At this moment, Vera wore a shy smile on her face, reminiscent of a young girl. It was evident that she was in extremely high spirits as she walked beside Charlie. Her eyes occasionally stole glances at Charlie, but each time, it was just a brief glance, not daring to stare for long. Every time she looked, her eyes would curve up like the willow leaves swaying in the wind, truly embodying a breathtaking beauty.However, the Vera they remembered was always carefree, playful, and sometimes domineering, but never shy or timid. They never associated her with the words ‘shy’ and ‘timid’.Now, they finally realized that Vera also had such a girlish and shy side.Logan watched Vera walking toward them from a distance and couldn't help but sigh with a smile, “If Miss were to wear a wedding dress or a traditional outfit, she would be even more beautiful, wouldn't she?”Emmett waved his hand solemnly and said, “No, she still looks quite young. Nowadays, girls get married in their twenties
Vera couldn't help but ask him angrily, “Shouldn't you call me 'darling' as well?”Charlie coughed twice and asked her, “There's no one else here. Do you really want me to call you that?”Vera felt aggrieved and said, “We agreed on this earlier…”Charlie immediately said seriously, “Alright, I'll keep my promise.”After adjusting himself, he said, “Darling, we'll reach the airport in half an hour.”Vera smiled sweetly and said, “Got it. Thank you, darling!”Vera, who was satisfied, couldn't help but notice Charlie's left hand on the steering wheel, and she curiously asked, “Darling, didn't you wear the ring I gave you when you came out?”Charlie casually replied, “Why would I wear it? The ring recognizes your father as its owner, not me. If we encounter danger together, it will still teleport me to you. If we really meet Fleur, wouldn't that be like a bug getting stuck, unable to escape her grasp? It would be like giving her the ring for nothing. So, it's better not to wear it.”
A trendy and stylish couple dressed in high-end fashion walked hand in hand through the VIP passage to complete their boarding process. They then held hands and boarded the airport's business car reserved for VIPs.To outsiders, these two must be lovers who were rich heirs. Not only were they dressed in high-end brands, but they also seemed to have spent hundreds of thousands on private charters for their trips.However, this was just the best disguise for Charlie and Vera.With Charlie's current appearance, no one would doubt he was just twenty years old. Even if he bumped into acquaintances, they wouldn't recognize him.As the two boarded the plane, the crew guided them to the spacious cabin. Vera completely ignored the first two independent first-class seats and held Charlie's hand as she walked toward the back and said coquettishly, “Darling, I want to sit with you.”There were side-by-side double seats at the back with no armrest in between, just like a standard double sofa s
Vera felt both shy and anxious, “I've never been in love, but I've seen enough romance dramas at least! Aren’t playful banters like this common in romance dramas?”“Yes, yes…” Charlie nodded with a smile. By this time, the plane had slowly taxied away from the gate, so Charlie brought the conversation back to the point as he whispered, “We'll be landing in Londel in a little over two hours. Can you still recall the exact location of your father's tomb?”Vera put away her smile and replied, “My father's tomb is northeast of Ensel Bay. I've seen maps and satellite photos. That place is now called Stoneridge.”Charlie nodded, took out his cell phone to check the map, and said, “Stoneridge is a bit closer to Londel. It's about an hour and a half drive from the airport.”“Mm-hmm…” Vera nodded slightly and said, “My father's tomb is on a mountain in the northeast part of Stoneridge. It's been hundreds of years, so I wonder what it looks like now.”Charlie asked her, “Was there a tombsto
Charlie nodded gently, “Okay, thank you for your hard work.”-When Fleur's plane landed in Melbourne, the plane carrying Charlie and Vera had already taken off from Aurous Airport, heading for the distant Londel over a thousand kilometers away.As the plane took off and flew westward, Vera completely lost her previous liveliness and playfulness. She leaned on Charlie's shoulder for a while, then her eyes seemed to lose focus as she stared out the window.Charlie could sense that something was wrong with her, and he understood her current state very well. After all, in this world, no one was more suited to feel homesick than Vera right now.She was a young girl who had been away from home for over three hundred years, and she was finally on her way back home. Anyone in her shoes would feel a mixture of emotions.After more than two hours, the plane landed at Londel Airport. When Vera got off the plane, her legs felt a bit weak involuntarily.As she clung to Charlie, he could cle
Whenever Sanguine was mentioned, Vera would clench her teeth in hatred. When she mentioned that none of her four uncles and their descendants survived, Vera burst into tears. Charlie didn't expect Vera's grandfather's family to be so tragic, and he couldn't help but sigh as he said, “In those days, lives were as insignificant as grass and leaves. Countless families that had lasted for hundreds or even thousands of years were cut off in that era.”Vera clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, saying, “It's all because of the traitor, Sanguine!”With these words, she showed a fierce attitude that she rarely showed, saying word by word, “The Lavors has been loyal for generations! My ancestors have dedicated themselves to the country, and my father even joined the military, fighting against the Qing Dynasty for half his life, never forgetting to support Oskia. However, Sanguine not only let the Qing army into the pass, overturning our country, but he also killed the king for his own s
“Later on, I also thought, instead of constantly running, it might be better to just leave the ring to Fleur so that she would stop pursuing me and let me live out the rest of my life peacefully. Upon second thoughts, Fleur was the one who murdered my father. If I compromised and begged for mercy from her, what's the difference between me and Sanguine, who let the Qing dynasty in? We would both be traitors, then.”After saying this, Vera said, “After understanding all this, I decided that no matter how difficult it is, I must survive. No matter how hard it is, I cannot compromise and give in to Fleur. As long as I can survive, I will definitely outlive Fleur. At that time, I will have the last laugh.”Charlie said firmly, “Don't worry, you will definitely outlive her.”Vera nodded earnestly and said, “I'm sure you will outlive me, Young Master. After I die, please bother to bury my ashes next to my parents. My life will be complete then.”Charlie said seriously, “Don't worry, if I
When Vera returned to Stoneridge after more than three hundred years, it no longer looked the same as it did before. While Ensel Bay was still there, centuries of development had changed its appearance significantly compared to three hundred years ago.Standing on the bustling streets of Stoneridge, Vera couldn't match the memories in her mind with the current scene. Fortunately, the changes in the mountains weren't significant. Despite some peaks being partially mined, the overall landscape remained relatively unchanged.After Vera identified it, she determined that her father's grave was located northeast of the current Stoneridge town, behind the first partially mined peak and the mountain resembling a tortoise shell.Charlie and Vera left the car in town and then changed into a pair of couples’ sneakers prepared by Vera in advance. They then began hiking toward the mountains.As they set off, Charlie silently activated his mental cultivation method, reducing his Reiki to the mi
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