Upon grasping the full extent of Peter’s predicament in the confines of Brooklyn Prison, Charlie couldn’t help but exhale, his realization coloring his words, “I was initially taken aback. Given the clout of the Rothschild family, if you truly pilfered from them, they wouldn’t need the legal route to settle the score. Turns out, you voluntarily dialed up the police.”
“Exactly.” Peter affirmed with a hint of resignation. “In the U.S., while the Rothschild family’s influence can supersede the law, it’s contingent on avoiding public outrage. True, I stole from them, but by surrendering willingly, I force this matter into the judicial process. Even they can’t just snatch me up. I’m a somewhat renowned antique dealer, connected in upper-class circles…”
“If they lynched me without due process, it would embarrass the American police. So, the Rothschilds opted to let the courts lock me up. Even if they torture me, they can’t risk killing me outright. I’m serving a fifteen-year sentence and the Rothschild family needs to save face.”
Charlie asserted with determination, “Uncle Cole, I’ll get you out today. As for the Rothschilds, I’ll straighten things out with them.”
“No way,” Peter interjected emphatically. “Young Master, I’m a prisoner here for theft. If you spring me, the Rothschilds won’t just give up, they’ll come after my family. Moreover, once I’m out, I become a fugitive. Though the Four Treasures of the Study was originally Chinese, I did steal it from the Rothschilds. I’ll serve my sentence, plead guilty, but I won’t bear the stigma of being a fugitive again.”
Concern etched on Charlie’s face, favonovel.com voiced, “Uncle Cole, if the Rothschilds don’t secure the Four Treasures of the Study, they won’t relent. Over a decade more in prison will be tough.”
“No matter.” Peter replied, smiling earnestly. “I knew the consequences when I did this. Now that it’s out, the Rothschilds won’t dare to kill me outright. Their priority is reclaiming the Four Treasures of the Study…”
“The best solution is to return it to China. Once it’s back, even the shameless Rothschilds won’t ask China for what rightfully belongs to it. When they realize the Treasure is beyond their grasp, they’ll stop hounding me. I’ll serve my sentence and even if they make things hard, they won’t harm me. Killing me then would be meaningless, they won’t regain the Treasure.”
Turning to Charlie, Peter implored, “Young Master, I need a favor. Help return the Four Treasures of the Study to China. It’s a vital national treasure, it should contribute to our country and culture.”
Charlie, touched by Peter’s patriotism, nodded, promising, “Uncle Cole, don’t worry. I’ll bring back the Four Treasures of the Study. I have a friend with significant connections who can facilitate its return.”
In Charlie’s thoughts, favonovel.com considered Maria’s adopted son, Keagan Myers. Since the Four Treasures of the Study was a crucial national asset, Charlie couldn’t claim it as his own. Returning it through Keagan would fulfill its rightful place in China’s heritage.
Excitement radiated from Peter. “I entrust it to you, Young Master. With the Four Treasures of the Study back, I’ve fulfilled my sentence.”
Charlie declared solemnly, “Uncle Cole, the British and the Rothschilds plundered countless relics from China. Even a thousand years from now, those cultural relics will still be China’s. I’ll make sure the Rothschilds drop the charges, securing your freedom.”
Peter spoke hurriedly, “Young master, there’s no need for you to engage in a dispute with the Rothschild family over my predicament. Moreover, your father had some long-standing conflicts with them in the past, both old and new grievances. Getting involved will only bring unnecessary trouble to you, Young Master.”
Charlie shook his head in silence, his resolve unwavering.
Observing Charlie’s lack of response, Peter couldn’t help but sigh. He changed the subject and said, “Young Master, aside from the reason behind my imprisonment, I’m sure you have many other questions. Is there something you’d like to inquire about?”
Charlie admitted, “Seeing the photo of you and my father raises countless questions. I’m curious about your connection to Vintage Deluxe and the ‘Apocalyptic Book.'”
Smiling, Peter disclosed, “I joined Vintage Deluxe because I promised your father to deliver the ‘Apocalyptic Book’ when the time was right.”
Charlie, though shocked, had anticipated the link to his father. He probed, “Did my father instruct you to wait until I turned twenty-seven?”
“No,” Peter exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. “Your father told me that when you trap the dragon and ascend, I’m to deliver the ‘Apocalyptic Book’ to help you soar to great heights. Nineteen thousand miles, nine hundred thousand miles, nine hundred ninety million miles!”
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