It was 9pm Maldives time when the bell ushering in the Oskian New Year was struck.Outside, fireworks were erupting high up in the air over the cove, as Bernard had spared no expense buying a ton of fireworks to liven up the atmosphere.Myriad colored sparks were fired from the beach, high up to the clouds, before erupting into a thousand more dazzling sparks. It was especially mesmerizing, with the crystalline gleam of the horizon reflecting them ever so gorgeously.Claire watched them blow outside the window, staring blankly as she murmured, "It's really been a while since I saw such pretty fireworks…"Elaine was busy taking photos and recording videos while grumbling, "You don't say. They've banned fireworks in urban areas for years, I've actually forgotten what they look like in real life. They are so pretty up close, especially over the sea.Jacob's pupils reflected the fireworks—shrunk countless times, and despite the wrinkles on his face, there was undoubtedly a look of bli

Claire shook her head stubbornly. "I-I'm fine…"Even Charlie could tell something was wrong and quickly pressed, "Well, why are you crying? To be honest, even I have gotten used to your mom. You should be even more used to her than I am." Her emotions overwhelming her, Claire snapped, "I just don't want her to be like that her whole life! Just a little bit—I want her to become a better person instead of what she always has been! Why can't she do that much?!"It's been almost thirty years, but she's still the same! Even after life puts her through so much, she still never learns! And she never thinks that she's the problem! Always blaming everyone else and saying it's always their fault! Do you know what was the only thing she improved on?"Charlie shook his head awkwardly. "What?""Her attitude toward you!" Claire bellowed through her tears. "So many years, and that's the only thing she did better! And nothing else!""Well, I guess that is still an improvement!" Charlie reasoned

Hence, Fleur told Tarlon, "Make preparations. Ashley has three more years to show her face… If she doesn't, I will massacre both Wades and Ackers. Not one of them will get to live!""Yes, Lady Griffin!" Tarpon promptly repealed sonorously.-It was the Oskian New Year, and Bernard took a seaplane to Male, before getting on his private jet bound for France.Peace might have returned to Randheli, but interests in the raid a couple of days ago never waned.The world's media kept putting the raid on their headlines, with plenty of experts offering insights into the Syrian conflict and the role the US played from the shadows.Suddenly, the Syrian rebels found themselves under intense pressure.They were born peasants or even extremists, but this situation was different—after the rebels' successful coup, they were no longer mere rebels, but a regular military.As for the difference, regular military meant they answered to a governing body, unable to run their favored guerrilla warfar

Hence, Bernard said humbly, "You flatter me, Mr. Prime Minister. It's what I should do."The French Prime Minister smiled. "The President is waiting for you at the Elysee Palace. We will have a short photo session and the press will ask some questions—it's alright if you prefer to skip, since we can do it at the Elysee Palace after meeting the president."Bernard thought about it, but then asked, "Excuse me, but are the American press here too?""Oh, yes," the French Prime Minister smiled and nodded. "There's no way they won't be here when they smell a story."Great! Wonderful!" Bernard smiled and nodded. "In that case, I'll do the interview here.""Okay!"Even as they shared a long, cordial handshake while they posed for photos, the Prime Minister soon smiled and announced, "Mr. Arnault will be meeting the President at Elysee Palace later, but after asking his opinion, Mr. Arnault agreed to a ten minute Q&A here. Please raise your hands if you have a question for Mr. Arnault."

Bernard then turned towards the AFP journalist and smiled. "Next, AFP."The French journalist promptly smiled and asked, "Mr. Arnault, I heard you'd be flying to the UN headquarters in New York tomorrow, as well as donating to their counter-terrorism department. Is that true?""It is," Bernard replied, nodding. "To be honest, I rejoice as much as I seethe when it comes to the Randheli Raid.""Naturally, I was rejoicing that I happened to have what it takes to resolve the hostage crisis. But I seethe at the very thought that such dangers could happen anywhere across the world. Of course, when others face the same situation, they might not be as lucky as I am."That's why I'm doing what little I can to help counter-terrorism, so that I can set an example for people with a decent income. I hope they will contribute and double their efforts when terrorists come calling."Even as Bernard continued his impassioned speech, there was no doubt that he was reaching the hearts of everyone ar