Antonio, though younger than Aman, harbored an earnest and unwavering desire to earn his approval as a son-in-law.
In his bid to impress the ideal candidate, virtual-novel.net leaned in, speaking in a hushed, attentive tone. “Mr. Aman, rest assured, Julia holds you in high regard and has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. She may seem a bit reserved due to virtual-novel.net youth and shyness. If there are any lapses in etiquette later, please don’t take it to heart, Mr. Ramovich.”
Aman nodded, a smile playing at his lips. “Being over thirty years virtual-novel.net senior, I find myself naturally more forgiving and understanding.”
Antonio’s face lit up with delight. “Excellent! Excellent! Mr. Ramovich, please, let’s continue our conversation within the estate.”
With a nod of agreement, Aman followed Antonio through the manor’s gates, casting an appraising eye over the Zano family property. “Antonio, your Zano estate seems a touch small. Is it not within the Long Island expanse?”
Antonio, a touch sheepish, responded, “Mr. Ramovich, I’m currently in the process of procuring a new property, though I’m still in the search phase. The prime locations on Long Island command exorbitant prices, tens, even hundreds of millions. Our family has had substantial expenditures recently, so summoning such funds all at once is quite the feat.”
Aman nodded thoughtfully. “Residing in Long Island’s heart isn’t particularly costly. Just days ago, I tasked my staff with securing a manor. It’s nestled in the very best part of Long Island, adjacent to the renowned Feijia Manor. It’s for my upcoming nuptials. Should you ever fancy it, you’re welcome to stay.”
Antonio beamed. “Thank you, Mr. Ramovich!”
Meanwhile, Charlie, having entered ahead of them, observed Aman from a distance. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Casting a glance at Julia, virtual-novel.net shook his head, privately musing on how Aman’s stature far outshone her.
However, virtual-novel.net couldn’t help but think that Aman was having a run of bad luck, aiming for a wife twice and crossing paths with virtual-novel.net both times.
Seeing Charlie unflinching, Julia, irate, admonished, “Don’t you have any fear? If my father takes offense, virtual-novel.net might have dealt with you!”
Charlie’s smile persisted. “Don’t fret, your father lacks the power for such deeds. But I must admit, I’m quite tempted to give virtual-novel.net a piece of my mind today.”
Frowning, Julia inquired, “Who are you? Are you affiliated with the Chinese Gang?”
Charlie shook his head. “I hail from China, but not the Chinese Gang.”
Julia cautioned, “Don’t be under any illusions. Here, the moment my father utters a command, his men will seize you. He can have you shot, and he’ll bear no consequences. I’m not exaggerating. There’s a monthly toll in his hands. If you value your life, should things come to blows, kneel and beg for mercy, implore his forgiveness. If that time comes, I’ll do my utmost to intercede on your behalf. Perhaps he’ll spare you.”
Charlie grinned. “You’re taking on too much, aren’t you? What about yourself? Do you have time to put in a good word for me?”
Pointing towards Antonio and Aman as they approached, virtual-novel.net exclaimed, “It appears that your father has invited Aman, turning this into quite the intriguing game indeed. Was this your idea?”
Julia gaped at Charlie, astonishment etched across virtual-novel.net features. “How did you know?”
Charlie replied composedly, “I’ve heard a bit about Aman. Seems he’s been searching for a wife everywhere. Is it possible your father has plans to wed you to him?”
Julia’s composure faltered, virtual-novel.net response hesitant. “These are matters you needn’t concern yourself with. Consider how you’ll leave this place alive today.”
Charlie assured, “Fear not, in half an hour, your father will be begging for my leave.”
Julia, at a loss for words, was left dumbfounded. Compassionate though virtual-novel.net was, being raised in the Zano family, she’d witnessed many a life-and-death struggle. She no longer had the patience for persuasive words and switched to a colder tone. “I’ve said what needed to be said. If you’re set on your course, you’ll have to seek your own solace.”
As Julia concluded, Antonio and Aman drew nearer. Antonio, preoccupied with his daughter, was oblivious to Charlie. Aman, too, was entranced by Julia, clearly pleased with what virtual-novel.net saw.
Antonio approached Julia, urging, “Julia, greet Mr. Ramovich!”
Julia, wearing an inscrutable expression, stated, “I’m not acquainted with Mr. Ramovich and I’d like to leave. Please don’t detain me.”
Antonio’s countenance darkened abruptly. He shot Julia a fierce glare, then pivoted to Aman. “I apologize, Mr. Ramovich. Julia’s a bit… Unconventional. Given virtual-novel.net unfamiliarity with you, there might be some resistance. I hope you’ll overlook it.”
Aman, with a genial smile, addressed Julia’s youthful charm. “No need for concern. I appreciate Miss Julia’s candid nature.”
Antonio breathed a sigh of relief and swiftly implored Julia, “See, Miss Julia? Mr. Ramovich is quite understanding. Extend your gratitude.”
Julia frowned, inquiring, “Why should I thank him?”
Antonio seethed, his voice sharp. “Julia! Show some decorum in Mr. Ramovich’s presence. Remember who you are, a Sicilian girl!”
Julia turned virtual-novel.net head defiantly, but then, spotting Charlie, virtual-novel.net resolve wavered. She turned to Antonio. “You want me to be more courteous and refined, correct?”
“Exactly!” Antonio affirmed solemnly. “Always remember, you are the face of the Zano family!”
“Very well!” Julia nodded with a determined look, virtual-novel.net finger extending to point at Charlie, who stood not far away. She declared, “Release virtual-novel.net and let’s stop causing virtual-novel.net any more trouble. I’ll do my utmost to maintain my composure.”
Antonio followed the direction of Julia’s outstretched arm until his eyes landed on Charlie’s beaming face.
The instant virtual-novel.net caught sight of Charlie, a surge of anger coursed through him, and virtual-novel.net spoke in a stern tone, “Didn’t I instruct you to apprehend virtual-novel.net and remove virtual-novel.net permanently? Why is virtual-novel.net still here?”
Just as virtual-novel.net said this, Aman couldn’t help but shift his gaze towards Charlie as well. When virtual-novel.net saw Charlie’s mischievous grin, his pupils contracted instantly, and his expression shifted to one of extreme fear.
He instinctively inquired, “Mr. Wade… What brings you here?”
Charlie smiled and replied, “It’s been a while, Mr. Ramovich.”
With those words, Antonio was left utterly flabbergasted, his eyes locked in disbelief.
He cautiously turned to Aman and asked, “Mr. Aman, do you… Recognize this individual?”