บท 128: Chapter 128: Huge Sum
In truth, Castle didn't really lack money. The royalties from his twenty-six previous books were more than enough for him to own a luxurious apartment in Manhattan, a high-cost city, and still cover the expenses for his two ex-wives and his daughter Alexis without any issues.
The reason he asked Mozzie for help in setting up a secret offshore account was more about convenience. There were times when using his own accounts wasn't practical, like the time in Paris when he hired the Black Fox Squad. You couldn't always rely on Continental Hotel's gold coins; those were just to show that the employer was part of the underground world. Actual transactions required cash, and Castle had withdrawn cash from his bank to avoid leaving a trace of hiring mercenaries.
Then Adam, the benefactor who descended 'DUANG' from the sky, left Castle with a treasure trove of valuable antiques. This not only increased Castle's favorability with Dr. Henry Morgan but also provided him with the means and reason to establish a secret fund. Thus, after taking care of Adam, Castle accepted the collection Adam had painstakingly gathered, using those antiques to exchange for a secret account to be used whenever he couldn't conveniently use his own.
Compared to the purpose of the secret account, the 180 million dollars in it didn't excite Castle much. As someone with a 1,000-cubic-meter personal space, money was merely a tool.
After changing the password, Castle knew he couldn't just let Mozzie, who had helped him greatly, go without a proper thank you. Even though Mozzie had earned a ten percent commission from the deal, Castle felt he should at least treat him to a nice meal.
Mozzie wasn't surprised when Castle called him again after checking the account. However, he declined Castle's dinner invitation, explaining that he was tied up helping Neal with something for the FBI, so he couldn't join Castle to celebrate.
Castle, concerned about what Mozzie mentioned, inquired further. When he learned that Neal needed Mozzie's expertise in the underground world for an FBI case, Castle decided not to interfere.
After promising Mozzie they'd have dinner together another time, Castle hung up and called Dr. Henry and Abraham, planning to invite them out for a meal. He also needed to share half of the staff's sale proceeds with Abraham, as they had previously agreed.
Abraham was delighted by the invitation but regretted that Henry couldn't join. Henry was busy assisting Detective Joe Martinez with a tricky case, leaving Abraham alone at the antique shop. Thus, only Abraham would attend the dinner.
Castle didn't mind Henry's absence. Compared to the more introverted Henry, the outgoing Abraham was more his type of company. Plus, without Henry, it would be easier to 'divide the spoils' with Abraham. They agreed on a place, and Castle got dressed and headed out.
When Castle arrived at the restaurant, Abraham was already there, standing at the entrance, smiling warmly. After a friendly hug, they went inside and found a quiet spot to sit.
As soon as they sat down and ordered their favorite dishes, Castle informed Abraham about selling Tutankhamun's staff. "Abraham, do you remember I told you I had a friend helping us with Adam's antiques?"
Abraham nodded, recalling the recent events. He hadn't forgotten the plan to sell some of Adam's collection. He looked at Castle expectantly.
Castle didn't keep him waiting, "Today, my friend sold the staff to a member of a Middle Eastern royal family for 200 million dollars!"
The amount made Abraham jump, "What did you say, Rick? 200 million?"
Castle calmed the almost-panicking Abraham, "Yes, Abraham. I gave my friend a ten percent commission, so 180 million was deposited into an account he set up for me in a Cayman Islands bank. According to our agreement, I owe you half, which is 90 million. How about opening an account at the same bank so I can transfer the money to you?"
Abraham was shocked, "Rick, are you joking? 90 million dollars, just like that?"
Castle found Abraham's reaction strange, "Isn't that what we agreed on? Why are you so surprised?"
Abraham was at a loss. Nine million dollars was an immense sum, yet Castle treated it as casually as nine dollars. Watching Abraham's intense reaction, Castle realized not everyone had his perspective on money. For most, 90 million dollars was a life-changing amount.
Recognizing his own detachment, Castle quickly reassured Abraham. "Abraham, we agreed that all of Adam's collection would be sold, except for a few pieces you wanted to keep. We also agreed to split the proceeds evenly. This is the first sale, and even though the amount is surprising, it's still our agreement. You can't expect me to go back on my word now."
Abraham, his hand shaking slightly, took a gulp of his lemon water before resolutely stating, "Rick, when we made that agreement, I had no idea Adam's collection was worth this much. You found my mother and helped us avenge her death. I can't take this money. It should all go to you."
Castle was impressed by Abraham's integrity. Here was a regular man who could turn down a sum that would drive most people mad with greed. Abraham's steadfastness, especially in the face of such wealth, was commendable.
Castle, seeing Abraham's sincerity, laughed, "Haha, Abraham, it's rare for people to turn down money like this. Most people would be clamoring for more. But here we are, trying to give it to each other! Haha!"
Abraham, seeing the humor in the situation, chuckled, "Yes, most people would want more. But Rick, I'm almost seventy. Money doesn't mean as much to me anymore. And Henry cares even less about it than I do. This money should stay with you."
Castle wasn't ready to let Abraham off that easily. After some thought, he proposed, "How about this: we stick to our agreement for this 180 million. You take your share and do whatever you want with it. Pick out a few more items from Adam's collection that you like. For future sales, I won't split the proceeds with you. But this time, you have to accept it!"
Abraham, seeing Castle's determination, finally relented. They toasted to their unusual partnership and settled into their meal, celebrating the start of their unexpected windfall.
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