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.”

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

like a car parked on a hill, requiring constant vigilance. The handbrake must never falter, it must be checked and tightened as

chuckled, “I believe… He’s done

Jagoan insisted, “Uncle Hogan, I’ll handle this matter. You need not

relented, “Then I’ll defer to the Young

informed him, “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

your place. Once settled, head to the airport

Hogan affirmed, “I’ll see

with Hogan,

departing for Aurous Hill at nine o’clock that night for Hogan. He also requested a motorcade to transport him from Hogan’s

***

Jagoan escorted Maria to bid farewell

New York tonight, and you’ll only have a little over ten

my grandparents and extended family, update them on recent events, and

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

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

added, “But I don’t plan to inform

probed, “Why keep it from her? Isn’t it better for husband and wife

also seeking information about the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book from my parents. I’m uncertain if

intricate web of alliances is quite the labyrinth. And given the circumstances surrounding your grandparents’ family, it’s best to err on the

mine is bound to be a

They’re in a delicate position, they can’t come to China, and your grandma’s family

he’s there, they won’t be able to reclaim their roots. While he may struggle to

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