The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Chapter 5518

Upon seeing the cryptic text, Maria wasted no time chiming in, her voice laced with curiosity, “Maria, I’m pretty sure the borough in question here is Queens, New York. That photo? Yep, definitely Queens. Now, this guy “Cole”, is obviously a last name. And I can tell by his look that he has Chinese descent. The catch? We don’t have a clue what his first name is.”

“You’re spot on,” Jagoan concurred, his brow furrowing in deep thought.

He mused, “There’s something oddly familiar about this Cole fellow. But, try as I might, I can’t put my finger on where I’ve seen him before.”

Maria reassured him, “Don’t rush it, Master. That sense of familiarity might stem from a fleeting memory. It’s there, just beneath the surface. All you need is to give it some time, let it simmer. Trust me, the answer will come to you.”

She probed further, “Besides the familiarity, anything else about this whole scenario that strikes you as odd or strangely familiar?”

Jagoan, still massaging his temples, replied, “You know, Maria, there’s more to it than just the familiarity. Looking at this picture, I sense something deeper, something profoundly familiar. But the specifics, they elude me.”

Maria breathed a sigh of relief, “Master, don’t fret. Let’s piece this puzzle together. First, let’s talk about the attire of your dad and this Cole character. Anything noteworthy there?”

Jagoan scrutinized the photo and replied, “Dad’s sporting late 20th-century gear, a bomber jacket—pretty trendy back then. Cole, on the other hand, has on a regular woolen windbreaker, typical attire for the time.”

Maria probed further, “And what about Queens? Your parents lived in the States for years. Did Queens ever come up in your conversations or visits?”

Jagoan pondered for a moment before responding, “In my recollection, the States trips with my folks or visits to relatives with Mom usually centered around Long Island. Apart from that, we were Manhattan regulars. Queens? It’s all a bit fuzzy.”

Then, he added, “Even this antique shop—I only learned about it from my uncle a few days back. Never heard a peep about it from my parents.”

At this point, Jagoan’s expression froze suddenly.

Unaware of his abrupt change, Maria remained focused on the photo and suggested, “Perhaps we could contact your father’s former colleagues. They might recognize this person.”

But Jagoan, deep in thought, didn’t respond.

Perplexed, Maria prodded, “Master?”

Jagoan snapped back to reality at Maria’s query.

on his brow and cheeks as he stammered, “I… I think I know why this man seems

was taken aback and pressed,

fervently and explained, “You mentioned his last name is Cole, and I had this strange sense of déjà vu. And then, there’s that antique shop in

he was doing, insisted on visiting an antique

the ‘Apocalyptic Book’ from the

in the photo, muttering, “He was

widened, her voice trembling as she exclaimed, “Young master, are you saying that the man in this photo from over 20 years ago, taken with your father in New York, later worked at

firmly. “I’m sure of it. This person’s name is Felix Cole, and the antique shop in Aurous Hill was Vintage Deluxe, owned by the Moore family. At the time, it wasn’t a prominent part of the Moore family’s business empire. Jasmine Moore, the current

felt his

Apocalyptic Book,’ hinting at a connection between the two

Felix who had handed the jade pot and spring vase to his father-in-law,

phone and dialed Jasmine’s number. If anyone could shed light on Felix, it would be

voice lighthearted, “Why the late-night call,

his anxiety and inquired, “Jasmine, can you tell me if Felix, the former manager of Vintage Deluxe, still works for the

to recognize the true value of

probed further. “Do you have

have no idea,” Jasmine admitted. “I never saw him again

“And when did he

last long,” Jasmine recalled. “He was there for just over a month, maybe less than

felt deliberate, like Felix had joined Vintage Deluxe for

the one who

had my share of issues with my uncle and cousin. So they handed me Vintage Deluxe. It was struggling, and internal problems ran rampant. I fired everyone and brought in a fresh

“Why did you hire

Eastern and Western antiques, humble, well-educated—the guy had a compelling demeanor. His

turn out so ill-tempered, insulting your father-in-law and failing to recognize your incredible restoration skills. My judgment clearly failed me. Please

that you mention it, Jasmine, this guy who appeared so knowledgeable, humble, and well-educated is likely Felix’s true identity. The rude, jade-vase-dropping Felix

voice floated through the phone, “Jagoan, what sparked your sudden

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