The Amazing Son-in-Law: Chapters 861-865

Chapter 861

Shangri-La's meal delighted the guests. Charlie Wade's father-in-law, Jacob, was overjoyed, and Matilda was in excellent spirits. Her husband's recent passing had saddened her, but this felt like a turning point. Paul was pleased to see his mother so happy.

Charlie, meanwhile, had just outsmarted an old man who'd wronged him. Considering Matilda's beauty and refined demeanor, he imagined the frenzy of suitors she'd attract upon her return to Aurous Hill. He predicted Jacob's future would be filled with even more, not less, worry.

After the long plane journey from China, Matilda and Paul were tired. Following dinner, Jacob and Charlie escorted them to their Shangri-La rooms without delay. Jacob was taken aback upon discovering Matilda and Paul had booked luxurious executive suites, second only to the presidential suite. These suites accommodated four and cost tens of thousands per night—exceedingly lavish, especially since they had one each. Matilda's family's considerable wealth was evident.

After bidding farewell, Charlie and Jacob left the hotel. Outside, Jacob sighed deeply. Charlie, noticing his father's distress, asked, "Dad, what's wrong?"

Jacob lamented, "I never expected Matilda to live so well in the United States, to have her own law firm. Compared to her, I feel so inadequate"

Charlie smiled reassuringly. "Dad, Aunt Matilda doesn't seem to despise you. She's low-key and humble, definitely not materialistic. Don't worry about these material differences."

Jacob sighed, "I understand, but as a man, it's embarrassing."

Charlie chuckled. "Dad, you overthink things. When Claire and I married, I had nothing—no money, status, or skills. The gap between us was far greater than yours and Aunt Matilda's, yet Claire and I are doing well."

Jacob was stunned. He realized his concerns were unfounded. His current capabilities couldn't match Matilda's, but that didn't preclude their relationship. He saw Matilda still harbored feelings for him, recalling her words at the airport: she wouldn't mind picking him up on a bicycle. This confirmed her lack of materialism. He felt relieved, but a new worry emerged.

Chapter 862

Jacob turned to Charlie, worriedly asking, "Charlie, do you think Mom will ever return?"

Charlie replied awkwardly, "Should I say yes, or no?"

Jacob stammered, "I know you, like me, have reservations about your mother."

Charlie protested, "Dad, I haven't said that!"

Jacob urged, "Let's talk; don't hide it from me. Claire's not here; we can be frank."

Charlie understood Jacob's desire for an ally. He didn't want Elaine back, but Claire did. This created a father-daughter conflict. Charlie was neutral, making him a crucial ally for Jacob. If both father and son opposed Elaine's return, their combined wish would hold sway. Jacob subtly pressed Charlie:

"Charlie, your mother has berated you for years, even urging Claire to divorce you. I've seen it all! She never treated you like a son. You're less than a stranger to her."

Charlie said earnestly, "Dad, Mom's return doesn't depend on us. Even if we don't want her back, she might arrive tonight, bursting into the kitchen while Aunt Matilda's cooking. It's her decision. We can't stop her."

(While Charlie could control Elaine, he needed to reassure Jacob.)

Jacob's face paled. "You don't think that's a coincidence? If Mom returned while Aunt Matilda was here, it would be chaos! She'd kill someone"

Charlie quickly reassured him, "Dad, Mom won't be back tonight. Feel free to invite Aunt Matilda for dinner."

Jacob retorted, "How can you be sure? She could still come back!"

Charlie calmly replied, "Don't worry, Dad. I promise Mom won't return tonight. If she does, I'll deal with it."

Jacob exclaimed, "I don't want you hurt. I just want Aunt Matilda to have a peaceful dinner."

Jacob then proposed a plan: "After Aunt Matilda arrives, I'll lock the villa. If Mom comes, you stop her. Carry her away, or knock her out. Just keep her out!"

Chapter 863

Charlie was surprised by Jacob's drastic plan, but understood his feelings. Matilda was a perfect woman, and Elaine was a walking time bomb. Jacob's caution was warranted. Unbeknownst to them, Elaine was in detention, enduring harsh treatment.

Jacob and Charlie drove home to find Claire. Charlie immediately asked, "Did you go to the police station? Any news about Mom?"

Claire, pale, replied, "The police have issued a city-wide alert and contacted the Blue Sky Rescue Team, but there are no leads."

(Elaine had been taken directly from the bank, and Cameron Isaac had ensured no information was released.)

Charlie comforted her, "Don't worry, it hasn't been 24 hours yet."

Jacob agreed, "It's barely a day; don't worry too much."

Claire insisted, "I need to keep searching." She then asked Charlie to help, focusing on mahjong parlors and chess rooms, places Elaine frequented. She warned him not to repeat yesterday's deception.

Chapter 864

Charlie asked where Claire was going. She replied, "I'll visit Mom's friends, her beauty salon, and her spa."

Jacob interjected, "I won't be able to help you look for your mother. I'm having old classmates over for dinner. I need to buy groceries and prepare the house."

Claire questioned, "Dad, you already had lunch with them? Why another dinner?"

Jacob explained the importance of hospitality. Claire was angry. "Mom's missing, and you're inviting classmates? You'll socialize later! Why not have your three old classmates meet?"

(Jacob thought the opposite—he only felt the courage to invite his friends because of Elaine's absence.)

Jacob insisted on the importance of ritual. He emphasized the rarity of meeting his long-lost friends and their well-known lawyer son, highlighting the potential benefits for the younger generation.

Claire refused, only wanting to find her mother. Jacob retorted, insinuating Claire was deliberately opposing him.

(Jacob secretly hoped that if Elaine never returned, his old classmate could be his new partner and her son, Claire's new sibling.)

Charlie intervened, suggesting they search for Elaine in the afternoon, allowing Jacob to prepare for his dinner party with Matilda. They would look for Elaine after dinner. This satisfied Claire.

Chapter 865

In the detention center, Elaine, exhausted and hungry after days of abuse, almost collapsed. She hadn't eaten in over 24 hours and had endured a night in a cold, damp cell. She was too scared to complain to Gena. Lady Wilson, having finished her lunch, approached Elaine with a lunchbox.

She offered Elaine her leftover food. Elaine gratefully accepted. However, Lady Wilson dumped the food on Elaine's head.

Lady Wilson mocked Elaine, belittling her. Elaine, distraught, pleaded for mercy. Lady Wilson sneered, saying she only wanted to kill Elaine for the humiliation she'd caused. Elaine apologized and said she would bring Lady Wilson back to the Thompson villa if she had a chance. Lady Wilson hit her with the lunchbox again, vowing revenge.