Chapter 5608

When Charlie regained consciousness and reconnected with his physical body, his senses sharpened. Although his experience of projecting his divine sense felt like it last a while, in reality, it transpired in a mere instant. With little time to think, Charlie retrieved the wooden box and meticulously inspected the concealed compartment, ensuring it was devoid of any other items. He then delicately restored the stone lion to its original position, securing it firmly. Meanwhile, chaos continued to unfold within the Cole Family Manor. Soon after, Charlie swiftly returned to the room where Hank and the others were stationed. He gracefully leapt through the window, landing with a quiet poise. Steve and Royce were left dumbfounded. While Charlie's leap out the window didn't particularly impress them, his entrance through the window was nothing short of mind-boggling. Inside the room, Charlie instructed Hank, "Make sure they face the other way and keep a close watch on them. Anyone who dares to look back should be dealt with." Hank promptly replied, "Understood, sir!" Steve, teetering on the edge of a breakdown, pleaded, "Mr. Wade... We are already partners. You don't need to be so suspicious. I know you retrieved the Four Treasures of the Study, but I assure you, I won't breathe a word of it to anyone. There's no need for Hank to constantly hold a gun to our heads..." Charlie interrupted him, asking, "Are you trying to teach me how to do things?" Steve quivered in fear and hastily shook his head, saying, "No, no..." He averted his gaze, refraining from looking back. Charlie opened the wooden box and marveled at the Four Treasures of the Study nestled within. He couldn't help but ponder, "This treasure banner is exactly like the one I saw with my divine sense. Could it be that my divine sense entered here?" With this thought in mind, Charlie extended his hand and gently lifted the Four Treasures of the Study from the box. The main body of the treasure banner was crafted from gold, not as opulent as those specifically used to enshrine relics, yet it emitted an indescribable majesty. Having experienced the projection of his divine sense, Charlie understood that the Four Treasures of the Study in his grasp was more than a mere magical tool. It contained the reiki and efforts of countless cultivators, capable of safeguarding the world and the nation. While it reached its peak efficacy when in harmony with the original Wild Goose Pagoda or even the entire Meridian City, it remained an invaluable Feng Shui treasure. The two-hundred-year prosperity of the Rothschild family undoubtedly owed much to the Four Treasures of the Study. At one point, Charlie had considered keeping the Four Treasures of the Study with him, as it was a creation of the Chinese nation's forebears. However, he swiftly dismissed the idea. The Four Treasures of the Study was not meant for the possession of a single individual. Charlie couldn't entertain such thoughts. He gently placed the Four Treasures of the Study back in the box. As for the copied version of the Introduction to the Apocalyptic Book beneath it, he left it untouched. After all, it wasn't the right time to pursue it. With the item in hand, Charlie began to chart his next moves. If Howard instructed Royce to head directly to Canada, Charlie could easily transport the Four Treasures of the Study out of the United States. Once in Canada, he could effortlessly return it to China's authorities, completing his mission. Once the Four Treasures of the Study is safely returned to China, he planned to entrust it to the Chinese authorities through the assistance of Maria's adopted son, Keagan Myers. This strategy would ensure that his mission was fulfilled successfully and the cherished artifact was rightfully restored to its homeland. However, Charlie had no intention of leaving the United States just yet. After all, Peter still lay in the hospital. It remained uncertain how the U.S. government and the Rothschild family would treat him upon his discharge. Charlie didn't want to abandon him. If possible, he would attempt to secure Peter's release from custody and, at the very least, restore his freedom. Meanwhile, Hank led his team into the Cole Family Manor, turning it upside down, yet they discovered no trace of an intruder. What confounded them was the evident disturbance within the Cole family villa. Furniture and decorations lay shattered, indicating that someone had indeed been present. However, there were no footprints or any other evidence of an intruder. Howard's sources immediately relayed this information to him. Upon hearing the news, Howard grew exceedingly anxious and promptly dialed Hank. As Howard's call came through, Hank glanced at Charlie and asked, "Mr. Wade, it's Howard on the line. Should I answer?" Charlie nodded, "Go ahead. He probably wants to inquire about the operation's details. Inform him that you heard the commotion but failed to apprehend anyone. If he inquires about the power outage, exaggerate its severity and insinuate the possibility of a mole within the Rothschild family." Hank didn't hesitate and responded, "Understood, Mr. Wade. I'll speak with him!" He answered the call and respectfully stated, "Hello, sir! I was just about to report to you. We heard a loud commotion within the Cole Family Manor earlier. Concerned that someone may have entered through an unknown passage, I dispatched our men immediately. Please forgive me for not seeking your counsel beforehand..." Howard concurred and remarked, "You acted appropriately. In critical situations, one must trust their instincts and act decisively without seeking my input. What is the situation at the scene? Did you apprehend anyone?" Hank replied, "Not yet. Nearly all our men entered, but we haven't uncovered any valuable leads." Howard's voice grew increasingly worried as he asked, "Signs of entry, yet no leads. This suggests that someone infiltrated the Cole family through a secret passage and departed undetected..." He continued, "By the way, Hank, I heard there was a power outage tonight?" "Yes." Hank explained, "Both circuits sustained damage tonight and repairs are proving difficult. Power is not expected to be restored until noon." Howard's mood darkened further, and he inquired with concern, "The power outage, could it be more than a mere coincidence?" "It's highly doubtful." Hank left no room for optimism. He spoke gravely, "Sir, I believe our every move is being monitored by the other side. They were aware of our covert surveillance and even knew about the extensive array of surveillance devices we had installed. That's why they sabotaged the power supply, rendering all our surveillance equipment useless."

