Inspired by Julien's idea, Curtis Autos began extending invitations to various institutions in the global automotive industry to its first-ever global automotive supplier conference! All companies owned or affiliated with the Rothschilds had received invitations without exception, and most—especially the major players—would hold similar conferences anyway.For example, Apple had an annual developer conference where all tech companies that rely on the industrial standard and ecosystem were invited. It served two primary functions: strengthening partnerships and discussing future strategy to ensure everyone was ready to work together for the next step.At such routine conferences, corporations usually send some mid-to-high echelon executives to attend, as a show of support. It was all the same idea—sending someone was a gesture of respect.However, no one expected Julien himself—heir apparent of the Rothschild industry—would tell his assistant to personally reach out, urging them to

Two days before the second day of the second month in the Oskian calendar, Charlie and Claire were already preparing for their trip to Eastcliff.Charlie had booked a flight for noon the next day, and a suite in the best hotel near the concert stadium. He was planning to sightsee with Claire before the concert, and a couple of days after, too.In fact, the whole thing was Claire's idea, even drafting a four-day itinerary to avoid arousing Charlie's suspicion.And learning that it was just the two of them, Elaine had a girl's talk with Claire in her room before they left. Claire's cheeks were flushed crimson when she was finally allowed to leave, her eyes darting away as if guilty.That night, she couldn't sleep at all even as she lay beside Charlie.-Tanya Sweet was no different as she flew from Paris to Eastcliff.While she would usually use her own private jet, she was using Bernard's this time—because she was traveling incognito.After all, if she were on her own jet, the w

On the first day of the second month in the Oskian calendar, Charlie and Claire flew to Eastcliff.At Qi Temple, Stephen Thompson was ready to leave as well.To avoid leaving a paper trail, Ashley had arranged a cargo plane to take him from Luketown to Melbourne—Australia's biggest city.One of Ashley's companies owned the plane, but unlike the Qing Eliminating Society's logistic companies, her logistic company operated legally. In fact, the company is the largest express logistics group in Asia, having the biggest fleet in the region as well as a dedicated cargo airport in mainland Oskia.The cargo fleet also includes a hundred private owned cargo planes, and dozens more leased aircraft—a solid global air logistics network. Naturally, they have chartered cargo flights from Melbourne to Sydney, with all cargo traceable and clean.Ashley naturally had her ways to bypass customs and regulations too, as she needed Stephen to fly out of Oskia without being seen.When they arrive in

Claire asked, "Why aren't you answering your texts, dear?"Charlie chuckled awkwardly and said, "Oh, it's just birthday wishes from some clients, and I definitely can't respond to everyone individually. I'll just post a shoutout later."Claire smiled faintly, once again not calling him out and instead asking, "Well, you're now twenty-nine. What's your wish for the year?""Wish, huh?" Charlie thought about it, and smiled and shrugged. "Never thought about it, but I realize I do have a few wishes now…""Well, you should decide on the one you want the most," Claire replied. "Wish for it when you blow your candles—they say that's the wish which always comes true."Yeah," Charlie smiled and nodded.-Before long, morning arrived on the second day of the second month in the Oskian calendar.It was a foggy day in Eastcliff and one could barely look more than a few yards away. Even the national stadium which was so clear from their window just yesterday was completely obscured now.

Quinn knew that Charlie was in the audience, but she didn't dare to start searching or look him in the eye.She had also specifically told the cameraman to avoid taking photos or recording videos of the audience, in case Charlie's face was captured and someone who bore ill will saw it.Still, as the fans watched her turn to wipe her tears, they immediately presumed that the song left her saddened too, and presumed that she never found her childhood sweetheart.Meanwhile, Quinn composed herself and continued her concert.After three songs, she finally paused for an emcee session."Thank you so much for coming!" She cried. "It's my farewell concert, and since I was born here in Eastcliff and made my debut here, it's only appropriate to sing here one last time, for my curtain call where it all began."The fans—both thrilled and sullen, chanted her name loudly, mixed with cries asking her to stay.Quinn smiled faintly as she continued, "In my years working in showbiz, I'm as happy a