The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1496

Charlie Wade said lightly, "No, it's more convenient for me to go alone."

Elaine Ma smiled and nodded. "Then be careful on the road!"

After watching Charlie Wade leave, she hurriedly called out, "Good son-in-law, if you see anything nice in Eastcliff, bring Mom a souvenir!"

"Okay."

Charlie Wade replied and left.

At Aurouss Hill Airport, Charlie Wade, traveling light, quickly exchanged his boarding pass and cleared security. Cameron Isaac had purchased a first-class ticket, so he proceeded directly to the VIP lounge.

The plane was scheduled to depart at 10:00 a.m., but the VIP lounge staff escorted him to the aircraft at 9:20 a.m. He boarded ahead of other passengers; a few people were already seated in first class.

The first-class cabin featured a 2+2 seating arrangement—two spacious seats on each side of the aisle. The seats reclined fully, offering a comfortable lie-flat option.

Charlie Wade's seat was by the window. He sat gazing out, lost in thought. He hadn't felt this way—anxious yet expectant—in over a decade. The old saying, "Nearer home, the more anxious you become," perfectly described his current state.

As the plane continued to board, a faint scent reached his nostrils. He turned his head to see a young woman approaching her seat. Noticing his gaze, she exclaimed, "Charlie Wade?! What are you doing here?"

Charlie Wade was startled. The woman was Loreen, a long-time admirer and Claire Wilson's best friend. Surprised, he asked, "Loreen, what are you doing here?"

"I'm from Eastcliff!" Loreen exclaimed. "You shouldn't be surprised!" She quickly sat down, then excitedly asked, "What about you? What are you doing in Eastcliff? How's Claire? Didn't she come with you?"

Charlie Wade shook his head. "I have some business in Eastcliff. A friend recommended a feng shui job; the pay is good."

Loreen nodded. "What a coincidence! I'm going home for my grandmother's birthday. I can't believe we're on the same flight, sitting next to each other! It's fate!"

Though they hadn't seen each other in a while, Loreen's feelings for Charlie Wade hadn't changed; she'd missed him terribly. She'd initially accepted Claire's invitation to stay at Thompson First, but the Wilson family's tumultuous period—Mrs. Wilson's family's arrival, Elaine Ma's disappearance, Jacob's rendezvous with his first love, and Elaine Ma's chaotic return—made it impossible to remain. She'd checked out of Thompson First early and had nearly fallen ill from missing Charlie Wade.

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1497

To Loreen, Charlie Wade had always seemed distant. He felt nothing for her, especially considering she was his wife's friend, and maintained his distance. Yet, here they were, unexpectedly reunited on a plane.

Loreen, in high spirits, leaned closer and asked, "Hey, Charlie Wade, how long will you be in Eastcliff?"

Charlie Wade replied, "It depends on the job. Two or three days if it's quick, four or five if it's slow."

Loreen excitedly said, "Oh, my return ticket is in four days. When's yours? Maybe we can fly back together?"

Charlie Wade was frank. "I haven't booked my return yet. We'll see after the job is done."

Loreen quickly added, "Okay, let me know when you're finished, and we'll coordinate our schedules."

Charlie Wade felt a slight aversion but remained indifferent. "We'll see then. It's still uncertain."

Loreen, oblivious to his perfunctory response, nodded. She then curiously asked, "What have you been up to? How are things?"

Charlie Wade said, "I'm not busy. Occasional feng shui consultations, mostly staying home."

Loreen carefully asked, "After Claire returned, her mother hasn't been bothering you, right?"

"No," Charlie Wade smiled. "She's much calmer now."

"That's wonderful," Loreen sighed with relief. "I was worried about Aunt Elaine bullying you. It's great she's settled down!"

Charlie Wade nodded, took out his phone, sent a WeChat message to Stefanie, and said, "Daisy, send me your home address. I'll be there today."

Stefanie immediately called, excitedly asking, "Charlie Wade, you're coming today?"

"Yes," Charlie Wade said. "I finished things last night and booked a flight for today."

Stefanie quickly replied, "What time do you land? I'll pick you up!"

Charlie Wade, anticipating paparazzi attention due to Stefanie's celebrity status, said, "Don't bother. Just send the address, I'll manage."

Stefanie insisted, "No! I'll pick you up! But I'll change clothes so I won't be recognized."

"Forget it," Charlie Wade said. "The paparazzi are relentless. Even celebrities caught cheating get photographed."

Stefanie conceded. "Okay, I'll send the location. Can you be there by noon? I'll have lunch ready."

Charlie Wade considered, "Almost. I'll trouble you."

Stefanie smiled. "I won't tell my parents yet. Just say an elderly guest is coming. They'll be thrilled to see you!" A warmth filled Charlie Wade's heart.

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1498

Thinking of Orrin Sun's declining health, he asked, "How is Uncle Orrin doing?"

"Not good…" Stefanie said softly. "The doctor wants him hospitalized again, but he refuses. He's depressed, resigned, feeling undignified with all the hospital treatments… You may not know him, but my mother says he's just like your father and brothers—stubborn, unwilling to listen."

