Without wasting any time, Charlie promptly forwarded the photo to Hogan through WeChat, accompanying it with a recorded message, “Uncle Hogan, can you identify the individual standing next to my father?”

Hogan’s response was swift, a voice message crackling back, “Young Master, I’ve met the man in the picture before. His English name is Peter Cole. Though I can’t claim great familiarity with him, I know he’s a Chinese antique dealer with close ties to your father.”

As soon as Charlie learned that Hogan was acquainted with the man, he wasted no time in dialing him up. As the call connected, he inquired with urgency, “Uncle Hogan, could you furnish me with a detailed introduction of this Peter Cole?”

Hogan obliged, “Peter Cole hails from a family entrenched in the overseas antique trade, primarily centered in Europe and the United States. Aside from the US, they have a presence in the UK and France. They’ve garnered some renown in the European and American antique circles.”

He appended, “The photo you sent is of Peter Cole’s emporium in New York. It’s said to be the first establishment the Cole family set up, so it’s rather modest and unassuming.”

Charlie probed further, “Uncle Hogan, when was the last time you crossed paths with Peter Cole?”

Hogan reminisced, “It’s been quite a while. He dropped by a few times when I had my roast goose joint in Chinatown. Then, it seemed he thought I’d left New York, and we lost touch.”

Curiosity piqued, Hogan ventured, “Young Master, are you planning to seek out Peter?”

Charlie responded calmly, “I intend to. When I’m in New York, my first stop will be his antique store. It’d be a stroke of luck if you could help me locate him.”

Without hesitation, Hogan offered, “Young Master, let me accompany you. I know New York well, and I’ve met Peter on several occasions.”

Charlie inquired about Hogan’s availability, to which he quickly assured, him, “No problem at all. I was planning to report to the Young Master in Aurous Hill. My family matters are sorted now.”

Charlie mulled it over before deciding, “Very well, then. What time can you depart?”

Hogan confirmed, “Anytime suits me, even today. I’ll start arranging the flight tickets.”

Jagoan grinned and intervened, “Uncle, there’s no need for such trouble. I’ll ask Mr. Lombardo to arrange a private plane for you to Aurous Hill. We’ll rendezvous there.”

his throat, a touch awkward, “Young Master, Mr. Lombardo has already provided my lodging and expenses. I’ll head to Aurous Hill solo and

overly deferential. Besides, I’m not well-acquainted with him. He’s like a car parked on a hill, requiring constant vigilance. The handbrake must never falter, it must be checked and tightened as needed, lest the car rolls back at the slightest

chuckled, “I believe… He’s done

Hogan, I’ll handle this matter. You need not

relented, “Then I’ll defer to the Young

“I’m still in Eastcliff. I’ll head to Aurous Hill later. I have some matters to attend to there. I plan to depart from Aurous Hill to New York tonight. Uncle Hogan, no need to

Once settled, head

affirmed, “I’ll

with Hogan, Jagoan promptly reached

at nine o’clock that night

***

to

heading to New York tonight, and you’ll only have a little over ten hours in Aurous Hill. Isn’t that a

to attend to when we return to Aurous Hill. The main purpose is to meet my grandparents and extended

nodded, her voice gentle, “The Young Master’s wife is currently in the United

confirmed. “I’ve asked Miss Joules from the Joules family to bring her over for assistance.

plan

her? Isn’t it

not only finding Peter Cole but also seeking information about the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book from my parents. I’m uncertain if the

circumstances surrounding your grandparents’ family, it’s best to err

uncle of mine is

your grandma’s family. They’re in a delicate position,

to reclaim their roots. While he may struggle to seize the Evans family’s assets, their absence from

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