The Amazing Son-in-Law: Chapters 1216-1220
Chapter 1216
Charlie Wade was about to agree to Paul's offer to escort him home, but then Jasmine, beautiful and composed, stepped forward. With a blush, she said, "Paul, please don't trouble yourself. I'll take Master Wade home."
Paul, perceptive as always, recognized Jasmine's affection for Charlie. After all, it was her birthday, and the first day she inherited the Moore family. Yet, after the banquet, she insisted on driving Charlie home. This was striking, considering she was the birthday girl, and many prominent guests were present. She chose Charlie above all others, revealing the depth of her feelings.
Paul cleverly excused himself, saying, "Oh, I just remembered, I have pressing business. Please excuse me, Miss Jasmine. I entrust Master Wade to your care!"
Jasmine smiled and nodded. "Please attend to your business. Master Wade is in my capable hands."
Charlie smiled slightly. "Your grandfather asked me to look after you, but now it seems you're looking after me."
Jasmine playfully stuck out her tongue, then shyly said in a gentle voice, "It's a rare opportunity to care for Master Wade. Please don't refuse, Master Wade."
Charlie nodded. "In that case, Miss Jasmine, I shall accept your kind offer."
Travis Lane approached Charlie, bowing respectfully. "Master Wade, I've long desired the Rejuvenation Pill. Thank you for this golden opportunity!"
Charlie smiled. "Mr. Lane, you won the bidding. There's no need to thank me."
Travis Lane remained bowed. "Master Wade, please honor us with a visit to Lancaster again soon. We must properly entertain you then."
Charlie nodded. "If the opportunity arises, I will."
He then asked, "By the way, Mr. Lane, is my good friend, Caleb Morales, working for you now? Is he here today?"
Travis Lane nodded. "Caleb is my full-time driver. He's very practical and reliable. Thank you, Master Wade, for recommending him!"
Travis Lane, Lancaster's wealthiest man, spoke with calculated precision. He'd promoted Caleb from a low-paying job to a lucrative position, a clear favor to Charlie. However, he avoided taking credit, instead thanking Charlie for the recommendation—a display of high emotional intelligence.
Hearing his friend was present, Charlie quickly asked, "Where is Caleb?"
Travis replied, "The Moore family arranged a banquet for the drivers in the side hall. He should be waiting for me in the car."
Charlie hummed. "Let's go out. I'll say hello to Caleb."
Chapter 1217
Caleb, transformed from his former struggling self, sat in Travis Lane's custom Rolls-Royce, impeccably dressed in a high-end suit and white gloves. He hastily exited the vehicle to greet Travis. But then, he saw his friend, Charlie, beside Travis. Overjoyed, his face lit up.
For days, Caleb had sought an opportunity to thank Charlie, but his duties kept him occupied. Now, unexpectedly, he saw his friend.
His excitement was palpable, but Caleb, mindful of his current position, respectfully greeted Travis, "Mr. Lane!"
Travis patted Caleb's shoulder. "Caleb, no need for formalities with me. You're Master Wade's brother; you're my brother. Age is just a number; we'll settle accounts at year-end!"
Caleb, flattered, nodded quickly.
Charlie smiled and asked, "How's the new job treating you, Caleb?"
Caleb, filled with gratitude, exclaimed, "Charlie, my good friend! I don't know how to thank you! Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today! You're the noblest person in my life!"
Charlie smiled. "Everyone encounters a noble person. You see me as yours, but I believe Mrs. Lewis is the noble person for both of us. Everything is karma. We must have done good deeds in a past life to be blessed by someone like Mrs. Lewis."
"Perhaps you did more good deeds than I, leading to our reunion and this life-changing opportunity. You should thank yourself."
Charlie's profound words momentarily silenced the others. Jasmine, her eyes shining, pondered his words, wondering if she'd saved a galaxy in a past life to meet Master Wade. She then reflected that if she saved a galaxy, Claire Wilson must have saved the entire universe!
Caleb was deeply moved. His childhood friend, despite his immense help, never claimed credit, attributing everything to fate. Despite his past hardships, he had a friend like Charlie, making those years worthwhile.
Charlie checked the time. "Caleb, Mr. Lane, I have other commitments. Please drive Mr. Lane back. We'll catch up again soon, either in Lancaster or Aurouss Hill."
Travis waved his hand. "Master Wade, please enjoy your time with Caleb. Don't worry about me!"
Charlie smiled seriously. "Have you forgotten the Rejuvenation Pill? Hurry home, bathe, take the pill, and sleep well. You'll wake up reborn."
Travis, ecstatic, clutched the pill in his inner pocket. He'd been waiting for the right moment to take it, wanting to avoid doing so at the Moore family's celebration. Hearing Charlie, he clasped his hands in gratitude. "Master Wade's consideration is overwhelming! I shall take my leave."
Charlie nodded, embraced his friend, and watched them depart.
Chapter 1218
Jasmine softly said, "Master Wade, shall we go?"
"Very well."
Jasmine drove Charlie away from the Moore family villa in her red Bentley. Her heart pounded; she'd never been so nervous around him.
A silence fell. Jasmine quickly started a conversation. "Master Wade, thank you so much. I never expected such a precious gift—the Rejuvenation Pill."
