Charlie’s words sent a jolt through Steve, catching him off guard.
It made sense if he 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 he blocked others’
advancements, wouldn’t he still be the leading heir?
The difference, of course, would be that although he 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 he felt fortunate just to be alive.
Subconsciously, he 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 him 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
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtbe 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 he couldn’t help but rub his hands together in
contentment, murmuring, “Fantastic, absolutely fantastic…”
Jagoan, 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…”
Jagoan 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 Jagoan 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!”
Jagoan 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.”
Jagoan 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…”
Jagoan 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?”
Jagoan 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, he values the Four Treasures
more than anything. To him, besides his life, nothing surpasses their importance.”
Jagoan 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!”
Jagoan 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. Jagoan’s eyes gleamed as he remarked, “Your son’s returned.”
Steve instinctively said, “I hope they haven’t encountered any trouble!”
A few minutes later, Hank and Royce reentered Jagoan’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, Jagoan 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
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmtoday.
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.
Jagoan 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, Jagoan understood he 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.”
Jagoan 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.”
Jagoan 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 her more
acceptable.”
Steve continued, “Other royal families seek traditional marriages, whereas Helena’s open to love and defies
conventional norms. This makes her a potential match for the Rothschilds.”
Jagoan speculated, “If Helena left for Canada tonight, would your father send Royce immediately?”