As Mick Crane had established a corrupted hierarchy in Vintage Deluxe, he had to make sure his position was never threatened by Raymond Cole.That was why he wanted Raymond gone, and it was obvious from that how important self-gain was to him.However, though he plotted to protect this job with a salary of several hundred grand per annum and incentives worth just as much, he didn't think that doing so meant he had missed out on 20 million.And to add insult to injury, that 20 million had ended up in Raymond's pocket.Mick wasn't just thunderstruck—he wished he was dead.Hanging up on Trippy right then, he called Zachary directly since Zachary had told him earlier that text notifications from his number would be silenced.Zachary was just about to fall asleep when his phone began buzzing.Already annoyed when he picked up his phone, he immediately snapped at Mick when he saw who the caller was. "I told you! Text me if you have any updates, and I'll check it when I wake up! Why ar
Mr. Cardensky's forgery syndicate had made the bronze sculpture—all Zachary had done was talk Jacob into buying it, and Jacob himself had made some money after Raymond bought it.That meant the entire plot had nothing to do with Zachary as he was just a mediator at best.In other words, if the bronze sculpture was worth nothing, he didn't lose anything… although he wouldn't make a cent even if it was worth a hundred million.However, he also knew all too well what Jacob Wilson was like.In fact, in this world, he was only second to Charlie when it came to knowing what type of man Jacob Wilson really was—not even Claire or Elaine would win against them.He was a dead man.That was Zachary's immediate thought on the matter, should Jacob ever find out.After all, Jacob was precisely one of those people who didn't play by any rules—no buyer's regret? No seller's remorse? None of that applied to him.Not even the Gods could make Jacob offer a refund if he scalped them. And vice vers
Zachary was instantly relieved to hear that Jacob's flight was taking off soon.The issue at hand was troublesome, but he would at least have time to come up with a plan if he was given more time.Moreover, Jacob didn't know anything and would be in Dubai in a few hours. Most importantly, he wouldn't be bothered with Aurous Hill gossip when he arrived, giving Zachary more time to deal with this mess.As such, Zachary quickly said, "Oh, nothing, Mr. President. I was just calling to check on your flight, but since you're flying now, I'm sure the air stewardess will be asking you to turn the flight mode on. I shan't be a bother now—I wish you safe travels with the missus!" Seeing how cordial Zachary was, Jacob chuckled, "How nice of you. I'll definitely get you some local souvenirs!""Oh, then allow me to thank you ahead of time, Mr. President!" Zachary exclaimed, as subservient as ever."Uh-huh," Jacob replied. "Well, I'm hanging up now. Let's catch up later.""Yes, yes, yes, let
While Zachary was caught feeling utterly helpless, the news that Raymond had made 20 million in a day was spreading like wildfire. Even though Zachary had already threatened Mick to not spill the beans, the problem was that all of Aurous Hill's Antique Street knew that over dozens of customers had come to Raymond's shop first thing in the morning.As such, everyone was curious—Raymond had supposedly made a blunder just yesterday yet now had dozens of people going to his shop? What on earth was he pulling?Hence, when most of the other collectors started to leave after failing to get the bronze sculpture, many gossipers came up to them to ask about it.For their part, the collectors were not hiding the truth, so they gave them a summary.Soon, all the antique dealers of Aurous Hill were left pondering the meaning of their existence.After all, they were told these collectors had prepared 20 million before rushing over to Aurous Hill in the night, yet they had all failed to buy th
Seeing that comment, Elaine promptly turned to Jacob, "Dear, I don't think they made it up. It says the antique was treated like a Renaissance forgery and sold for 300 thousand to the dealer, but it actually was medieval and sold first thing this morning."Jacob's mind seemed to fade entirely in an instant, and he dropped his glass of champagne before he knew it, wetting his trousers.Elaine quickly pulled out a towel to wipe it, exclaiming, "What's wrong?! Why did you wet your pants?!"Then, realizing that Jacob's eyes and mouth were gaping wide while he sat frozen stiff almost as if he were dead, she promptly shook him, "What's gotten into you, Jacob? Are you alright?"As Jacob came to his senses, his eyes were suddenly blood-red.Suddenly on his feet, he bellowed in fury, "Fuck! My twenty million! Open the door! Open it right now! I'm getting off this plane!"The cabin crew and the other passengers were all shocked by his sudden bellow, and Elaine was just as confused. "Your t
Jacob bellowed at the middle-aged man right then, "Then don't give me shit if you can't pay up! I only have one request, and that is I want off this plane right now!"Elaine came to a realization then, and she quickly asked, "Don't tell me… That thing we just saw online… you're the one who sold it yesterday?!"Jacob was on the verge of tears as he nodded. "Yes, it was me! That's why I want it back no matter what it takes!"Elaine became anxious as well. They were talking about twenty million, after all! Even if they lived off bank interest, they could still afford to spend ten grand per day for up to eight years!How could they let that slip through their grasp?!Pointing at the air stewardess, Elaine immediately snapped, "Hey, he's talking to you! Open the door, you hear?!"While the air stewardess was unable to handle both of them at once, a young man in a white collared shirt and black pants strode over, telling Jacob and Elaine, "Sorry to interrupt, but I'm the air marshal of
In reality, Jacob wouldn't usually be this bold, but he dared to run his mouth against the air marshal because twenty million was just too much money.Money emboldens, just like alcohol—while one wouldn't even mouth off for a couple thousand, one would murder for a million.And they were talking about twenty million here!Moreover, Jacob's rightful twenty million was going to his enemy, which incensed him further!Still, Elaine's words quickly calmed him because there was no scenario in which he would come up on top if he ended up behind bars.Elaine had been imprisoned for three days and ultimately ended up leaving with a broken leg.Heaven knows what would happen if he ended up arrested for fourteen days.With that in mind, he stopped arguing with the air marshall and returned to his seat, dejected. Clenching Elaine's hand, tears of grief rolled down his cheeks as he asked feebly, "What should I do now, dear? I thought it was junk and sold it for 300 thousand but it's actual
Seeing that their flight was being slowly towed toward the runway, Elaine quickly urged Jacob, "If you're calling him, do it right now! They're towing our plane to the runway, and we won't be able to call him once we take off!""Right!" Jacob exclaimed excitedly. "I'll call him right now—if he doesn't get it done, I'll tell Charlie to destroy him! He's Don Albert's henchman, and even Don Albert sucks up to Charlie. That would definitely pressure him enough!""Okay! Elaine nodded, excited too. "Then call him right now, or we might never find the buyer again!""Yeah!" Jacob promptly whipped out his phone and called Zachary.Meanwhile, Zachary had presumed that Jacob wouldn't find out before his flight took off, so he was immediately nervous when Jacob called him.His nerves aside, he was afraid to not answer at all.Who knew why Jacob was calling. It could just be a false alarm.Hence, as he answered, he feigned calmness and asked, "Hello again, Mr. President! Shouldn't your fli
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