"Julie! Stop making phone calls and come listen to the kids' performance. Whatever work you have can wait until next year. What are you doing? The kids are here!"
With excitement, Julie scooped up his wife Josephine Tucker and twirled her around, unable to hide the smile on his face.
"What's got you so happy? You're practically glowing."
"Haha, just now, I secured my biggest investor for the future! He agreed to invest $5 million in my new company. That watch worth over $20,000 was a steal! Remember how you said it was too expensive? Look at my foresight! Putting in $20,000 and getting $5 million back, haha! I'm so happy, so excited right now!"
"That watch? You mean that high school kid you've been talking about for the past six months? Didn't you say his money was all invested with the Rogerses? How does he have money to invest with you?"
The same question Julie's wife had, Carter heard at the same time.
"Carter! Come clean, did you do something illegal? How did you get so much money? And the money for building the gas station before we came to Texas, where did that come from?"
"Kids, our lives are manageable, nothing illegal. If you..."
Jenny's words trailed off, her eyes starting to redden with worry. Ever since Carter stirred up trouble with Douglas, Jenny had been suspicious:
The money for the restaurant was from years of savings, that part was fine. But what about the rest? Money for Travis's auto shop, and then building the gas station. Where did this extra $200,000 come from?
If it was just that $200,000, Jenny could convince herself, "The big boy has talent, he can make money." But before she could fully digest that, she heard about this $5 million plan.
Other than legal ways of making money, Jenny couldn't imagine how Carter earned all this. Neither could Owen, Victor, or anyone else. The music stopped, the laughter paused, everyone stared at Carter seriously. If this wasn't addressed today, this Christmas would be ruined.
"Don't worry, Jenny, Uncle Owen, Uncle Victor, and Grandma and Grandpa. I haven't done anything illegal for this money."
Carter scratched his head, struggling to find the right words. Just like with the high-interest loans before, he hadn't told his family about using 50x leverage to trade futures.
After all, these actions were too risky for them. If it all went wrong, it wouldn't be much better than going to jail. Carter didn't want his family to worry about things they couldn't help with. But the way they were all looking at him now, he knew:
If he didn't come clean today, he wouldn't get away with it!
"Something's up with this money, where did it come from? What did you do behind our backs?"
"Carter, just tell us! We're family, we'll help you through any trouble, even if... even if you've really done something illegal, we can go to Japan! I'll call Lewent and have him help you find a place to stay there."
Carter's hesitation was clear to everyone. Jenny grew even more anxious, while Travis and Anna patted her back, leaning in to comfort her. Owen was rubbing his bald head, suggesting fleeing to Japan. Grandma and Grandpa looked worried, but they were calmer. Among them all, Uncle Victor remained composed.
"Okay, Carter, come out with it. Any worries, tell me."
"Alright!"
Following Victor outside, it was nearly 11 in the morning. Soon, Midnight Mass would begin. The streets weren't quiet; groups of local believers and choirs were singing Christmas carols, visiting houses.
In this bustling scene, Victor took out a cigarette, handed one to Carter, and slowly said:
"In the hearts of us Texans, family always comes first. And what is family? Family is someone who will unconditionally support you, no matter how tough things get, no matter if you're healthy or sick. So..."
"Uncle Victor, it's not what you think. It's..."
With a wry smile, Carter slowly revealed his investment of $3.2 million in gold futures through Julie's borrowing. Victor, listening to Carter's story, looked at him as if he were seeing an alien.
Daring to borrow and actually borrowing $3.2 million was one thing, but actually making over $10 million?! How much money was that?! Enough to buy half of Grapevine, maybe?
"So, I haven't done anything illegal. Thanks for your concern, really. I hope you won't tell Jenny and Grandma and Grandpa about this; I'm afraid they can't handle the shock."
"I only mentioned the profits on paper for now; the market is always fluctuating. Until everything settles, nothing is certain. But Uncle Victor, you don't have to worry too much. The money for the gas station investment was earned through silver trading, I'm experienced!"
"Alright, I understand. It seems you've really grown up, not just making money, but also considering your family. That's good!"
As their conversation ended, the carolers arrived at the cottage door. Victor quickly replied to Carter before joining in with the singers.
Inside, the family also emerged, joining the crowd, singing songs, and heading to the local church. Carter naturally got swept along, following the flow of people to the church, preparing for Midnight Mass.
Midnight Mass usually started around 11:30 in the night and lasted until around 1 in the morning. After this whole process, the New Year would have essentially arrived, similar to setting off firecrackers after the Chinese New Year's Eve.
For those who wanted to keep partying, the music and dance would continue. For those feeling tired, it was time to go to bed. Carter hadn't stayed up this late since he arrived in this world; he was already feeling exhausted. After the almost hypnotic Mass in the church, he was more than ready to hit the hay.
"Good morning! Jenny, why are you packing?"
The next morning, around nine, still feeling a bit sleepy, Carter yawned as he descended the stairs. He spotted Jenny packing up suitcases in the living room and couldn't help but ask in surprise.
"What else? We're getting ready to go back! You've got over $10 million, and according to Victor, you might lose it all. Where did you get this kind of courage to stay here and play around?!"
"You..."
Carter was at a loss for words at Jenny's words. Thanks a lot, Victor, for spreading the news despite promising to keep it secret.
"Carter, Jenny's right! Grandpa is happy you've grown up. Since you're an adult, work should be your priority. Let's go back! Come visit us in the summer! Grandma's already cooking, it'll be ready soon. Here are some snacks for the road."
With a sigh, hearing Grandpa's words, Carter resigned himself and went back upstairs to pack his things. The old American V8 might have decent storage space, but it still wasn't as good as the Vault.
Their luggage wasn't much, and they soon finished packing.
After a hasty breakfast, Carter's family set off on their journey home.