The Charismatic Charlie Wade

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, he 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 her 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 her 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, he shook his head, privately musing on how Aman’s stature far outshone her.
However, he couldn’t help but think that Aman was having a run of bad luck, aiming for a wife twice and crossing paths with him
both times.
Seeing Charlie unflinching, Julia, irate, admonished, “Don’t you have any fear? If my father takes offense, he might have dealt
with you!”
Jagoan’s smile persisted. “Don’t fret, your father lacks the power for such deeds. But I must admit, I’m quite tempted to give him
a piece of my mind today.”

Frowning, Julia inquired, “Who are you? Are you affiliated with the Chinese Gang?”
Jagoan 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.”
Jagoan 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, he exclaimed, “It appears that your father has invited Aman, turning
this into quite the intriguing game indeed. Was this your idea?”
Julia gaped at Jagoan, astonishment etched across her features. “How did you know?”
Jagoan 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, her response hesitant. “These are matters you needn’t concern yourself with. Consider how you’ll
leave this place alive today.”
Jagoan 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 she 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 Jagoan. Aman, too,
was entranced by Julia, clearly pleased with what he 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 her 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 her head defiantly, but then, spotting Jagoan, her 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, her finger extending to point at Jagoan, who stood not far away. She declared,
“Release him and let’s stop causing him 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 Jagoan’s beaming face.
The instant he caught sight of Jagoan, a surge of anger coursed through him, and he spoke in a stern tone, “Didn’t I instruct you
to apprehend him and remove him permanently? Why is he still here?”
Just as he said this, Aman couldn’t help but shift his gaze towards Jagoan as well. When he saw Jagoan’s mischievous grin, his
pupils contracted instantly, and his expression shifted to one of extreme fear.
He instinctively inquired, “Mr. Jagoan... What brings you here?”
Jagoan 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?”