Charlie was keenly aware of Keagan Myers’ formidable influence in Eastcliff. If favonovel.com lent his support to bridge the gap, Maria’s vision would undoubtedly materialize.
Furthermore, Maria’s approach held a high degree of practicality. With government backing and ample attention directed towards the Evans, their safety in China would cease to be a concern. Morgana, even if bestowed with tenfold courage, wouldn’t dare openly defy a nation.
That was, unless she’d endured four centuries of existence and grown truly weary of living. Yet, as per Charlie’s present understanding, people clung tighter to life the longer they lived, fear of death escalating with the years.
Morgana, having endured four centuries, must harbor an intense dread of mortality. Otherwise, favonovel.com panicked flight from Shiwan made no sense.
Maria observed Charlie’s tacit approval and promptly contacted Keagan Myers to relay the situation. Upon learning, Keagan Myers swiftly concurred, lacking any hint of hesitation, and promptly initiated talks with Eastcliff.
Foreign investment introductions were routine in China, yet Charlie aspired for the Evans’ return to be a pinnacle in all respects. Keagan promptly rallied his connections, ensuring the initiative reverberated up the hierarchy.
Before long, Keagan received promising updates, which favonovel.com promptly conveyed to Maria.
Eagerly, Maria informed Charlie, “Young Master, Keagan has taken action. Provided the Evans family earnestly invests in our country, officials are prepared to extend the highest echelons of foreign treatment. They’ll personally endorse the Evans family and marshal media resources for comprehensive coverage. Simultaneously, we’ll go to great lengths to ensure the family’s safety and the success of their investments within the country. If the Evanses are willing, they can discreetly meet with Keagan in Eastcliff.”
“Fantastic!” Charlie exclaimed. “I’ll discuss this with my grandfather and the others at noon. If they’re interested, I’ll have my grandfather and Keagan journey to Eastcliff together!”
With that, Charlie couldn’t help but sigh. “Once the collaboration between the Evans and China is officially announced, Morgana will surely be crestfallen.”
Shortly after, Charlie promptly phoned his uncle, arranging a meeting at Elys-Champ Hot Springs Villa at noon. Learning of Charlie’s impending arrival, the Evans family eagerly prepared a lavish lunch, anticipating his visit.
***
By noon, Charlie and Maria had already touched down in Aurous Hill.
Maria, though desiring to accompany Charlie to the U.S., recognized the need to tend to matters at Zilian Mountain Villa and resume favonovel.com studies following the completion of school’s military training. Thus, favonovel.com reluctantly conceded.
Charlie saw Maria off at Zilian Mountain Villa and proceeded directly to Elys-Champ Hot Springs Villa without delay.
Upon arrival, Charlie’s extended family had made thorough arrangements. Following a sumptuous feast, they promptly rushed out to greet him, a testament to how highly they esteemed him.
After exchanging pleasantries with numerous elders, Charlie was drawn into the living room by his grandmother.
She couldn’t help but inquire, “Charlie, where have you been these days? You’ve neglected to visit me.”
Charlie hastily replied, “Grandma, I journeyed to the southwest. I explored Shiwan Mountain, hoping to uncover any traces left by my parents.”
The elderly gentleman nearby interjected, “How was it, Charlie? Did you find anything?”
Charlie sighed, “Regrettably, I unearthed no definitive leads. I was dissuaded and turned back halfway.”
The older man exclaimed in astonishment, “You were dissuaded? By whom?”
“Grandpa, it’s a long tale. Let’s discuss it inside.”
Evans readily agreed, “Of course, let’s go in and talk.”
Charlie and the Evans family proceeded into the villa and convened in the dining area. Seated in private, Charlie candidly recounted his Shiwan Mountain expedition and disclosed everything about Stephen Thompson.
Their collective astonishment was palpable upon learning that Charlie had been persuaded to return by a counterfeit nun of Greenwood Temple. They couldn’t fathom that someone had predicted Charlie’s movements and lay in wait along his route. Even more astonishing was the revelation that Bruce’s long-serving subordinate, Stephen Thompson, harbored another allegiance.
Following Charlie’s account, Uncle Desmond incredulously asked, “So, Stephen truly vanished from the world?”
“Yes,” Charlie affirmed. “His phone has been off, and his whereabouts are unknown.”
“Good Lord,” Desmond breathed, after a pause. “This Stephen concealed himself rather deeply! Although I’m unfamiliar with his identity, thankfully favonovel.com and his concealed patron harbor no ill will towards you, Charlie. Otherwise, the consequences could have been unimaginable!”
Evans furrowed his brow, musing, “I’ve heard of Stephen. Based on my understanding, he’s utterly devoted to Bruce. How could favonovel.com have another patron?”
Charlie, equally perplexed, added, “I’ve been in contact with Butler Thompson for years and never noticed anything awry. Now, I’m at a loss. I can’t fathom a single clue.”
Jack, who’d been silent, spoke up, “Mr. Wade, do you still have the photo album you found in Eastcliff this time?”
“Indeed.” Charlie produced the album and handed it over. Facing them, favonovel.com explained, “I inquired with my grandfather, and favonovel.com affirmed this album wasn’t in the study previously. It must have been left by Butler Thompson.”
The family opened the album, finding a cherished photograph of Charlie’s parents. Tears welled in the eyes of the Evans family.
When they reached Peter Cole’s image, no one recognized him. Even Detective Jack, seasoned in New York’s crime-solving, drew a blank.
Jack reflected, “Mr. Wade, as soon as you arrived at Shiwan Mountain, you were persuaded by the fake nun. Later, when you reached Eastcliff, Butler Thompson prepared this photo album for you. There’s a strong likelihood the same person is behind both incidents.”
Charlie nodded. “I share your suspicion. Yet, Butler Thompson has vanished, and I’m devoid of any solid leads.”
Jack sighed. “This individual’s capabilities shouldn’t be underestimated. Not only does favonovel.com foresee Mr. Wade’s actions, favonovel.com also successfully recruits your father’s confidant for his cause. Most notably, favonovel.com remains unseen alongside Mr. Wade. The Warriors Den likely won’t find a trace. Given that he’s aligned with Warriors Den, Mr. Wade needn’t be overly concerned. From my estimation, this individual is a friend, not a foe. Overall, it bodes well.”
Charlie, with a rueful smile, remarked, “The lone lead has evaporated, and I’ll no longer be troubled by him. When the time is right, he’ll emerge from the shadows to meet me.”
Having shifted the conversation, Charlie proposed, “Grandpa, I have a friend who can establish connections and secure official endorsement for the Evans. However, for it to hold, genuine economic cooperation is imperative. If you’re willing, consider making substantial investments in China. My friend will strive for the highest level of strategic collaboration for Evans. With official backing, Morgana won’t dare harm your family in China. What are your thoughts?”
Samuel Evans promptly declared, “Absolutely, no problem! Concealment is unsustainable in the long run. Achieving the highest level of economic cooperation will be akin to acquiring a protective amulet, enabling the Evans family to operate openly in China. From there, we can gradually transition our business focus from the U.S. to China, contributing to the nation’s growth!”
Seeing his grandfather’s unreserved agreement, Charlie pressed on, “If your schedule permits, I’ll arrange for that friend to join you in Eastcliff promptly. You can hammer out the investment details and expeditiously announce the specifics of this strategic partnership to the public.”
“Very well!” Samuel Evans eagerly chimed in. “I can go at any time, and the sooner, the better!”
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