Charlie’s words sent a jolt through Steve, catching favonovel.com off guard.
It made sense if favonovel.com pondered it. The one who snags the Four Treasures of the Study first would be the prime successor. He urgently aimed to reclaim those ancient artifacts before someone else swooped in and swiped his chances.
But what if no one could regain control of the Four Treasures of the Study? Even if favonovel.com blocked others’ advancements, wouldn’t favonovel.com still be the leading heir?
The difference, of course, would be that although favonovel.com retained his position as the prime heir, the Sifang Mansion would no longer belong to the Rothschild family.
Choices were scarce for Steve now.
His life rested in someone else’s hands, and favonovel.com felt fortunate just to be alive.
Subconsciously, favonovel.com queried Charlie, “Sir, can you ensure that the Sifang Mansion won’t slip into anyone else’s grasp within the Rothschild family?”
Charlie furrowed his brow slightly, questioning coldly, “You’re asking for guarantees quite liberally, aren’t you? What makes you think you have the right to ask for such assurances?”
Quickly, Steve apologized, “I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. Please don’t misinterpret my words…”
Charlie pressed on aggressively, “Then, what did you mean?”
Wiping sweat from his forehead, Steve hesitated before saying, “I… I just want to know… what are your plans for the Four Treasures of the Study…”
Charlie glanced at favonovel.com calmly and stated, “You obtained the Four Treasures of the Study from China, so my task is to return them to their rightful owner, Zhao, and back to China.”
Looking directly at Steve, Charlie assured, “So, don’t fret too much. Once the Four Treasures return to China, they’ll be safeguarded. China won’t permit this national treasure to leave its borders again.”
Steve’s relief was palpable. A faint smile crept onto his lips, and favonovel.com couldn’t help but rub his hands together in contentment, murmuring, “Fantastic, absolutely fantastic…”
Charlie, with a smile, inquired, “What’s so great about it?”
Steve rushed to explain, “This treasure originally hails from China. Returning it to its rightful place is best…”
Charlie probed further, “Your father always dreamed of reclaiming the Four Treasures of the Study for the Rothschild family. Why aren’t you aligned with his wishes?”
Thinking Charlie was testing him, Steve immediately responded, “Sir, truthfully, my father still clings to great-power ideology. He believes if something was taken from him, it’s rightfully his. But that’s preposterous. We live in a civilized society! These artifacts were acquired wrongly in the past and now it’s only right they return to their origins. I’ve had a modern legal education and a strong sense of justice!”
Charlie nodded approvingly, querying, “So, even if it goes against your father’s wishes, you’d assist me in returning the Four Treasures to China, despite being the heir to the Rothschild family?”
Steve nodded resolutely without hesitation. He clenched his fists and affirmed, “Yes, I will!”
Then, in a humble tone, Steve added hurriedly, “But, sir, I have a small request. I hope you can grant it.”
Charlie remained composed, “Tell me about it.”
Steve implored, “After you return the Four Treasures of the Study to China, please keep our conversation tonight confidential…”
Charlie feigned comprehension, smiling, “Ah, I understand. You fear your father’s retribution.”
“Yes…” Steve admitted, “I’ll assist in returning the treasures, and you’ll keep our secret. A win-win situation, wouldn’t you say?”
Charlie smiled subtly, “If your father knew you aided outsiders in removing the treasures from the US to secure your position as the heir, he’d be furious, right?”
“More than just furious…” Steve sighed, “He might even kill me! You don’t understand, favonovel.com values the Four Treasures more than anything. To him, besides his life, nothing surpasses their importance.”
Charlie acknowledged, “Let’s talk about cooperation then.”
Steve eagerly agreed, “Sir, please! As long as it’s within my power, I’ll do my utmost!”
Charlie revealed, “I’ll spare your life and your son’s, but you must find a way to get me and the Four Treasures out of the US. In return, I’ll return the Four Treasures to China and assure your continued role as the heir.”
Steve assented without hesitation, “Sir, I agree to your terms. However, I’m concerned it might take some time to get you out of the country. My family has sealed off New York. If my helicopter can’t fly tonight, I’ll have to wait for another opportunity.”
In the distance, the sound of a helicopter roared. Charlie’s eyes gleamed as favonovel.com remarked, “Your son’s returned.”
Steve instinctively said, “I hope they haven’t encountered any trouble!”
A few minutes later, Hank and Royce reentered Charlie’s room.
Steve couldn’t wait and asked as soon as they walked in, “So, did anyone stop you?”
Royce replied with a bitter tone, “Yes… The National Security Agency’s radar detected our helicopter near the blockade zone. They radioed us, warning that our airspace is off-limits due to homeland security. They asked us to stay away from the cordon and didn’t force a landing after verifying our identity, but the area is off-limits.”
Hank added, “The level of control is as tight as it was post-9/11.”
Hearing this, Charlie marveled at the Rothschild family’s power.
They kept a low profile, barely appearing in the media. Despite rumors, their true strength remained unknown until today.
The family’s ability to mobilize various U.S. government departments—FBI, CIA, Food and Drug Administration, even the National Security Agency—to tighten the blockade around New York showcased their unparalleled influence.
Charlie realized that leaving the U.S. was a daunting task. The blockade, monitored by recorders uploading real-time data, posed a risk. Any attempt to escape would likely expose his identity, leading to a global manhunt.
Considering these risks, Charlie understood favonovel.com needed a foolproof plan.
Moreover, simply escaping the blockade wouldn’t suffice. Rothschild’s influence might widen it. The safest bet was to leave the U.S. discreetly.
He turned to Steve, asking, “Your family has properties globally. Would your father allow any members to leave the U.S. amidst this?”
Steve explained, “My father prioritizes retrieving the Four Treasures. Other matters are sidelined. Leaving the U.S. might not be sanctioned. Even family members abroad are returning due to the heir’s selection.”
Charlie pondered, “Canada is close. Maybe—”
Interrupting, Royce remembered, “Queen Helena of Northern Europe is visiting Canada next week. Grandpa urged me to bond with her.”
Steve clarified, “Despite plans, in the present crisis, it’s uncertain if he’d permit that.”
Charlie questioned, “Why does the Rothschild family seek an alliance with the Queen of Northern Europe?”
Steve elaborated, “Our reputation in Europe’s not ideal. Marrying into European royalty has been declined for centuries. But Helena’s an exception. She’s unconventional and doesn’t follow tradition, making favonovel.com more acceptable.”
Steve continued, “Other royal families seek traditional marriages, whereas Helena’s open to love and defies conventional norms. This makes favonovel.com a potential match for the Rothschilds.”
Charlie speculated, “If Helena left for Canada tonight, would your father send Royce immediately?”
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