Charlie Wade understood. Many dignified people lose their will to live when dying, valuing their face and dignity. They don't want to lose that dignity at life's end to prolong it for a short time. He'd even heard of wealthy individuals signing DNRs (Do Not Resuscitate) to maintain dignity.

Orrin Sun seemed to be making similar plans. Fortunately, his reunion with Stefanie was timely.

He reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll help once I arrive."

Stefanie choked back tears. "Thank you, Charlie Wade. He'll be so happy to see you!"

Charlie Wade kept the conversation brief to avoid Loreen overhearing. "Let's do this. The plane's about to take off."

Stefanie quickly said, "Okay, Charlie Wade, I'll be waiting!"

Charlie Wade hung up. Loreen smiled. "Oh, Charlie Wade, you're amazing now! No wonder they call you Master Wade. That call sounded like they were waiting for you to put out a fire!"

Charlie Wade chuckled. "Feng shui is like that. Quiet until there's a problem, then it's urgent."

Loreen sighed, "Claire's truly lucky to have a capable husband like you!"

She then asked, "Where in Eastcliff are you going?"

Charlie Wade replied, "Near the Northeast Fifth Ring Road, a villa area."

Loreen happily said, "That's not far! Come to my place!"

Charlie Wade politely declined. "It's not appropriate. I'm busy in Eastcliff…"

Loreen smiled. "It's fine. If you're busy, no worries. But you owe me a dinner, to thank you for saving me twice, okay?"

Charlie Wade agreed. "Okay."

The flight attendants announced the preparation for takeoff. The plane taxied, accelerated, and soared into the sky. Loreen excitedly engaged Charlie Wade in conversation, but his thoughts remained on Eastcliff, his childhood home. After a one-hour, forty-minute flight, the plane landed smoothly. His heart pounded. "Eastcliff, I'm back!"

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1499

Charlie Wade and Loreen disembarked. Charlie Wade, without checked luggage, left immediately. Loreen, however, had checked bags.

She asked, "Charlie Wade, how are you getting around?"

Charlie Wade replied, "I'll take a taxi."

Loreen suggested, "Wait for me. My family's picking me up, and I can give you a ride."

Charlie Wade declined. "No, Loreen, I'm in a hurry."

Loreen conceded. "Okay, let's make plans for another day. Don't forget our dinner."

"Okay," Charlie Wade smiled. "Wait for your luggage, I'll go."

After parting ways, Charlie Wade headed towards the taxi stand when a woman in a thick down jacket, hat, mask, and sunglasses ran toward him, shouting, "Charlie Wade!"

It was Stefanie. He relaxed, allowing her embrace.

"Didn't I tell you not to pick me up?" Charlie Wade asked. "Why are you here?"

Stefanie replied, "I wanted to see you! I didn't want to tell my parents beforehand, so I came."

Charlie Wade worried about paparazzi. "You could be photographed. A big star hugging a man at the airport…your reputation…"

Stefanie shrugged indifferently. "If I'm photographed, I'll say it's my fiancé. If my popularity suffers, so be it. I don't rely on the entertainment industry. I can quit anytime."

"Okay," Charlie Wade said. "Let's see Uncle and Aunt. Did you drive?"

Stefanie nodded. "I parked nearby. Let's get the car!"

She drove a modest, old Volvo. Taking off her hat, she apologized, "Charlie Wade, I'm sorry the car is shabby. Most paparazzi know my other cars."

Charlie Wade smiled, "You don't know what I've been through. I lived in an orphanage, then worked construction, then went to college. Even if you asked me to walk, I wouldn't mind."

Stefanie sighed, "Charlie Wade, you've suffered."

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 1500

Charlie Wade shook his head. "Hardship is training."

Stefanie nodded, driving out of the parking lot. "My dad was talking about you yesterday. The doctor wants him hospitalized. He knows his condition is serious. He regrets not finding you sooner."

Charlie Wade was touched. "Daisy, don't worry. With me, Uncle Orrin will recover."

Stefanie didn't know about Charlie Wade's abilities; she only hoped that seeing him would cheer her father up.

Stefanie's home was a short drive from the airport. Eastcliff's airport is northeast of the city, near several top villa districts.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Eastcliff's Ocean Mansion, one of the city's most luxurious villa areas, each property costing at least a billion dollars. Even so, it paled in comparison to the Wade family mansion, a prince's palace in Charlie Wade's memory.

As Stefanie drove in, the gates opened automatically. A maid rushed out, opening the car door. "Miss, Madam's prepared lunch, waiting for you. Why didn't you say you were leaving?" She was surprised to see Charlie Wade. "Hello, sir!"

Charlie Wade nodded. Stefanie excitedly told the maid, "Aunt Dina, are my parents in the dining room?"

Aunt Dina nodded. "Miss, sir doesn't feel well. He wants to rest. Please proceed."

Stefanie urgently took Charlie Wade's hand and rushed into the villa, to the dining room where her parents sat. "Dad, Mom, look who I brought!"