Charlie smiled. "I gave you the pill so you could use it to your advantage. Lord Moore will live to be a hundred, maybe more. He'll be grateful, and as a man of principle, he'll greatly reward you for it."
Jasmine, moved, nodded. "Master Wade, you do so much for me. I am eternally grateful. If you ever need anything, I'll do anything for you!"
Charlie smiled. "I have no requests. Just take care of yourself."
He continued, "I didn't expect Lord Moore to be so decisive in passing the matriarchal position to you. I thought it might be a gradual transition. This sudden announcement will deeply upset your uncle and cousin, bringing you much animosity. Be cautious."
Jasmine reassured him, "Master Wade, I understand."
Charlie sighed. "Perhaps the Rejuvenation Pill influenced his decision. My concern is your safety. If anyone within the Moore family resents your inheritance, they may act against you."
Jasmine smiled sweetly. "Thank you for your warning. Remember the life-saving medicine you gave me earlier?"
Charlie curiously asked, "Where do you keep it?"
Jasmine blushed. "The medicine it's always close to my body" She couldn't meet his gaze. She'd initially kept it in her car, but then moved it for safety, and kept it close for the feeling of his presence.
Charlie didn't notice her shyness. He simply worried about her safety. "Find me a piece of pure white jade. I'll make you a talisman for protection."
Chapter 1219
Jasmine was thrilled at the prospect of a talisman from Charlie. She didn't know its purpose, but the fact that he'd make it for her was enough. Her eyes welled up with gratitude. "Master Wade, you're so kind, I can't repay you!" She silently wished she could be by his side forever to show her gratitude. However, she couldn't voice such thoughts to someone of such status and standing.
Charlie was genuinely appreciative. He valued loyalty and friendship. Jasmine was a trusted friend. Moreover, he sensed her feelings were more than platonic. He admired her personality and strength. Their shared experiences of early loss resonated with him. His care for her was natural and heartfelt.
Jasmine slowed her driving to prolong their time together. The Thompson residence and the Moore Villa were separated by the Yangtze River. Nearing the bridge, she looked at Charlie with anticipation. "Master Wade, if you're not in a hurry, may I walk by the river with you?"
Charlie nodded, "Very well."
Jasmine beamed. "Excellent! I know a quiet spot by the river. We can stroll and enjoy the breeze."
She drove onto a riverside road and parked. "There's a path down here."
Charlie nodded and followed her. The cold air didn't affect him. Jasmine, in her evening gown and fur coat, carried an Hermes handbag. A gust of wind stirred her hair, making her even more alluring.
In the secluded spot, Jasmine took a deep breath. "I always loved being by the river when I was young, but life got in the way." She continued, "My mother would bring me here every day when I was little, just like you are doing now, holding my hand."
Charlie nodded, remembering his own longing for his parents. The hardships of his childhood had taught him the importance of moving on from the past.
Jasmine sighed, "I visited my parents' graves this morning. It's been over ten years, but childhood memories still feel so vivid. I sometimes feel like I'm still eight years old."
Charlie sighed, "You could visit their graves. I don't even know where my parents are buried."
Jasmine was surprised. "You can't find them? What happened?"
Charlie explained, "My parents died when I was eight. I was too young to handle their funeral arrangements, and I haven't been able to find their final resting place. Their ashes may have been taken by relatives, but I'm unsure."
Jasmine asked, "Master Wade, do you still have any relatives?"
Charlie nodded, "Yes, but I'm not ready to see them yet."
Jasmine smiled and said, "Let's walk along the river."
Chapter 1220
"Okay." Charlie agreed, walking beside Jasmine.
Jasmine smiled. "Master Wade, do you remember our first meeting?"
Charlie smiled. "Of course, at the antique store. Your father-in-law accidentally broke one of your vases."
Jasmine nodded. "I was amazed by your repair skills. I couldn't believe a young man possessed such knowledge. I didn't realize it was only the tip of the iceberg. I never expected you to help me so much."
Jasmine intentionally slowed their walk, cherishing their time together. She shyly extended her hand. "Master Wade, could you help me? The steps are steep, and I might fall." It wasn't fear of falling; she wanted to be close to him.
Charlie noticed the steep steps. He took her hand, helping her down safely.
The riverbank was deserted, except for the occasional passing ship. Reaching the bottom, Charlie released her hand. "This is a lovely place."
Jasmine smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I loved coming here as a child. My mother would bring me here every day." She sighed sadly, "My mother would drive me here, park in the same spot, and walk down these steps, holding my hand just as you did."
Charlie quietly nodded, understanding her feelings. He too had longed for his parents, and the hardships of his past had taught him much.
Jasmine sighed, "I visited my parents' graves this morning. It feels like it was only yesterday."
Charlie laughed sadly. "You could visit your parents' graves. I don't know where mine are buried."
Jasmine asked, "You can't find them? What happened?"
Charlie explained, "I was eight when my parents died. I was too young to handle the funeral arrangements. Time has passed. Their ashes may have been taken by my family, but I don't know for sure."
Jasmine asked, "Master Wade, do you have any living relatives?"
Charlie nodded, "Yes, but I'm not ready to see them yet."
Jasmine blinked and said, "Master Wade, let's walk along the river."