The location used by the NYPD to inspect helicopters was an open-air helipad owned by an aviation company in Northwest New York. The scale of the company was very large. The helipad and hangar alone could park hundreds of helicopters. Besides that, the company had purchased dozens of helicopters of various types. It was the largest aviation company in New York and was the Rothschild family's asset. Helicopters were relatively common in the United States. Many wealthy people and corporations owned helicopters. The helicopter rental business was also very popular. Many celebrities, politicians, and wealthy people often rented helicopters for their travels, making aviation companies quite common in the country. However, most companies or business owners had only one helicopter. It was not worth investing in dedicated facilities and teams just for parking, maintenance, and upkeep of a single helicopter. Thus, they often entrusted the helicopter to an aviation company, which managed
The helicopters were all civilian helicopters. It seemed that these helicopters were ordered here for inspection as well. The sight enraged Fleur, and she snapped, "Damn it! With so many helicopters being inspected, when will it be our turn?!" "I-I have no idea," the pilot lamented. Fleur was so indignant at this point that she wanted to jump down from the helicopter and kill everyone below. On second thought, she might be able to get away with it, but such actions would drag her into an irreversible abyss. Furthermore, she had spotted four helicopters at the four corners of the apron with the letters NYPD painted on them. Next to the helicopters, there were about twenty heavily armed SWAT officers. To her bewilderment, there were two Apache armed helicopters from the New York State National Guard parked on either side of the area equipped with Sea Serpent 70mm rockets and Hellfire missiles which were much more deadly than the Soviet-made close-in defense guns. Next to t
At that point, Fleur wanted to cut off the soldier's head with a slash in the air and then rush to Burlington. However, she came to her senses and calmed down. In this situation, there was no way she could avoid the inspection. It was possible to fight her way out of there, but in the next second, the armed helicopters would pursue her at all costs, and she might be a fugitive for the rest of her life. In this case, she would miss the chance of finding and getting the Four-Sided Treasure Tower. At this moment, a loud rumble echoed in the sky. A large Bell helicopter slowly descended from above and landed at the helipad behind the helicopter Fleur was riding in. The soldiers outside Fleur's helicopter immediately split into two teams. One team stayed and guarded Fleur's helicopter while the rest went to the next helipad, executing the same procedure to secure that helicopter as well. The soldier outside Fleur's helicopter spoke into the walkie-talkie on his shoulder, "We
Fleur leaned closer to the window and asked the soldier outside, "Do you know how to get me out of here?" The soldier shook his head. "Our supervisor has given clear instructions that helicopters and individuals arriving here must undergo a very thorough inspection. At least three soldiers in charge of the inspection must confirm everything is in order before the helicopter and its passengers can leave." Gritting her teeth in annoyance, Fleur asked, "If I ask the soldier responsible for the inspection to let me go, can I go?" "No," declared the soldier. "It's not just us who are in charge here. The NYPD and the Rothschild family's operatives are also involved. They insist that inspections must be conducted in order. When it's a helicopter's turn, they'll send representatives along with a dozen of our soldiers, all equipped with specialized gear, to surround the helicopter and thoroughly inspect both the helicopter and its passengers." Fleur didn't expect the situation to be mor
With this in her mind, Fleur asked, "What if I just let them open the window and reach out to interfere with the AI judgment? Can this cover my escape?" The soldier shook his head. "AI has priorities. If alarms are triggered for a dozen targets all at once, it will automatically analyze the changes for all of them. If, among those dozen targets, only one has someone coming out, it will determine that this target has the highest priority and will direct everyone to attack that target first." "What the fuck?!" Fleur wailed in great frustration. "What's wrong with the Rothschilds?! Is it necessary for them to come up with so much advanced technology for just one item?!" The soldier shrugged. "We don't know either. Yesterday at midnight, they urgently transferred people from Silicon Valley. They are said to be from the most advanced AI company, and all the top engineering teams are here. After their arrival, they immediately started training their self-developed AI model based on the
Just like a smartphone, even if we had ten thousand apps installed, it was useless if it had no power. Thinking about this, she asked, "What if I cut the power? Will the equipment shut down?" "No," the soldier replied. "Just like what I said, it was possible yesterday, but there is no chance today." "Why not?!" Fleur snapped. The soldier answered, "I don't know what the Rothschilds were thinking last night, but they installed a large backup power supply overnight at every monitoring station. If the power goes out, the backup power can be seamlessly switched to ensure that the equipment is not disconnected, and the battery capacity is high enough to provide at least twelve hours of normal operation for all the equipment at the monitoring point." Then, he added, "Oh, by the way, they moved at least a dozen diesel generators this morning, and it is said that there are also generator trucks. When the power goes out, they can use batteries to provide power while they start the die
Since her enlightenment, Fleur had never doubted herself as much as she did today. Everything that had happened around her felt like chains binding her tightly with no way to break free. At this moment, she felt immensely frustrated and depressed, but there was nothing much she could do. And time was continuously ticking away. The plane Zekeiah had chartered was flying toward the US-Canada border, getting closer and closer to the designated airport. Half an hour had passed, and there were still nine helicopters waiting for inspection ahead of Fleur. At this rate, it would be at least an hour before her turn. Counting the time it took for the inspection, by the time the inspection was completed and they got the clearance to take off, she estimated that the plane would have landed by then. Therefore, Fleur had to choose between two options. She could either have the members of the Qing Eliminating Society rush in to attack the airport and see if they could get the Four-Side
Ottawa, the capital of Canada. It was already morning. While chatting with Helena, Charlie kept checking his phone, anticipating the news of the Four-Sided Treasure Tower's return to Oskia. However, Vera's phone call arrived before the news. Charlie said to Helena, "I need to take this." "Alright." Helena nodded gently. "I'll make you a pot of tea." Upon saying that, she stood up and left the room. Charlie answered the call and asked curiously with a smile, "Miss Lavor, it's still so early in the morning. What's the occasion?" Vera chuckled and said with a delicate voice, "But sir, it's already evening here." "Oh." Charlie chuckled as well. "I forgot about the time difference." Vera smiled and asked, "I need to update you with some news. I wonder if it's convenient for you?" "Yes, of course!" Charlie replied. "Go ahead." Vera began, "I heard that the NSA is using a special force to order a plane to turn around and return to America, and the plane was the one Zekei
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