The Amazing Son-in-Law: Chapters 1596-1600
Chapter 1596
Charlie Wade accepted the folding fan Orrin had given Sam and presented it to Loreen's grandmother, saying, "Grandma Thomas, this is a small token of affection from Claire and me. I hope you'll accept it. Also, I apologize for the incident at your birthday banquet."
The lady was flattered, replying, "Mr. Wade, you're too kind. My grandson behaved improperly; it was our failure to discipline him that caused the trouble."
She then looked at the fan and said, "Mr. Wade, this fan is far too valuable. I couldn't possibly—"
Charlie Wade interrupted, "Grandma Thomas, it's the thought that counts, not the value. This was a gift from the Sun Group chairman; I merely borrowed it to present to you. Please don't be so polite."
Elder Thomas, aware the fan belonged to Orrin, hoped his wife would accept it. The fan's intrinsic and symbolic value were both high. Possessing it would maintain ties between the Thomas and Sun families, potentially benefiting the Thomases through Orrin's future assistance.
He declared, "Mr. Wade, you're incredibly thoughtful! My wife and I are most grateful! If you ever need assistance from the Thomas family, just ask—we'll do everything we can!" This effectively accepted the gift.
Charlie Wade, understanding Elder Thomas's strategy, replied, "Grandpa Thomas, you're too kind!" The lady then accepted the fan.
Trevor announced, "Mr. Wade holds considerable sway with my uncle, almost like a son. If you treat him well, the Sun family will reward you handsomely!" The crowd readily agreed. Mr. Thomas saw Charlie Wade as a potential grandson-in-law. Loreen was bewildered.
She couldn't fathom Charlie Wade's influence, extending from Aurouss Hill's elite to even the Sun family patriarch in Eastcliff. This sparked feelings of inferiority. Despite her status, she felt inadequate compared to Charlie Wade's potential, questioning her worthiness.
Then, her thoughts turned to Claire Wilson. She envied Claire's fortunate life, having such a devoted man. Loreen imagined herself with Charlie Wade, having children and sharing a life with him, in contrast to Claire's seemingly distant relationship with him. This fueled a sense of injustice on Charlie Wade's behalf.
Chapter 1597
The birthday banquet commenced. Charlie Wade was seated as a guest of honor next to the lady, with Loreen and Trevor. The Thomas family repeatedly toasted him with effusive praise. Charlie Wade remained humble, accepting each toast, even Sam's.
Trevor toasted Charlie Wade, stating he had a request. Charlie Wade knew his intentions—to restore their family's standing. However, given their past actions and Orrin's involvement, he refused to grant immediate leniency.
He interrupted Trevor, "Trevor, you've witnessed everything today. You understand why Sam was sent to Aurouss Hill for a year of reform."
"Yes!" Trevor agreed. "Mr. Wade, you're just and fair. But could you offer us a similar timeline, a glimmer of hope?"
Charlie Wade responded, "Sam's offense was minor—mere verbal abuse. But your actions—threatening lives—were far more severe!"
Trevor broke into a cold sweat. He understood: Sam's punishment was a year for fighting; their attempts to seize trillions and threaten family members deserved far greater punishment, especially given Charlie Wade's close familial ties to his aunt, uncle, and childhood fiancée.
He pleaded, "Mr. Wade, please, for my uncle's sake, forgive us. Shorten our reform period"
Charlie Wade replied, "It depends on your behavior. Three to five years for good conduct; twenty to thirty for poor conduct."
Trevor was distraught. He'd hoped to leverage his cousin's relationship but found that wouldn't work. Even three to five years of abstinence was unbearable.
He desperately pleaded, "Brother-in-law, please! News of my impotence would disgrace you!"
Charlie Wade smiled, "I'm fine with that. Nothing shameful about it."
Trevor realized Charlie Wade was unyielding, resorting to mentioning their familial relationship. Even three to five years of reform was devastating. He could only plead, "Brother-in-law, I'll behave. I promise."
Charlie Wade sternly said, "Don't call me brother-in-law."
Trevor persisted, "Not yet, but soon"
Charlie Wade ignored him. Loreen approached, softly asking, "Charlie Wade, when are you returning to Aurouss Hill?"
"Tomorrow."
"So soon? Won't you stay longer?"
"My business is finished."
Loreen immediately said, "Then I'll leave tomorrow too. Let's fly back together."
He couldn't refuse her direct request, agreeing, "Okay."
Loreen then asked for his information to book tickets together.
Chapter 1598
Sam's uncles had already prepared his transport to Aurouss Hill: an old bicycle with luggage racks, helmet, jacket, sleeping bag, tent, and kettle. They wanted him gone quickly to avoid further angering Charlie Wade and harming the Thomas family.
Lydia immediately called her husband, Heath, informing him and asking him to pack Sam's belongings. Heath was both angry and relieved that the Sun family wasn’t directly implicated. He rushed home to prepare Sam's things, ignoring his mother-in-law's banquet.
Sam cried upon seeing his father. Heath, despite sympathy, understood the harsh realities of high society: powerful families wield immense influence, and offending them demanded consequences. He feared repercussions far more than Sam's punishment. He'd seen families ruined for protecting their children. Large companies, even giants, relied heavily on debt, a precarious balance. He felt fortunate only Sam was punished.
Chapter 1599
After the banquet, Sam prepared to leave on his bicycle. He lamented the slowness compared to a motorcycle. His uncle, Franklin, provided him with a green helmet, explaining that other colors were sold out. Sam was mortified by the helmet’s color.
Franklin also fitted a phone holder, reminding Sam to use navigation. Sam asked about a power bank; Franklin initially forgot but Loreen’s father provided one. Heath advised him to stay in parks along the way and aimed for Aurouss Hill within twelve days. He stressed against reckless behavior.
Sam’s mother, Lydia, also urged caution. Elder Thomas emphasized punctuality to avoid angering Charlie Wade. The Lady gave Sam a protective amulet. Charlie Wade noted Sam’s improved manners, acknowledging his progress.
Chapter 1600
Charlie Wade indicated it was time to leave. Franklin provided a power bank. Sam bid farewell to his family. Charlie Wade urged him to hurry. Sam departed, his family watching. Lydia cried, comforted by Heath.
Charlie Wade instructed Loreen to closely monitor Sam's behavior in Aurouss Hill, emphasizing the potential for reform or abandonment. Loreen agreed. Charlie Wade agreed to meet Loreen at the airport. Trevor offered to drive Charlie Wade, which he accepted.
In the car, Trevor praised Charlie Wade's handling of Sam's punishment. Charlie Wade remained indifferent. Trevor lauded Charlie Wade’s approach as uniquely fair and effective. Charlie Wade then questioned Trevor about his own future conduct, reminding him of the severity of his actions and making sure that he would not continue to behave arrogantly and domineeringly. Trevor, shaken, assured him of his changed behavior.