Chapter 120: Henry's Scheme

After William's exclamation, Sophie also realized, "The Holy Grail?"

Langdon laughed heartily and nodded, "Yes, the Holy Grail." He then dipped his finger in some water and drew two interconnected triangles on the table, remarking, "It really does look like a cup."

Sophie looked at Langdon with admiration, while William regarded him like a top student, thinking, "This guy truly lives up to his self-promotion as Harvard's best professor of history and symbology. His thinking is so broad yet logical. If I didn't know that the Holy Grail has been in the Devonshire family castle for 270 years, I'd believe it's in the Louvre."

However, thinking further, William realized that the Hidden Council's elders must believe the fake Grail in the Louvre is the real one.

The Holy Grail under Rosslyn, Rosslyn being homonymous with the Holy Grail in English. With great masters accompanying, of course, there are masterworks in the Louvre.

"Accompanied to dream, she can rest in peace, gazing at the stars" was even easier to explain because the floor above the inverted pyramid is made entirely of glass, allowing one to gaze at the stars. The only difference is that it lacks the sword and shield for protection.

William felt a secret joy. Henry had cleverly handed over the fake sarcophagus they had guarded for 270 years. Since it was fake, there was no need for the sword and shield protection.

As William reveled in his thoughts, Sophie recalled, "Langdon, now that you mention it, I remember Saunière took me to the glass pyramid when it opened. He also brought a knight's sword and a Damascus blade to hang next to the inverted pyramid, which seemed odd to me at the time.

I couldn't resist asking why he brought the swords. I remember clearly because it was the only thing I said to him that half-year, and he was very happy about it. He said they were gifts from friends to celebrate the pyramid's completion. Now that I think about it, those swords bore the Devonshire family crest and the initials DWS."

Sophie and Langdon turned to look at William, making him silently curse Henry. Henry truly enjoyed playing tricks, as the British National Security Council Chairman Gareth Mallory had said. William was 100% sure Henry was mocking Saunière and the other three Hidden Council elders.

Henry must have been delighted, thinking he'd gotten rid of the fake Grail and its danger while the real one remained safely buried in his garden.

Rolling his eyes, William said, "How would I know? In '89, I was only nine years old. Do you think my grandfather Henry would tell me why he gave Saunière the swords?"

Sophie and Langdon realized William couldn't possibly know, as Henry had no reason to tell a child about this matter.

Suddenly, William's phone rang. Seeing an unknown number, he excused himself, walked to the lawn, and answered the call.

"Hello?"

"It's me, William," Carlos's voice came through. "We've found the mastermind behind the Bright Guild, but there's an unexpected situation. We not only caught the mastermind but also six other council members of the guild. They were discussing giving $20 million in bearer bonds to someone they referred to as the 'teacher.'

These seven offered to settle with you for $100 million and even offered $200 million to buy the Holy Grail from you." Carlos paused for a few seconds before asking, "What do we do next?"

"Three hundred million?" William asked in shock. These guys were loaded.

"Yes."

William fell silent, contemplating for a few seconds before a bold idea crossed his mind. "Kill them, leave no traces."

"Alright, no problem."

"Do you have the $20 million in bearer bonds?"

"Yes," Carlos confirmed.

"How's Colin performing?"

Carlos thought for a moment before replying, "Not bad. He's greedy but hasn't been blinded by the $100 million offer. He has potential."

"Good. Let Colin handle the kill, then give him $5 million in bearer bonds. Have him follow you and learn. You keep the remaining $15 million. Do it cleanly, Carlos."

"Understood. I'll stage it as a car accident and send them off a cliff. You'll see it in the news."

"Alright, thanks, Carlos. After the job, head home. I'll contact you if needed. If you want to bring your kid to Oxford, I'll arrange everything for you."

Carlos paused for nearly a minute before responding, "I can't come to Oxford just yet. I have some personal matters to handle. As for Wesley, let him stay quietly in New York. He's not cut out for this line of work. I just want him to live a safe, peaceful life."

Hearing that Carlos's son was named Wesley made William very happy, but he knew better than to press Carlos about bringing Wesley to Oxford, which might make Carlos suspicious, thinking William wanted to use Wesley as leverage.

"No problem. If things get dangerous, send Wesley to England or Switzerland. You have the money now; you can improve his life without raising suspicion."

Carlos was pleased to hear William's concern and his newfound ability to improve Wesley's life. "Thank you, William. If there's nothing else, I'll get started."

"Got it. Call me if anything comes up."

"Understood. Bye."

"Bye." William hung up, startled by the bold idea he had. It was indeed a crazy notion. He paced the lawn, contemplating its feasibility for half an hour before finally deciding to go through with it. If successful, the Bright Guild would become history, and he could gain significant benefits.

Having made up his mind, William called Prince Charles. The phone quickly connected.

"Good afternoon, William," came Charles's distinctive voice.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness. I apologize for disturbing you. I have a very important matter to report to His Majesty, Philip. Although it's highly irregular, I hope for a meeting tonight."

Prince Charles paused for several seconds, surprised. "Is it really that important? If Philip is displeased, it will be my head on the block."

"Absolutely, Your Highness. I'm certain. I also hope Grand Duke Devon attends the meeting with you. You'll both be astounded, and I believe it will be beneficial for you."

"I'm not sure if His Majesty has time to see you, William. Can you tell me what it's about?"

"You can inform them that the Devonshire family formally requests this meeting. They'll be interested, Your Highness. I'll arrive in London by 5 PM and hope to receive your good news. See you in three hours, Your Highness."

"Alright. I hope my father doesn't get angry at being disturbed during his nap, or I'll have a bone to pick with you."

"No, I believe His Majesty will be delighted to meet me. See you this evening, Your Highness."

"Very well. See you this evening, William."

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