Howard's heart sank and he asked, "Have we failed in maintaining secrecy, or is there a leak within our organization?" Hank responded, "Both are feasible, but the latter seems more probable." Howard queried, "If there is a leak, who do you suspect?" Hank replied, "I cannot say for certain at this time. We must conduct an investigation before making any judgments." Howard continued, "What are your thoughts on the individual who infiltrated the Cole family tonight? Were they after the Four Treasures of the Study?" "It is highly likely." Hank asserted firmly, "They took a considerable risk, indicating their intent to acquire the Four Treasures of the Study." Howard's heart sank further. He murmured, "If this is really the case, it means that the infiltrator must have taken away the Treasure..." He immediately barked at the butler beside him, "Notify everyone, all departments, to seal off all entrances and exits in and around New York. We must conduct an exhaustive search within the restricted area. We must retrieve the Four Treasures of the Study at all costs!" At that moment, someone beside Howard interjected, "Sir, we have just received news from Canada. Queen Helena of Scandinavia has unexpectedly advanced her visit to Canada." Howard furrowed his brow, "Advanced her visit? When?" "Today. It is stated that her private jet will depart in two to three hours. Her first destination is Ottawa, followed by nearby Montreal." Howard questioned, "Why the sudden change in her itinerary?" The individual explained, "It is reported that the queen has encountered some minor health issues and had to reschedule her visit for medical treatment next week. Consequently, she had to move her visit to Canada forward." Howard grunted in acknowledgment, "I see." On the other end of the line, Hank seized the opportunity to inquire, "Sir, what should I do next?" Howard gritted his teeth and stated, "Dig three feet into the ground if need be, but find the entrance they used to infiltrate and exit the Cole Family Manor!" He continued, "By the way, inform Steve that Helena is departing for Canada. Instruct him to prepare Royce and I will dispatch people to assist with the coordination. Our reputation has suffered recently, so we must seize this chance to forge a strong relationship with the Scandinavian royal family. It may prove useful in the future!" Hank swiftly replied, "Understood, sir. I will inform Young Master Steve immediately!" Howard issued a cold warning, "Hank, they infiltrated and escaped the Cole Family Manor under your watch, leaving no trace! I will hold you accountable for this! Until I decide on your punishment, you better provide me with some valuable leads. Fail to do so and I won't show you any mercy! Do you understand?" Hank blurted out, "I understand, sir. Rest assured, I will give my utmost!" Howard then hung up. Hank glanced at Charlie and respectfully relayed, "Mr. Wade, Howard instructed me to inform Young Master Royce to prepare for Canada!" Charlie nodded, "I heard." He then turned to Steve and Royce, stating, "Both of you, turn around and face the other way." The two promptly complied, respectfully gazing at Charlie, awaiting his next words. Charlie continued, "Royce, I will be flying with you to Canada via helicopter. Can you trust your pilot?" "Absolutely!" Steve responded promptly, "My pilot comes from a direct lineage!" "Excellent." Charlie nodded and instructed, "Once we depart, you stay here and await further instructions from your grandfather." Steve readily agreed. His sole concern was securing his position as the heir. As for the Four Treasures of the Study, he harbored no attachment. If it was lost, so be it. In Steve's eyes, the Rothschild family possessed abundant wealth. Even if they had to endure a fifty percent loss, it mattered little as long as he could inherit the family legacy. ... Charlie and Royce boarded the helicopter and departed New York before dawn. With special clearance from Howard, the helicopter faced no scrutiny. Even when crossing the border between the United States and Canada, they encountered no questions. As Charlie crossed the border between the United States and Canada via helicopter, he took advantage of the relatively relaxed bilateral entry and exit regulations. The relationship between the two countries, though not as open as the EU nations with their completely open borders, still facilitated easier passage. Moreover, the Rothschild family wielded considerable influence in Canada, ensuring that his helicopter's border crossing went unnoticed. Once safely across the US-Canada border, Charlie felt a wave of relief. He immediately messaged Hogan, instructing him to purchase the earliest available flight ticket to Montreal. Flights between these two cities were frequent, with services beginning around six in the morning and running every two to three hours until 9:30 at night. Upon receiving Charlie's message, Hogan, understanding the urgency, promptly booked the earliest flight and prepared to head to the airport. Next, Charlie contacted Wesley, asking him to urgently redirect several agents from Dragon Temple stationed in Canada to Montreal for immediate deployment. He then reached out to Nanako Ito in China, requesting her assistance in chartering a transoceanic business jet from Montreal under the Ito family's name, which would fly directly to Aurous Hill. With these plans in place, the helicopter Charlie was aboard arrived in the southern suburbs of Ottawa, Canada's capital. For security reasons, he chose not to land in Montreal. The helicopter, although exempt from border checks and entry registration, was continuously tracked by Canadian air traffic control. Its flight path, altitude and speed were all recorded. To avoid leaving a traceable record that the Rothschild family could potentially investigate, Charlie opted to disembark while still dozens of kilometers from Ottawa, leaping from the helicopter above a farm area south of the city. Royce Rothschild and his team were stunned as they watched Charlie jump from a hundred meters up. But as they observed him land safely and start running, their astonishment turned to disbelief. After landing, Charlie, while on the run, took out his phone to call Maria back in China. It was late at night there, and instead of sleeping, Maria was in her yard by the hot spring pool, tending to the delicate branches of the Pu'er tea mother plant, her thoughts lingering on Charlie. When her phone rang with a call from Charlie, her face flushed with a mix of shyness and excitement. She answered, her voice tinged with bashfulness yet unable to conceal her elation, "Where are you calling from at this late hour, Mr. Wade?"