Without wasting any time, Charlie promptly forwarded the photo to Hogan through WeChat, accompanying it with a recorded message, “Uncle Hogan, can you identify the individual standing next to my father?”
Hogan’s response was swift, a voice message crackling back, “Young Master, I’ve met the man in the picture before. His English name is Peter Cole. Though I can’t claim great familiarity with him, I know he’s a Chinese antique dealer with close ties to your father.”
As soon as Charlie learned that Hogan was acquainted with the man, favonovel.com wasted no time in dialing favonovel.com up. As the call connected, favonovel.com inquired with urgency, “Uncle Hogan, could you furnish me with a detailed introduction of this Peter Cole?”
Hogan obliged, “Peter Cole hails from a family entrenched in the overseas antique trade, primarily centered in Europe and the United States. Aside from the US, they have a presence in the UK and France. They’ve garnered some renown in the European and American antique circles.”
He appended, “The photo you sent is of Peter Cole’s emporium in New York. It’s said to be the first establishment the Cole family set up, so it’s rather modest and unassuming.”
Charlie probed further, “Uncle Hogan, when was the last time you crossed paths with Peter Cole?”
Hogan reminisced, “It’s been quite a while. He dropped by a few times when I had my roast goose joint in Chinatown. Then, it seemed favonovel.com thought I’d left New York, and we lost touch.”
Curiosity piqued, Hogan ventured, “Young Master, are you planning to seek out Peter?”
Charlie responded calmly, “I intend to. When I’m in New York, my first stop will be his antique store. It’d be a stroke of luck if you could help me locate him.”
Without hesitation, Hogan offered, “Young Master, let me accompany you. I know New York well, and I’ve met Peter on several occasions.”
Charlie inquired about Hogan’s availability, to which favonovel.com quickly assured, him, “No problem at all. I was planning to report to the Young Master in Aurous Hill. My family matters are sorted now.”
Charlie mulled it over before deciding, “Very well, then. What time can you depart?”
Hogan confirmed, “Anytime suits me, even today. I’ll start arranging the flight tickets.”
Charlie grinned and intervened, “Uncle, there’s no need for such trouble. I’ll ask Mr. Lombardo to arrange a private plane for you to Aurous Hill. We’ll rendezvous there.”
Hogan cleared his throat, a touch awkward, “Young Master, Mr. Lombardo has already provided my lodging and expenses. I’ll head to Aurous Hill solo and purchase a plane ticket. I’d rather not trouble Mr. Lombardo.”
Charlie’s demeanor turned serious, “Uncle, Mr. Lombardo owes you this courtesy. No need to be overly deferential. Besides, I’m not well-acquainted with him. He’s like a car parked on a hill, requiring constant vigilance. The handbrake must never falter, it must be checked and tightened as needed, lest the car rolls back at the slightest chance.”
Hogan chuckled, “I believe… He’s done enough…”
Firmly, Charlie insisted, “Uncle Hogan, I’ll handle this matter. You need not worry.”
Resigned, Hogan relented, “Then I’ll defer to the Young Master…”
Charlie informed him, “I’m still in Eastcliff. I’ll head to Aurous Hill later. I have some matters to attend to there. I plan to depart from Aurous Hill to New York tonight. Uncle Hogan, no need to fret. Just pack your belongings and tidy up your place. Once settled, head to the airport this evening. We’ll meet directly there.”
“Understood, Young Master!” Hogan affirmed, “I’ll see you tonight.”
After firming up the plan with Hogan, Charlie promptly reached out to Mr. Lombardo.
Over the phone, Charlie instructed favonovel.com to arrange a private plane departing for Aurous Hill at nine o’clock that night for Hogan. He also requested a motorcade to transport favonovel.com from Hogan’s residence to the airport.
***
Next, Charlie escorted Maria to bid farewell to Lord Wade.
En route, Maria inquired, “Young Master, you’re heading to New York tonight, and you’ll only have a little over ten hours in Aurous Hill. Isn’t that a tad rushed?”
Charlie shook his head, “There won’t be much to attend to when we return to Aurous Hill. The main purpose is to meet my grandparents and extended family, update them on recent events, and see if they can offer any valuable insights. I’ll also pay respects to my in-laws before we depart.”
Maria nodded, favonovel.com voice gentle, “The Young Master’s wife is currently in the United States.”
“Yes,” Charlie confirmed. “I’ve asked Miss Joules from the Joules family to bring favonovel.com over for assistance. She’s in New York now.”
He added, “But I don’t plan to inform favonovel.com about this trip.”
Curious, Maria probed, “Why keep it from her? Isn’t it better for husband and wife to be together?”
Charlie explained, “This journey to the United States involves not only finding Peter Cole but also seeking information about the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book from my parents. I’m uncertain if the Warriors Den is aware and to what extent. It’s a sensitive and perilous mission, so I’d rather not risk involving her.”
Maria nodded in understanding, advising, “It seems New York’s intricate web of alliances is quite the labyrinth. And given the circumstances surrounding your grandparents’ family, it’s best to err on the side of caution. The Warriors Den likely has a network of spies in New York. Exercise utmost care during this trip.”
Charlie sighed, “That little uncle of mine is bound to be a future headache.”
Maria agreed, “Indeed. I suspect he’s developed a tacit understanding with your grandma’s family. They’re in a delicate position, they can’t come to China, and your grandma’s family can’t confront favonovel.com in the United States.”
Charlie concurred, “He’s a stumbling block to the Evans family in New York. As long as he’s there, they won’t be able to reclaim their roots. While favonovel.com may struggle to seize the Evans family’s assets, their absence from the United States and their ties to favonovel.com are hindering my affairs and the group’s operations.”
Reflecting, Charlie added, “Killing favonovel.com isn’t an option, yet letting favonovel.com be is equally problematic. If we spare him, he’ll pose a significant threat down the line.”
Maria inquired, “When does the Young Master plan to reintroduce the Evans family to the public eye?”
Charlie pondered, then replied, “Until we dismantle the Warriors Den, the Evans family can’t return to New York. And even then, it’ll require careful consideration. For now, it’s best they remain hidden.”
Maria proposed, “I have an idea. Would you care to hear it?”
Charlie encouraged, “Please, Ms. Clark, do share…”
Maria outlined, “The Evans family’s economic prowess is globally recognized, and they’re a Chinese family. I suggest enlisting Keagan Myers to help forge connections in Eastcliff. This way, the Evans family can collaborate directly with the Chinese government, becoming the official representatives of Chinese families. They can attract significant foreign investment, make public appearances in China, and strategically invest—all with official endorsement. Morgana may be audacious, but favonovel.com wouldn’t dare oppose the Evans family on such a scale.”
Charlie was thoroughly impressed, commending, “It’s an excellent idea! In the eyes of the state, the Warriors Den is a mere sideshow, incapable of causing significant trouble.”
Maria added, “Of course, this means the Young Master’s grandparents’ family will be securely rooted in China. However, leaving China might pose risks, as Morgana could retaliate.”
Charlie assured, “That’s fine. Let them establish themselves in China first. Before we deal with the Warriors Den, they can transition the business and core management of the group to China. This way, at least the Evans Family’s operations can continue uninterrupted.”
He looked at Maria, gratitude in his eyes. “This is an exceptional suggestion. Thank you, Miss Clark!”
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