Maria’s question sent a shockwave through Jagoan, leaving him deep in thought. Her words resonated with him, how could such a meticulously planned scheme spanning over two decades hinge on someone as unreliable as Jacob?

Jagoan knew Jacob better than anyone else. Though he was his father-in-law, Jagoan could attest to his irresponsible nature. Entrusting the success or failure of such a significant plan to Jacob was a recipe for disaster.

Without wasting any time, Jagoan dialed Jacob’s number. At that moment, Jacob lounged in Thompson First’s room, engrossed in his mobile phone. His life had lost its spark ever since Matilda and Mr. Riley had gotten together. Plus, the presence of Elaine at home was nothing but an irritant. His preferred escape was to seclude himself in his room, spending his days scrolling through his phone.

So when Jagoan’s call came in, Jacob felt a tinge of surprise. After all, Jagoan had been out, working with clients, as he had mentioned earlier. They hadn’t spoken in days. Why the sudden call now? He answered the phone, curiosity lacing his voice. “Hello there, dear son-in-law. What’s the occasion for calling me this late?”

Jagoan quickly replied, “Dad, I’ve been out of town for a while now and I might be away for a bit longer. I may not be able to come home, so I thought I’d check on how you and Mom are holding up at home.”

Jacob grumbled, “What’s there to say? She and I have little in common, so we mostly ignore each other’s quirks.”

Jagoan then asked, “By the way, Dad, do you remember Felix from Vintage Deluxe?”

“Felix?” Jacob’s surprise was evident. “I do. Why do you suddenly bring him up? Is he coming?”

Jagoan explained, “I’m currently working with a client who’s interested in antiques. During our conversation, Vintage Deluxe came up and it turns out he knows Felix as well. I wanted to hear from you how you met him.”

Jacob responded with irritation, “I met him at Vintage Deluxe back when I was interested in antique calligraphy and paintings. I frequented Vintage Deluxe during my free time, hoping to find some treasures on Antique Street. You know, you find a lot of knowledge there. When Felix first started as the manager at Vintage Deluxe, he was polite and attentive to me. Every time I went there, he’d personally assist me and even added me on WeChat. But soon enough, that guy turned against me quicker than flipping a page. It happened when I accidentally broke the jade spring vase and he had his men rough me up. A real about-face.”

Jagoan seized upon this mention of the jade spring vase and delved deeper, asking, “Dad, about that day when the jade spring vase broke, I never really asked for details. You mentioned it just slipped from your hand, but you’re not the type to be careless. You’ve always been cautious, especially with antiques. So, what happened that day?”

be careful. Even eight thousand dollars is a lot for me. I handle it all. So, whether I’m looking at antiques or not, I’m very cautious. I’m afraid of dropping, touching, or damaging anything. But that day,

to me and its surface wasn’t particularly smooth. Given that it’s a Tang Dynasty artifact, the glaze should

other end of the line, unable to offer an

matter was resolved and you don’t need to feel burdened by it. We’re just having a chat. I’m curious, that’s all. Tell

be honest, I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me if I told you the truth. I thought

if you tell me the bottle sprouted wings and

it anymore and

hastened to clarify, “Jagoan, please don’t misunderstand me. Back then, I didn’t want you to take the blame for me. I wanted you to help me out initially and then I’d find a way to repay you later.

spring vase vibrated in your hand. Can you tell me more about

who opened the package containing the jade spring vase. He gave me a pair of white gloves and asked me to

so I reached in and took it out. I was about to snap a photo

“Now that I think about it, it was most likely a trap set by that Crator guy.

this information and said with a smile, “Alright, Dad, it’s been a while and we have nothing to lose by talking about this now. By the way, Dad, I have some other business to attend to right

“When are you coming back, good son-in-law? I’m getting bored to death without you

back soon, just a

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