Over the years, the rift between the Ackers and the Wades had grown, but it was a result of misunderstandings.After the Qing Eliminating Society had set their sights on Charlie's parents, Curtis had gone on a campaign against the Rothschilds so that the Wades had plausible deniability. And when pressured by the Rothschilds, the Wades did indeed cave under pressure as expected, and they had exiled Curtis in response.Back then, Jeremiah was completely unaware that his beloved son was already being hunted, and he was simply under the impression that his son's campaign against the Rothschilds had been completely misguided, thus hampering the family's progress into the international stage.To get on the Rothschilds' good graces and to make it clear that the Wade family meant no harm, he thus had to exile Curtis, though he intended for it to be merely a temporary solution.On one hand, he could prevent Curtis from accessing the family's wealth and influence in his personal campaign whi
With those words, Charlie didn't wait for Jacob to say another word and stood up. "I'm going up if there's nothing else, pops."-Early next morning, Jacob drove to the Calligraphy and Painting Association.While most members had a lot to talk about seeing him return, the respective vice-presidents had made sure behind closed doors that none would do so openly.Jacob was at first apprehensive about being scorned, so he was surprised that everyone was polite and stopped worrying altogether.And days later, Yolden and Matilda returned to Aurous Hill after their honeymoon trip while the press conference to announce the launch of Curtis Automotive was at hand.The Ackers had their hand in plenty of cookie jars, but the press conference and the new car company were their current priority.To showcase that, the Ackers and Charlie all decided that Keith would also be present for the press conference to take the post as board chairman. Jeremiah Wade would be present too, both to represe
When Charlie saw Jacob strutting into the room smugly, he knew that Jacob had made it back into the Calligraphy and Painting Association.Still, he asked out of feigned curiosity, "Did something good happen, pops?"Jacob chuckled and said, "Why, yes! My boy, Don Albert is truly the man! You just asked him to do something about Kenny Bay this afternoon, and now, Kenny's begging to have me back!"To be fair, the head of department is way less glamorous than being administrative vice-president, but I guess it's acceptable. I've already agreed to report in to the association tomorrow too."Charlie nodded quietly—Jacob was incompetent, but sending him outside was better than having him stay home all the time."That's good," he said, smiling. "At least you won't be bored."Jacob nodded, immediately thrilled. "I really left Kenny flabbergasted! I told him outright that since I'm living in Thompson first, why the hell would I care to stay in the Calligraphy and Painting Association? He w
"Yes, yes, yes…"Kenny nodded in full agreement. "Actually, I knew from the start that you came to the association for fun. After all, with your family's importance, would you really stoop to getting paid peanuts?"Pausing, he then continued, "But to be frank, there are still times when you have to be serious. We are still an association, and anything you do can turn around to bite you, and other members will use it as leverage against you. Just look at what Zachary did this time. I could tell that you have genuine character, and you really hate Mr. Cole. Yes, you went through so much trouble just to screw him over, but it still affects your place in the association."Jacob had to agree that Kenny was making a lot of sense, and it comforted him considerably that Kenny called it 'genuine character'. Nodding, he said, "I have definitely been impulsive in regards to this issue, but I definitely won't make the same mistake twice."Kenny clapped him on the shoulder, sighing, "Jacob, m
Kenny almost burst into tears when Jacob said yes.He had been waiting for this for so long! Now that Jacob had agreed to return, he had truly saved his own hide!He didn't even dare to hope for a promotion now—at this point, just keeping his place as the president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association was enough for him.Hence, he shook Jacob's hand excitedly again, exclaiming emotionally, "That's great! Once you're back, we'll be fighting side-by-side once more. Trust me, I will find a way to promote you again!"However, Jacob didn't trust him at all at this point, his tone neutral as he said, "That can wait for now."Intent on posturing, he pointed at the grand, imposing front gates of Thompson First and sighed, "Oh, and I'm sure you can tell for now that with my family background and my age, there is no reason to work hard. I worked at the association because I like the job. That's why if I'm happy, I'll work. If I'm not, I won't. The position doesn't really matter to me
As soon as Jacob stepped out, he found Kenny standing downstairs, and he stared daggers at the other man as his rage and resentment flared.On the other hand, Kenny was grinning fawningly the instant he saw Jacob, hurrying to him even before the latter headed downstairs.They met halfway up the stairs, with Kenny shaking Jacob's hand with an awkward smile, "Oh, Jacob, I'm so sorry about what I did!"Jacob certainly knew that it was nothing more than an act, and hence dissed, "I've known you for ages, but I didn't know you could put up such a terrific performance!"Kenny reddened, immediately embarrassed as he said, "Look, Jacob—I know you're upset with me, so I will just cut to the chase. What I did to you was indeed wrong, but I swear that I truly didn't mean to screw you over at first. I really was going to let you at least stay as a head of department…"Steeling himself, he groaned, "Urgh, I will just give it to you straight! It was my wife's fault that I changed my mind and di