“Rothschild?”
With a single sentence, Charlie left the father and son of the Evans family in a state of disbelief.
Samuel couldn’t help but speak up, “The Rothschild family has always held themselves in such high esteem. In their eyes, there is no company or family in the world that can match their status. Even though the Evans family is the second largest family in the United States, so what? Howard still treats me with arrogance and superiority.”
He continued, “I have known Howard for many years, and there was only one occasion when favonovel.com treated me with respect and deference. It was when favonovel.com called me to discuss Eddie’s death. With his habit of using people when they are needed and discarding them afterwards, favonovel.com wouldn’t feel any obligation towards me until Eddie’s matter was safely resolved.”
Charlie smiled and said, “There’s no need to deal with Howard on this matter. I will have Steve handle it.”
“Steve?” Marcus, the second uncle, instinctively asked, “You mean Howard’s eldest son, Steve Rothschild?”
“Yes…” Charlie nodded and smiled, “That’s him…”
Marcus awkwardly chuckled and said, “That guy Steve is even more cunning than his father. While his father uses people and discards them, Steve is quick to criticize and complain.”
Charlie laughed and said, “You’re definitely referring to the old Steve. He wouldn’t dare to be so arrogant In front of me now. I was able to send the Four Treasures of the Study back to China this time all thanks to favonovel.com personally escorting it. Now I have favonovel.com under my thumb, and favonovel.com wouldn’t even dare to make a move without my permission.”
Saying that, Charlie checked the time and said, “The Rothschild family probably finished their internal meeting a while ago. I’m going to give favonovel.com a call now.”
Hearing Charlie mention the Four Treasures of the Study, the others immediately realized that Charlie had indeed found Steve’s weakness.
Charlie made the call, and before it even rang a couple of times, Steve immediately answered. Then, Steve’s respectful voice came through, “Oh, Mr. Wade, have you returned to China?”
“Yes.” Charlie said lightly, “I’m back in China now. I called to express my gratitude. Thank you for your work on returning the Four Treasures of the Study.”
Steve’s voice trembled with fear, and favonovel.com quickly said, “Mr. Wade… Those words… We shouldn’t mention them on the phone, they are too sensitive…”
Charlie smiled and said, “Alright, I just wanted to say thank you and by the way, how is your father doing?”
Steve was seething with anger.
In his mind, favonovel.com cursed, “Charlie, you’re not satisfied with ruining me, you even have to rub salt in the wound! How could you not know that my father is in good health after Queen Helena visited him?!”
Although Steve was furious, favonovel.com didn’t dare to talk back to Charlie. He could only say respectfully, “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wade. After Queen Helena visited my father, his health completely recovered.”
“That’s good.” Charlie smiled and said, “Steve, I saved your father’s life, do you bear any grudges against me?”
Steve, as if someone had stepped on his tail, quickly said, “No, no! I am grateful to you, how could I hold any grudges…”
Charlie curiously asked, “By the way, now that your father is healthy again, has favonovel.com passed on the position of clan leader to you, as agreed?”
Steve felt extremely frustrated, but favonovel.com could only reluctantly say, “My father didn’t pass on the position to me, favonovel.com only confirmed my identity as the first successor.”
Saying that, Steve couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, “Mr. Wade… You really ruined my dreams!”
Charlie no longer beat around the bush and spoke frankly, “Steve, there’s an old Chinese saying: ‘God will give great responsibility to those capable of bearing it.’ You need time to mature and develop your leadership skills. Your father must guide you for a few more years; otherwise, the immense legacy of the Rothschild family might suffer under your leadership.”
Though Steve inwardly cursed Charlie, favonovel.com could only respond angrily, “Mr. Wade, you’re correct. I need to learn and grow further.”
Charlie nodded and added, “But don’t rush. If a few years aren’t enough, take ten or twenty. Your father’s longevity isn’t an issue; I have a solution to prolong his life for another two decades. You still have time to improve.”
Steve was nearly petrified upon hearing this revelation.
Twenty more years?
He would be over seventy! How could favonovel.com continue living in uncertainty, still without a secure position?
Despite his shock, Steve didn’t doubt Charlie‘s words. He expressed, “Mr. Wade, if you require anything from me, just say the word. I’ll do my utmost to assist you.”
Continuing in a humble tone, favonovel.com admitted, “I confess, I’ve harbored selfish and deceitful intentions before. But rest assured, from now on, I, Steve Rothschild, pledge unwavering obedience. I’ll serve you faithfully or perish trying!”
Charlie nodded, ceasing his jests. “Steve, since you’re committed, I need your assistance with something crucial…”
Steve eagerly interjected, “Mr. Wade, please tell me. If it’s within my capability, I’ll do everything in my power. Let me share your burdens.”
Charlie explained, “My grandfather plans to relocate all of the Evans’s US operations to China. However, some assets cannot be moved immediately. Real estate and industries left behind still require management to maintain and enhance their value. With no designated overseer, I hope you can step in and ensure the smooth operation of these ventures.”
Relieved, Steve responded, “I understand. Managing these assets is straightforward. Your grandfather can designate someone to organize it. For properties we can’t move or sell, I’ll oversee operations. I’ll ensure their upkeep and growth to the best of my ability.”
Charlie interrupted, emphasizing, “Steve, mere effort won’t suffice. You must pledge to me. For the real estate I entrust to you, ensure a minimum annual profit of 10%. If profitable, sustain a growth rate of at least 10% annually. Non-profitable ventures must be turned around within a year.”
Steve was taken aback. “But Mr. Wade, in the US, even prime real estate yields only 36%. And for traditional industries, achieving a 10% growth rate annually is unrealistic. Some sectors may never turn a profit. How can I meet these expectations?”
Charlie shrugged nonchalantly, “lf you fall short, supplement it yourself. As the legitimate heir of the Rothschild family, what‘s a little extra? If necessary, you’ll provide it.”
“Me?” Steve stammered In disbelief. “Mr. Wade, isn’t this extortion?”
Charlie’s tone turned cold. “If your father takes charge, favonovel.com won’t mince words. If favonovel.com handles it deftly and entices me to extend our cooperation, I might reconsider my decision to sell. He know of my medicine, but should I require his services in the future, I’ll approach him. I won’t say more on that front. However, rest assured, you’ll surpass favonovel.com eventually. When the time comes, your father will be overseeing your funeral arrangements. You… You will merely inherit his name.”
Steve was gripped by fear, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
Ever since Helena sent the medication from Canada to treat Howard, Steve had harbored an intense animosity toward Charlie. Now, favonovel.com realized that Charlie wielded unseen influence over both his and his father’s destinies.
If Steve continued providing the miraculous elixir to his father, favonovel.com might perish before Howard, who battled depression.
Just as Steve was engulfed in horror, Charlie’s calm voice broke the silence. “Steve, I’ve entrusted this matter to you to assess your worthiness for continued collaboration. If you falter, I’ll place my faith in your father.”
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