“Leave in your helicopter?” Charlie glanced at Steve, puzzled. “Where exactly can your helicopter take me?”
Steve hastily replied, “It has a range of about three hundred miles. Anywhere it flies, you’re good to go!”
He quickly added, “I’ve already alerted the pilot to get ready for takeoff. You’re free to leave whenever!”
Charlie inquired, “And where do you plan for me to go once you’re ready to take off?”
Steve responded promptly, “I intend for my son, Royce, to head back and assess the situation at home, check on
everyone’s progress, and gather any news…”
Charlie remained composed, “You’re sending your son back home instead of letting him venture outside the
blockade. How can you guarantee your helicopter’s passage in and out of the blockade area?”
Steve replied instinctively, “As the primary heir of the Rothschild family, my helicopter can surely come and go
without obstruction. No one will dare to stop me.”
Charlie gave a faint smile, “Whether anyone dares to stop you, that’ll only become apparent once you try.”
Turning to Hank, Charlie instructed, “You’ll accompany Master Royce on the helicopter ride. Fly directly outside the
blockade. If there’s no interference, return straight away. If there is, claim that Master Royce wants to test air
traffic control’s strength.”
Royce visibly relaxed upon hearing he’d be allowed to leave via helicopter, as if narrowly escaping a calamity.
In his mind, as long as he could leave and if the helicopter faced interception, he could call for help and find a way
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtout. But Charlie’s next words instantly shattered his hopeful scenario.
Charlie glanced at Hank and stated calmly, “Remember, if Master Royce tries to seek help or abandons you at any
point, don’t hesitate to shoot him. Aim for his head and make it count.”
Hank responded firmly, “Master, I won’t hesitate. If he tries anything, I’ll act swiftly.”
Royce went pale with fright.
He knew Hank’s elevated status within the Rothschild family. Being the old man’s most trusted bodyguard and
strategic advisor meant Hank was always armed around Rothschild family members.
If he sought aid from others, there was a high chance Hank would shoot him before he finished asking.
Jagoan arranged for Hank to oversee the entire process. Hank’s stature meant no one would directly shoot him.
Therefore, if Royce sought assistance, the person he asked wouldn’t have a chance to retaliate. If Hank intended to
eliminate him, it would be effortless.
Royce realized he had no way out. Regardless of whether the helicopter got intercepted, he’d have to return
obediently.
Just as Royce despaired, Jagoan turned to Steve and said sternly, “Listen up. If your son tries any tricks, not only will
he face the consequences, but you won’t survive either. Understand?”
Steve nodded hastily, apprehension evident in his eyes. “I understand… I understand…”
At this moment, Hank’s walkie-talkie crackled with a report from his subordinates, “Boss, I’ve reached out to the
power supply company. The circuit got hit bad. The one across the river? It’s sliced clean. Tonight ain’t gonna see
enough folks to fix it up. Earliest would be dawn tomorrow. Should we haul in a power supply truck?”
Hank turned to Jagoan, awaiting instructions. Jagoan’s response was quick, “Tell’em to hold off on the power supply
truck tonight. If they’ve cut the circuit, they’re gearing up. Bringing in trucks now won’t do
much. Stay on high alert, watch the Cole family closely. Don’t let your guard down.”
Hank relayed Jagoan’s words to his team without hesitation.
The response came back, “Got it, boss. We’re on it!”
Jagoan knew there were hundreds of eyes fixed on Cole Manor. He could slip into the manor unnoticed, but getting
away with the Four Treasures of the Study in broad daylight, especially the four-square treasure banner from the
stone lion, was out of the question. And taking the treasures forcibly might expose him.
The bigger issue of dismantling the Clearance Society wasn’t resolved. Revealing himself to the Rothschild family
would create more problems than solutions.
So, Jagoan sought a safer path. If he could stealthily bring back the treasures to China, he’d fulfill Peter’s trust.
It was nearly three hours until dawn. Jagoan decided to check the feasibility of the helicopter route.
Ten minutes later, Steve’s helicopter lifted off from the villa’s backyard.
Despite the spacious cabin’s capacity for over twenty people, only Hank and Royce occupied it. Jagoan sat casually,
glancing at Steve in the dim light, asking, “As the first heir of the Rothschild family, why get your hands dirty?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSteve grimaced, “You don’t know… My father declared today that whoever retrieves the Sifang Treasure Mansion
will inherit the Rothschild legacy. It’s like erasing my claim as the first heir.”
Jagoan nodded knowingly, “No wonder you’re out here late, working hard despite your age.”
Steve sighed, “No choice… If I lose my status, my son loses his future. I’ve got to secure his legacy.”
“Why this spot though? Why not partner up with agencies to block it off?” Jagoan inquired.
Steve admitted, “My father believes the treasure’s highest chance is here, so here I am.”
Jagoan revealed, “The Four Treasures of the Study you’re after? They’re with the Coles. And I’m here to take
them.”
Although Steve had an inkling, Jagoan’s words stunned him. Jagoan’s stealth and reach indicated an extraordinary
capability.
Initially excited about the treasure’s location, Steve soon felt regret and frustration.
Unable to shake off Jagoan, Steve faced potential life-threatening risks. If he knew the treasure’s location earlier,
he’d have used excavators from the start, securing the treasure before Jagoan.
Seeing Steve’s dismay, Jagoan smirked, “Steve, you seem troubled.”
Steve, flustered, denied, “No, no, you misunderstood…”
Jagoan suggested, “Steve, we don’t have to be enemies. If I take the treasure today, it might be in your favor.”
“In my favor?” Steve was taken aback.
Jagoan explained, “Didn’t your father say the one who brings back the treasure will be the heir? But what if no one
gets it? You’d still be next in line, wouldn’t you?”