At that moment, a knock echoed through the room, and his eldest son, Steve Rothschild, respectfully called out, “Father, may Ie in?”


    Howard was momentarily taken aback. He closed his eyes and let out a silent sigh before responding, “Come in.”


    Steve opened the door and gently closed it behind him. He nced at Howard, hesitating before saying, “Father…”


    Howard looked over at him. Noticing Steve’s silence, he asked curtly, “Yes? What is it?”


    After a brief pause, Steve spoke up, “Father… during the meeting just now, you mentioned that whoever finds the Sifang Baozhuang will be the heir of the family…”<fn13a6> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? F?nd-Novel</fn13a6><h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Howard nodded, maintaining hisposure as he replied, “I did say that. What’s the issue, Steve?”


    Steve, filled with grievance, responded, “For years, the Rothschild family has upheld the tradition of the eldest son seeding to the headship, carefully establishing the order of session. If you suddenly dere this decision today, won’t it undermine our family’s established rules?”


    Howard scoffed, “Rules? If the Sifang Baozhuang is lost, the Rothschild name will lose its prestige! This is vital to our family’s survival. In the face of such importance, rules mean nothing!”


    With that, Howard rose, visibly upset. “Whoever retrieves the Sifang Baozhuang will ensure the family’s prosperity! That person is rightfully the heir to the family legacy!”


    Steve pleaded, “Father, I have been groomed as the heir of the Rothschild family for so long. My son, Royce, your eldest grandson, is the second in line. After all these years of training and hard work, if some fortunate individual unexpectedly discovers the Sifang Baozhuang, won’t that render all our efforts meaningless? This… this feels so unjust…”


    Howard observed Steve’s distressed and pained expression. After a moment of contemtion, he replied, “Steve, during a critical family crisis, we must reward those who show bravery. Furthermore, I’ve already made my statement, and it’s difficult to retract it.”


    Steve quickly interjected, “Father… you…”


    Howard raised his hand to cut Steve off, looking at him calmly. “You are my eldest son, and I want to provide you with a fair opportunity. Let me exin: I believe the Sifang Baozhuang is likely still at Zhou Peter’s residence. While others search far and wide, you should focus your efforts there. It will increase your chances of sess.”


    He continued, “I’ve dispatched numerous people to monitor the Zhou family discreetly. You can do the same. If they locate the Sifang Baozhuang at Zhou Peter’s house, the credit will be yours. In that case, you will still be in line for session.”


    A flicker of hope reignited in Steve’s despairing heart.


    Excitedly, he asked, “Father, is what you’re saying true?”


    Howard nodded slightly, affirming, “Steve, to be honest, you are my firstborn and my favorite. I want you to seize this opportunity and inherit my position rightfully.”


    As he spoke, Howard narrowed his eyes, emphasizing, “In times like these, it’s essential for you to take the lead, to charge ahead, and achieve remarkable aplishments that no one can dispute! My dear son, a chance to make your mark has arrived!”


    Moved by his father’s words, Steve clenched his fists with determination, saying resolutely, “Father, you can count on me! I will give it my all!”