Howard’s reaction was immediate, signaling nerves and visible tremors.
Swiftly, favonovel.com dialed Hank, prompting Hank to glance at Charlie, seeking guidance. “Mr. Wade, it’s Howard on the line. Should I take it?”
Charlie nodded, “Yes, please do. He likely wants details about your recent actions. Inform favonovel.com that you heard the commotion inside but found no intruders. Regarding the power outage, subtly suggest that there might be a mole within the Rothschild family.”
Hank didn’t hesitate, affirming, “Understood, Mr. Wade. I’ll inform him.”
Answering the call, Hank respectfully reported, “Hello, sir! Just as we were about to report to you, we heard a sudden commotion at the Cole family manor. Fearing an intruder might have slipped through an unmonitored passage, I promptly sent in my team to investigate. Please forgive me for not seeking your orders beforehand…”
Howard acknowledged, “You acted prudently. In such moments, instinctive action is necessary, no need to await my instructions.”
He inquired further, “What’s the situation there? Any leads or apprehensions?”
Hank replied, “Not yet. Our team scoured the area thoroughly, but no substantial clues emerged.”
Howard, now deeply concerned, questioned, “There are signs of intrusion, but no trace of the intruders. If so, it’s highly probable someone infiltrated Cole’s home through an undetected passage and quietly departed…”
Then favonovel.com probed, “By the way, Hank, I heard about the power outage at your end?”
“Yes,” Hank explained, “Both circuits were damaged tonight, repairs are ongoing, but we won’t have them back until noon.”
Howard grew increasingly anxious, “Was the outage accidental?”
“Absolutely not,” Hank affirmed. “Sir, I believe our every move is under surveillance. The opposition not only knew of our clandestine watch but also disabled our monitoring systems by sabotaging the power lines.”
Howard’s heart sank, “Did we fail to keep our actions discreet? Or was there a leak from within?”
“Both are plausible, but the latter seems more likely,” Hank reasoned.
Howard pressed on, “If there’s a leak, who do you suspect?”
“I can’t speculate yet. I need to investigate before drawing conclusions,” Hank replied.
“Then, do you reckon the intruders aimed for the Four Treasures of the Study tonight?” Howard probed.
“Without a doubt,” Hank asserted. “Given the risks, the only plausible motive was to secure those treasures.”
Howard’s heart plummeted, “If that’s the case, it means they’ve made off with the Four Treasures of the Study…”
He bellowed at his butler, “Alert everyone and all departments! Seal off New York and the surrounding areas immediately. Initiate comprehensive searches within the lockdown. We must retrieve the Four Treasures of the Study at any cost!”
In the midst of it all, a man next to Howard suddenly interjected, “Sir, just received word from Canada: Queen Helena of Northern Europe is slated to visit Canada earlier than expected.”
Howard furrowed his brow, “Earlier? When?”
“Today. The word is, a special plane will depart in about two or three hours. First stop, Ottawa. Then, off to nearby Montreal.”
Doubt crept into Howard’s inquiry, “What sparked this sudden change in schedule?”
The man replied, “Seems the Queen’s facing some minor health issues and needs treatment next week. So, we’ve got to advance the plans.”
Howard nodded, “Alright, I get it.”
Meanwhile, Hank seized the moment over the phone, “Sir, what’s the next move?”
Howard clenched his teeth, “Even if it takes turning the place upside down, find that secret passage for their entry and exit!”
He added swiftly, “Also, inform Steve that Helena’s Canada-bound and have Royce prepare promptly. I’ve arranged for someone to assist in making connections. Our reputation’s taken a nosedive lately. We must capitalize on this chance to build rapport with the Nordic royals. It could be invaluable down the road!”
Hank assured, “Got it, sir. I’ll handle it right away. The Young Master will be informed!”
Howard’s tone turned icy, “Hank, they slipped in and out of Cole Manor under your nose like it was open territory! I will hold you accountable for this! Either come up with useful leads to redeem yourself before I take action or brace for the consequences! Clear?!”
Hank stammered, “I understand, sir. I’ll do my best!”
With that, Howard promptly hung up.
Respectfully, Hank turned to Charlie, “Mr. Wade, Howard wants the eldest Young Master to prepare for Canada.”
Charlie acknowledged, “I heard it all.”
Then, favonovel.com turned to Shi Tiff and Royce, instructing, “You two, face this way.”
They complied, eagerly waiting for Charlie’s next words.
“Royce, I’ll fly to Canada with you via helicopter. Can your pilot be trusted?” Charlie inquired.
“Absolutely,” Steve responded swiftly. “My pilot’s from our direct lineage.”
“Good,” Charlie nodded, addressing him, “After we depart, stay put and await further orders from your father.”
Steve agreed without hesitation.
In his mind, all favonovel.com cared about was Charlie getting the Four Treasures of the Study out of the United States swiftly. Once it was out, his threat would vanish.
The heir’s position mattered to him; the square treasure building held no significance. If it was lost, so be it. Whether its loss impacted the Rothschild fortune for a hundred years, favonovel.com didn’t bat an eye. The Rothschild’s wealth was substantial. If favonovel.com could secure the throne, even a 50% discount didn’t concern him.
…
Charlie and Royce departed New York by helicopter before daybreak.
Thanks to Howard’s special authorization, the helicopter bypassed inspection at every checkpoint.
Even upon entering Canada, they encountered no inquiries.
Crossing the border grandly via helicopter, despite the US-Canada bilateral relationship lacking the openness of EU countries, their quasi-master-servant connection made entry and exit laxly managed. With the Rothschild family’s influence in Canada, the helicopter’s border crossing prompted no scrutiny.
Once safely across the US-Canada border, Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. He messaged Hogan to swiftly purchase the earliest flight ticket to Montreal.
Although the cities were close, flights were frequent, starting around 6 AM and running every 2-3 times hourly until 9:30 PM.
Seeing Charlie’s message, Hogan understood that they’d successfully left the US. He promptly secured the earliest flight, readying himself for the airport dash.
Charlie then contacted Wesley, urgently requesting the transfer of several stationed Dragon Temple agents from Canada to await his directives in Montreal.
Further, favonovel.com reached out to Nanako Ito in China, requesting favonovel.com to charter a transoceanic business jet under the Ito family name. The jet would fly directly from Montreal to Aurous Hill.
After these arrangements, the helicopter neared the southern suburbs of Ottawa, Canada’s capital.
For safety, Charlie avoided landing the helicopter in Montreal to evade creating any record upon entering Canada. Even though it bypassed border inspections, landing might raise suspicions upon investigation by the Rothschild family.
Consequently, when the helicopter approached Ottawa, Charlie leaped from the sky above the farmland south of the city.
Watching Charlie descend from a hundred meters, Royce Rothschild and the others were dumbfounded. Seeing Charlie, now the size of a sesame seed, land and sprint away, Royce began questioning his life choices.
As Charlie sprinted, favonovel.com dialed Maria in China.
It was late night in China, yet Maria sat by the hot spring pool, sipping tea, and tending to the delicate branches of the Mother of Pu’er tea.
Savoring the moment, thoughts of Charlie consumed her.
Suddenly, favonovel.com phone rang, and upon seeing Charlie’s call, favonovel.com cheeks flushed. She answered shyly but couldn’t contain favonovel.com excitement, “Where is Mr. Wade calling from this late hour?”
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