The Amazing Son-in-Law
Chapter 661
In Lord Moore's opinion, Charlie Wade had always been the ideal son-in-law for the Moore family. His eighty years of experience told him, at a glance, that Charlie Wade was extraordinaryโthe first man he'd encountered with abilities comparable to a true dragon. The Rejuvenating Pill's effects further solidified his belief in Charlie Wade's capabilities, prompting him to seek a closer relationship. Establishing ties with the Webb family was merely a means to increase the family's wealth. However, the Moores, while not as wealthy as the Webbs, were still immensely rich. The difference between a net worth of $100 billion and $200 billion was negligible; they already possessed more money than they could spend. Furthermore, for Lord Moore, money was no longer a priority; lifespan and health were paramount. His fervent wish was for Charlie Wade to marry Jasmine. Therefore, how could he tolerate others insulting Charlie Wade on his own property?
Donald and Sean were stunned. After Donald's blunt remarks, they hadn't anticipated Lord Moore choosing Charlie Wade over the Webb family. Donald's face burned with rage. He resented Lord Moore's bias, thinking, "Damn it, you annoying old coot! How dare you embarrass me in front of everyone? I'm the future head of the Webb family! You've ruined my reputation!"
Sean was equally furious. He frowned and protested, "Grandpa Moore, Charlie Wade is nothing but a feng shui scammer! Don't be fooled by this charlatan!"
Lord Moore's face darkened. He glared at Sean and coldly retorted, "I've lived eighty years. I know how to judge people. I don't need your guidance!"
Donald, equally sullen, said, "Uncle, does that mean you're siding with this outsider?"
"Yes!" Lord Moore declared firmly. "In my eyes, Master Wade is a true dragon; no one compares!"
His loud, stern voice echoed across the courtyard, leaving everyone astonished and frozen. Donald's anger boiled over; Lord Moore had publicly damaged his dignity. He considered severing ties with the Moore family. The Webb family's influence could inflict billions of dollars in losses on the Moores if they broke ties. However, abandoning this opportunity meant forfeiting his son's marriage to Jasmine.
Having spent his life in wealth, Donald understood the importance of a suitable wife for a wealthy man. An ordinary wife offered no assistance; a celebrity wife would likely squander his fortune; and a rich, spoiled wife would lead to financial ruin. He'd witnessed countless wealthy men regretting their marital choices. He was determined for his son to marry a gentle, charming woman who would benefit him and his family. Jasmine was the perfect candidate. This realization left him hesitant and silent, creating an awkward atmosphere. Reuben, witnessing the tension, felt dismay. A rift between the families would severely damage the Moores, and Jasmine would be far less likely to marry Sean, jeopardizing his position as heir. He needed to prevent Jasmine from marrying Charlie Wade, and therefore he needed to intervene.
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Reuben quickly intervened, saying, "Uncle Webb, Sean, today is my grandfather's birthday. Let's not ruin our friendship." He was attempting to diffuse the situation. Donald, though still angry, didn't want to escalate the conflict. He thought of the saying, "You can't have your cake and eat it too," but Lord Moore seemed to want both. Reubenโs intervention offered a temporary solution.
Donald cleared his throat. "Reuben's right. It's Uncle Moore's 80th birthday. Uncle, I apologize for my impulsiveness. Please forgive me!" This apology gave both men an escape route, showing respect while saving face. He prioritized easing the tension with Lord Moore; he could deal with Charlie Wade later.
A warmth spread across Lord Moore's face. He nodded. "Harmony brings wealth. I don't want unpleasantness on this auspicious day." He turned to Charlie Wade. "Master Wade, what do you think?"
Charlie Wade found Donald and Sean repulsive, but he didn't need Lord Moore to defend him. He preferred to handle them himself. However, out of respect for Lord Moore's birthday, he said, "Lord Moore, you're the host. The decision is yours."
Lord Moore laughed. "A misunderstanding! Let's proceed to the banquet hall!" Sean, though simmering with resentment, could do nothing as the adults reached a truce. He glared at Charlie Wade, vowing revenge.
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The guests moved to the banquet hall. Lord Moore sat at the main table with his eldest, third, and fourth sons. Reuben's father was the eldest son; Jasmine's father had passed away, leaving Jasmine as the sole representative of that line. The third and fourth sons' children were too young to be involved in inheritance matters.
Charlie Wade sat with the Quinton and White families, Albert, and others. Donald and Sean sat with other families who were fawning over them. Jasmine, unable to sit with Charlie Wade, watched him intently. Aurora sat to Charlie Wade's right; Zeke to his left.
Zeke whispered, "Master Wade, the Thompson villa renovation is nearing completion. When do you plan to move in?"
"As soon as it's finished," Charlie Wade replied. He had discussed this with Claire. The villa was superior to their current residence, offering much-needed privacy from Elaine Ma.
Zeke offered to purchase furniture and appliances, but Charlie Wade declined, preferring Claire to make those decisions. Zeke offered a ten-million-dollar shopping card, which Charlie Wade politely refused, explaining his financial comfort.
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Jasmine texted Charlie Wade, apologizing for the earlier events and assuring him that the Moore family's presence would restrain the Webbs. Charlie Wade replied that they were merely clowns. Sean, observing their frequent text exchanges and Jasmine's happy expression, became increasingly agitated. He knew Jasmine was in love with Charlie Wade.
He leaned toward his father, whispering, "Dad, I want Charlie Wade deadโtonight!"
Donald sighed. "What disappoints me most is your impulsiveness. You can't prioritize." He continued, "Charlie Wade is insignificant. Don't damage our relationship with the Moores. Focus on winning Jasmine's affection."
Sean, though annoyed, nodded. "I'll wait two days, then I'll have him killed."
Donald cautioned, "Charlie Wade has allies: the Quintons, Whites, Albert, and even the Moores. Be careful. We need a plan."
Sean suggested killing Albert first, to which Donald agreed, proposing to use Cain Lloyd to take over Albertโs position.
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Sean thrilled at the prospect of killing Albert, viewing him as Charlie Wade's key ally. Eliminating Albert and seizing his power would give the Webbs a foothold in Aurouss Hill. Donald stressed the importance of maintaining composure.
Donald then asked Sean about the birthday gift for Lord Moore. Sean presented a copy of Vermeer's The Geographer, worth several billion dollars, hoping to further the Webb family's standing with the Moores.
The banquet began. Lord Moore thanked the guests. His sons presented lavish gifts: Tyler (Reuben's father) gave a Maldivian island ($500 million); Branson gave a Hawaiian villa ($200 million); and Anders gave a luxury yacht ($150 million).