"Oh my God, if you really build this, it's not just a private museum—some national museums wouldn't even have as many pieces as you," Wilson said, wrapping his arm around William's shoulder with a sly grin. "You bought Chelsea, you're planning to invest a few hundred million pounds to build a stadium and training base, and now you want to create a super private museum. Man, just how much money have you made? Don't tell me you've really got $20 billion?"
William shrugged after thinking for a few seconds, "It's hard to say exactly, since a lot of it is in stocks and other assets. But if His Grace's wealth is anything like what's reported, I might just have a bit more than him."
Duke Nishijin smiled slightly. "William, being too modest is just being insincere. The Nishijin family fund only has $7 billion. You're not a little ahead—you're at least twice as rich. Just the stocks we know about put your net worth over $10 billion."
"The cash in your Swiss National Bank account, although we don't know the exact amount, is probably not less than $3 billion. Add to that the Devonshire family fund you recently established, and you're already over $15 billion."
"And I'm sure you have a lot of hidden assets. So when you add it all up, you probably have more wealth than the second to tenth richest people in England combined."
"Having more money doesn't compare to your influence here in England."
"No, you're wrong. This is the age of media attention. Most people don't care who's second on the wealth list. Ninety-nine percent of the media focuses on the richest person. Plus, most of my wealth is tied up in land and real estate. It's stable, but it doesn't excite people like when you make billions off the stock market. You're the new media darling; your influence is much bigger than mine."
"I disagree," William shook his head. "It's not about who has more money. It's about who creates wealth for others. The Nishijin family has created countless jobs and contributed far more to society than someone like me, who got rich through the stock market."
"Haha, you're right about that. In any era, the person who can make themselves rich while helping others is the true boss," Wilson laughed cheekily. "So, William, if you come across any good opportunities, don't forget about me. I don't mind being your little brother."
"Give me a break. If your grandfather and father find out I made you my little brother, they'll beat me up. You should stick to being second in line to the throne, or else you'll end up with too much money and do something reckless that tarnishes the royal family's reputation."
"Come on, man. If you don't want to make money with me, just say so. No need to come up with excuses like 'too much money makes people reckless.' You've done more reckless things than me," Wilson sneered. "Remember that time I took you out, and you—"
"Stop!" William quickly cut him off. "Have you had too much to drink already? If you spill my secrets, I'll tell your mother about your little escapades, and you'll be grounded for a year, guaranteed."
"Do you have to be so ruthless?" Wilson raised his hands in surrender. "You win. If I get grounded for a year, I'd go insane." He grabbed William's arm. "Come on, let's not keep my grandfather and father waiting."
Just before they entered the private room, Wilson opened the door, shoved William inside, and turned to the Duke of Nishijin. "Your Grace, could you give me a tour of this 18th-century building? I've recently developed an interest in Gothic architecture, and I regret not getting a proper look last time."
"Get lost, kid. Don't forget your godmother is my wife. You're not getting rid of me that easily," Duke Nishijin pushed Wilson aside, though to his surprise, Wilson didn't budge. Annoyed, the Duke pointed at him.
"You little brat! I was just being kind, reminding you to stay close to William. You think I'd miss this chance? Either move aside now, or I'll punch you."
"Whatever," Wilson mumbled under his breath. "I got punished plenty when I was a kid. If you punch me, I'll make sure Hugh Grosvenor goes home crying."
"Alright, Wilson, let Grosvenor in," came the voice of Wilson's grandfather from inside the room. Wilson grinned and gestured for the Duke to enter. William, standing nearby, couldn't help but roll his eyes—Wilson's performance was painfully fake.
But sometimes, faking it isn't a bad thing. Wilson's actions made it clear to his grandfather and father that he was willing to stand up to Grosvenor for the sake of the family.
Duke Grosvenor glared at Wilson for a moment. Normally, he would've given him a good scolding, but Wilson had hit a sore spot. Hugh Grosvenor was his only son and barely ten years old. Whispering to Wilson, the Duke said, "This is the first time I've realized how shameless you've become."
Wilson shrugged and pointed at William. "I learned from him."
"Ah!" Grosvenor glanced at William, then smiled and said to Wilson, "Next time you two go out, make sure to take Hugh along. I want him to learn what shamelessness looks like from an early age."
"Come on, what would we even do with Hugh? Fishing? Hunting? Go-karting?" Wilson glanced at William, who was already scowling, and chuckled. "If you let Hugh spend too much time with William, I guarantee he'll become a playboy with a dozen girlfriends by the time he's ten. You might even have grandchildren before he's sixteen."
"Haha, that wouldn't be too bad, would it, Grosvenor?" Prince Charles chimed in as he walked over, laughing. "At least that way, the Grosvenor family wouldn't have just one heir."
"Exactly. I think Hugh is too sheltered, too timid when he faces difficulties. We've protected him too much. Now that he's ten, it's time he learns a few things he can't get from home."
Grosvenor looked at Wilson. "Look at you. Last time we met, you didn't even dare argue with me. Now you're not only blocking my way but also pulling tricks on me."
"Alright, gentlemen, I'm here to discuss business, not listen to you debate heirs," William said with a scowl. He turned to the Duke of Grosvenor. "If you trust me, I'll turn Hugh into a real man. But if you hand him over to me, don't expect him back until the month's training is over, no matter if he cries or gets hurt. You won't even know where he is during that time."
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