The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Maria found herself perpetually puzzled by Benita’s unexpected kindness.

Ever since the night when the ring transported Benita to the upper courtyard of Zilian Villa, his demeanor towards her had shifted drastically. Not only had he generously shared his elixirs, but he also extended the gift of longevity to Marius and others. He even set aside all his pressing matters to journey alongside her to the southern province.

As for Maria, her intention was simply to visit Erlang Mountain to honor her parents. But Benita’s actions surpassed all expectations, he purchased the Celestial Group, the proprietors of Erlang Mountain. What’s more, he planned extensive renovations, ensuring a future where he could pay his respects to his parents.

For Maria, who possessed vast wealth herself, Benita’s actions transcended monetary value. His attentiveness and careful consideration indicated a deep concern for her. Her instincts didn’t mislead her, Benita held a genuine regard for her.

The debt of a life saved was only one factor, the more time they spent together, the more Benita’s sympathy for her three centuries of turmoil grew.

This empathy, she realized, could easily morph into something deeper, an aching distress.

Maria, who had lived for over three centuries, cherished one essential desire when it came to honoring her parents. She yearned to stand beside their resting place, touch the earth with her own hands, and exchange silent words with them. She craved closure, a chance to reconcile and to make up for the lost years.

After kneeling on the ground, sharing her heart with her parents for around half an hour, Maria stood up. A knowing smile graced her lips as she gazed down at the darkened earth beneath her feet.

She turned to Benita and said, “My Benita, let’s depart.”

“It’s growing late,” Benita replied, his voice soft and considerate. “If you wish to spend more time here with your parents, perhaps we should rest for the night. I can set up the tent from the car.”

“Don’t trouble yourself,” Maria responded, her gratitude evident. “While I’d love to linger with my parents, I can’t bear to have you accompany me through nights of eating and sleeping outdoors. Besides, my lineage remains nameless. How could I impose the duty of guarding ancestral spirits upon you? I’ll return here alone in due time.”

require rest, and the setting matters little. It’s late, and we should find lodging

suddenly recalled something and looked at Benita with anticipation. “Master, Banna isn’t far from here. How about we proceed to Banna and rest by the Heaven Lake? It’s

Benita readily agreed. “Let’s head to Banna then. It’s just a

the Celestial Group staff continue tending to matters here for the next couple of days. Once Miss Banks completes the acquisition, we’ll have her gradually replace the current personnel

from Maria’s eyes. “I

the two of them descended

the mountain’s base

hurriedly approached. “Are you

strict security over the next couple of days. Until the acquisition is finalized, the tea trees must

us. We’ve had two security teams alternating in 24-hour shifts. The tea

Boneng, Maria said, “Master, we should be

Let us provide you with a feast in the cafeteria, and I can arrange lodging

Benita declined. “We appreciate your kindness, Director Garza, but we must press on. Time is

made, Nicolas nodded in understanding.

the Celestial Group’s premises in the

Heaven Lake, was no challenge. A sole authentic lake

spot was easily spotted on a map, yet it remained less popular among tourists, given Banna’s focus on its lush forests and nature reserves. The region development lagged

at the foot of Heaven Lake. A winding road allowed them to ascend the mountainside and reach villages on the lake’s north bank. This single path served as the