Meanwhile, Rob was actually playing better thanks to his girlfriend's encouragement, and the practice match soon resumed at the coach's whistle.Smiling at Rob, his girlfriend said, "Run along, champ. Just remember to switch strategy and catch them off guard. I'll be watching and give you a sign when the time is right."Rob nodded emphatically, buoyed.He had long since learned that his girlfriend wasn't just an academic overachiever, but an insightful sports analyst especially in football. Her judgment and understanding could beat even college coaches, and her great advice was also another reason he was so in love with her.And as the second half began, Rob improved considerably.Even Charlie—who didn't know the rules—could see the clear advantage. Suddenly, Rob's team was far more agile along with his team, and they were bold enough to make plays.Through it all, Rob's girlfriend kept making sneaky hints with her hands.The hints helped, as Rob could now adjust his plays with

Before today, Rob wouldn't even dare dream that Julien would invite him to dinner.With how tense things were between Julien and Rob's grandfather, and Harrison eventually naming Julien as his heir, Rob's grandfather kept trying to make peace.But forget dinner—Julien wouldn't even answer his own brother's calls!That was why Rob was so mystified that a kid like him would be invited to dinner by someone this high up in the family. It was just bizarre no matter how one tried to frame it!And amongst his generation, Rob was the most self-aware even though he was not the most successful. There was just nothing about him that stood out, except the halo effect from the Rothschild name. That was why he knew too well that he just wasn't important enough for Julian to take an interest in him.But even if he couldn't guess the reason, Julien extended an invitation, and he definitely couldn't refuse.After all, Julien was the heir apparent—someone like Rob couldn't afford to miss the opp

Rachel, forcing back her excitement, asked Rob tentatively, "Don't you think it's inappropriate for me to join a family dinner?""What's inappropriate about it?" Rob asked, smiling at her. "He suggested it. Just tag along if you have nothing on your plate."Rachel feigned hesitant silence, eventually saying nervously, "A-Alright… But you gotta warn me if there's anything I should worry about beforehand…"Rob found her nervous reaction all adorable, and couldn't resist caressing her cheek while grinning, "There's nothing to worry about. Sure, he's the heir apparent of the Rothschild family, but just pretend he's another uncle."Rachel nodded. "Oh, do you think I have time to change? I have to look a little solemn, at least."Rob smiled and nodded. "Sure. Let's get to the dorms."She nodded and they both headed to the girls' dorms.It was quite a luxurwy accommodation, with each unit being an apartment with two rooms and a common area.Boys were allowed in during daytime, but Rob

Charlie, Vera, and Julien headed to the Bay Area together while Rob and Rachel drove there.Charlie and Vera both adopted pseudonyms along the way—Charlie was Andy Cooper, while Vera was Anna Cooper.The country club was owned by the Rothschild family. The selection process for the membership was strict and was reviewed personally by the Rothschild family. It was not even a matter of paying them enough—exclusivity was the motto, and only those deemed worthy by the Rothschild family became members. The strongest advantage of such exclusivity was easily the management members. By leveraging the Rothschilds' influence and resources to bring together the rich and the important, the pooling of wealth and influence would lead to improved relations and stronger business partnerships. There was also the privacy and exclusivity maintained—no one of such caliber and privilege was prone to leaking what was said and done here, or being exposed by a 'friend'. While inappropriate remarks or ac

They were just wondering who was so important that Julien would introduce them when Charlie and Vera entered, hand-in-hand.Rob was left gaping at Charlie while Rachel's lips parted in surprise, despite her usual slickness in hiding her emotions.It was not as if they knew who Charlie and Vera were either—they didn't expect Julien to introduce them to two Oskians.Oskians had barely established themselves in the hierarchy on the US side of things, while Julien stood at the very pinnacle of that hierarchy. Not even the country's top politicians matched him in influence, and certainly not Asia's richest man.That was why Rob and Rachel were all the more confused—who was this Oskian standing before them, really? That was when Julien, nodding politely at Charlie, said, "Andy, meet Rob Rothschild, my grandnephew… And his girlfriend."Julien then smiled at Rachel, asking, "May I have the pleasure of your name, young lady?""Y-Yes," Rachel replied nervously. "I'm Rachel Getty."Julie