marriage contract with Charlie. Their family had already betrothed them when they were still young. Quinn searched hard for Charlie for so many ye
“No.” Kathleen said, “We haven’t known each other for long. Just a month or two.”Marianne was shocked and asked her, “You’ve only known Charlie for a month or two, so why do you know him so well, then?!”Kathleen smiled in a self-deprecating manner and said, “Well, who asked me to be a smart aleck? I had to find out everything about him, and the deeper I looked into him, the deeper I got caught in it.”Having said that, Kathleen smiled and said, “Sometimes, being too smart is not a good thing. I was also sad for a whole day like you are now when I found out that he likes Nanako.”Marianne was even more puzzled, and she asked, “Miss Fox, how did you know that?”Kathleen laughed and said, “Based on reasoning.”Having said that, Kathleen said, “First of all, as far as I know, Nanako was seriously injured after she competed in Aurous Hill. The media once said that her life was in danger, and even if she pulled through and survived, she might have to be bedridden for the rest of her
Marianne did not expect that the birthday gift that Charlie had casually given her would be so expensive. It was so expensive that even Lord Fox could only get half of the pill from Charlie!As she thought of this, she suddenly had mixed feelings in her heart.At this moment, she felt a girl-like joy in her heart as well as the trepidation of receiving something so valuable without merit. However, she did not expect that Kathleen’s next sentence would leave her even more speechless.Kathleen struggled and hesitated for a long time before she looked at Marianne and asked in an extremely serious manner, “Miss Long, do you intend to sell this Healing Pill? I am willing to pay you ten billion US dollars if you plan to sell it!” There were not many people who knew of the actual value of the Rejuvenating Pill as well as the Healing Pill better than Kathleen herself. Needless to say, the Rejuvenating Pill was a divine medicine that could be sold for three hundred billion US dollars
Having said that, she reached out her hand and pointed at the small wooden box in Marianne’s hand as she instructed, “Miss Long, it’d be better for you to put this pill away. This pill is worth a lot of money, so you should try not to let others know about it.”“Okay...” Marianne nodded and then kept the small wooden box away safely. She then immediately remembered something and hurriedly asked Kathleen, “By the way, Miss Fox, why do you know so many things about Charlie? It seems like you know him very well.” Kathleen smiled in a self-deprecating manner and said, “I secretly investigated him when I was in Aurous Hill before this, and coupled with some of my own reasoning skills, I was then able to sort out a lot of things.”Marianne could not help but exclaim, “Miss Fox, you’re really smart! I wouldn’t have thought of this if it was me...”“Smart...” Kathleen smiled and shook her head. “It’s useless to be too smart.”Having said that, Kathleen’s expression suddenly froze as if s
After Charlie had bought the cell phone case, the episode related to the cell phone seemed to be over. However, Charlie still could not understand why Marianne would burst into tears because of her cell phone.At this time, the vendors at the food street showed extremely hospitable qualities and filled their table with a variety of delicious food.So, the three of them tacitly put the incident behind them as they chatted while they ate.Halfway through the meal, Marianne looked up at Charlie and asked him, “Mr. Wade, when will you be going back?”Charlie casually said, “Tomorrow night. I wonder if your father has solved the problem in regard to the villa next door? If it’s solved, I can also go back after Uncle Janus’s family moves in tomorrow.”Marianne felt a little disappointed, and she could not help but ask, “Mr. Wade, aren’t you planning to stay a few more days in Hong Kong?”“No.” Charlie smiled slightly and said, “My wife is waiting for me in the United States, so I canno
Kathleen drove the car out of the parking lot after saying goodbye, but Marianne was not in a hurry to leave. Instead, she turned on her cell phone and typed a sentence, ‘How many universities are there in Aurous Hill?’ into the search engine on her cell phone. Very soon, the search engine presented a list of all the universities in Aurous Hill.Marianne glanced at the list. In the list, the university with the best strength and reputation was Aurous University.So, she opened Aurous University’s official website and found Aurous University’s recruitment page on the official website. She carefully read the words on the website and finally found a recruitment category that was particularly suitable for her. This category was called the Outstanding Talent Introduction Program. There were two schemes for this talent introduction program. The first scheme was for well-known scholars with a certain reputation worldwide. This was a very high requirement, and Marianne, who had yet t
Meanwhile, in Campbell Mansion. This was an old mansion located in Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong, and the actual usable area for this mansion was only just over thirty square meters. In Hong Kong, where every inch of land was precious, there were not many people who could own a house that was more than thirty square meters. Back then, in Kowloon Walled City, countless families with five or even eight family members were all crammed into a small room of less than ten square meters. In comparison, this mansion in Sham Shui Po owned by the Campbell family was already considered to have escaped the title of living in a slum. Janus had grown up here when he was young. When his father had made a fortune by selling roast goose, his family had then moved to the bustling city center of Hong Kong.Later, Janus had then become a well-known professional manager in Hong Kong, and he had also earned a good income when he had helped Shawn make a lot of money. The Campbell family’s house in the c
Ares LLP was the biggest law firm in the States, and only the best of the best were recruited as associates.If Jimmy got to pick ten of their partners, he was basically taking a huge chunk out of their human resources.Moreover, the partners' salaries would be very expensive. With Jimmy included, eleven of them meant over a hundred million US dollars at minimum. Ares would definitely be maimed if they had to pay that much money while losing ten of their elites! Naturally, Jimmy didn't feel confident about achieving that, and he asked Charlie, "Mr. Wade… Don't you think it's too much? Would Nate even agree to that?"Charlie shrugged. "Of course he won't agree if you're the one asking, but he would definitely say yes if it were Julien."Julien almost rolled his eyes.The man was truly ruthless, ready to inflict so much damage at the drop of a hat.Worst of all, he was going to play the villain for Charlie.Still, he said confidently, "Don't worry, Mr. Wade! I will pressure him
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