The Amazing Son-in-Law: Chapters 1611-1615
Chapter 1611
Originally, Loreen only thought Charlie Wade's explanation was barely believable, but something felt amiss. However, Charlie Wade's self-deprecating manner dispelled her doubts. She recalled how he'd been bullied in school, even by classmates of similar backgrounds, yet remained aloof, seemingly unconcerned. Given his personality, revealing his connection to Stefanie would have been futile; no one would have believed him. Loreen found this admirable—knowing the Sun family, related to Ms. Sun's siblings, yet never exploiting that connection, preferring to endure others' scorn.
Still, a nagging worry remained. She'd seen Charlie Wade and Stefanie's intimacy, suggesting something unusual. Tentatively, she asked, "Charlie Wade, how did you reconnect with Miss Sun?"
Charlie Wade smiled and asked, "Do you know Nova Dias?"
"Yes," Loreen replied. "Isn't that the incredibly popular, highly effective gastric medicine? Miss Sun is its spokesperson!"
Charlie Wade continued, "Do you know that Oracle Nova Dias's manufacturer, Oracle Pharmaceutical, is based in Aurous Hill?"
Loreen nodded. Charlie Wade smiled and explained, "When Stefanie filmed a commercial in Aurous Hill, she had dinner with Claire and me. I didn't tell you because Stefanie is a public figure."
"So" Loreen realized, "Claire knew you two had known each other for a long time?"
Charlie Wade shook his head. "I didn't tell Claire the truth. I didn't want my relationship with Stefanie to become public knowledge and potentially hinder her career. I wouldn't have told you either, if we hadn't met today."
Loreen nodded gently. Seeing his self-deprecating humor, she felt a pang of sympathy. "Charlie Wade," she said, "don't be so humble. You're incredibly capable; few can compare!"
Loreen's words were sincere. She found Charlie Wade extraordinary, particularly his strength. The Butcher Brothers, for instance, were no match for him. Those who'd insulted him were easily outmatched, yet he never retaliated.
Stefanie remained silent, aware her earlier remark had nearly caused trouble. Fortunately, Charlie Wade had quickly resolved the situation.
Chapter 1612
Seeing Loreen's belief, Charlie Wade said, "Loreen, it's late. We should go. See you at the airport tomorrow."
Loreen nodded, then remembered something. "By the way, you saved me again!"
Charlie Wade smiled. "It wasn't just you, but the little girl too. You'll be fine, but she might be in danger."
Loreen stubbornly retorted, "Thank you for that, too!"
Charlie Wade chuckled. "We have to go. Remember, don't tell Claire."
Loreen agreed. They parted ways near the ice rink, going their separate directions. Charlie Wade finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Several tens of meters away, Stefanie whispered, "Charlie Wade, why conceal your identity? If you revealed it, no one in Aurous Hill would dare bully you!"
Charlie Wade smiled. "I came to Aurous Hill as an orphan. Even if I revealed my identity, no one would believe me."
"But after your parents died, you could have contacted the Wade family," Stefanie pointed out.
Charlie Wade shook his head. "The Wade family is complicated, beyond my control. Besides, my parents didn't want to bow to them before leaving Aurous Hill. Their blood flows in me; I can't bow to them after their death."
Stefanie's eyes welled. Hugging his arm, she choked back tears, expressing her sorrow for his suffering.
Charlie Wade patted her hand. "Life has its ups and downs. Experiencing hardship at a young age gave me valuable lessons."
Stefanie nodded, tears streaming down her face. She felt deeply for his past ten years. Even his lighthearted tone couldn't mask the pain. She wished to keep him in Eastcliff forever, showering him with affection to compensate for his past suffering.
Then, Charlie Wade sighed, "I'm leaving tomorrow. Let's see Stephen Thompson today."
Stefanie was surprised. "You're going to see Uncle Thompson?"
Charlie Wade nodded. "I need to ask him about my parents."
"I'll come with you!" Stefanie exclaimed.
Chapter 1613
Charlie Wade wasn't wary of Stephen Thompson, believing him to be without malice. His safe upbringing in Aurous Hill was partly due to Thompson's secret protection. If Thompson had ill intentions, he would have acted sooner. Thompson was one of the few people Charlie Wade truly trusted.
Meanwhile, Stephen Thompson was at the Wade Group. A family meeting was underway, chaired by Nathaniel Wade, the family patriarch. Nearly twenty descendants were present.
The old man lamented, "Old Master Exeor passed away suddenly; I didn't even get to see him one last time."
Corran Wade asked, "Dad, is this meeting about the old master's return to the United States?"
Lord Wade explained, "The old master waited in Eastcliff for a specific opportunity. He's gone, so presumably, he found it."
A cousin inquired about the meeting's purpose. Lord Wade sighed, recalling the old master's words about an opportunity for the Wade family to soar, but admitting he didn't understand what it meant.
Everyone pondered this. To rise to the next level meant surpassing the Banks family, becoming the nation's most prominent family.
Myles Wade asked for clues. Lord Wade explained that the old master had mentioned a god-given opportunity, but revealed no specifics. Corran pointed out the vagueness of the clue.
Lord Wade then shifted focus: "How can we surpass the Banks family?"
Chapter 1614
The descendants considered surpassing the Banks family a fantasy. The Banks family held a roughly 20% advantage in overall strength. Overcoming this significant gap would require a massive increase in assets—hundreds of billions. The Banks family's growth rate also exceeded the Wade family's.
Lord Wade sighed. "Twenty years ago, under Bruce's leadership, the Wade family almost surpassed the Banks family. He had a plan for national dominance" He paused, then said, "But after Bruce's death, you you've all fallen short"
Corran countered, blaming their father for driving Bruce and his family away. William attempted to rebuff Corran but sighed and called for a focus on the present.
Corran pressed for ideas to close the gap. Lord Wade suggested an advantageous marriage between a Wade grandchild and a Banks granddaughter.
Cynthia Wade pointed out that only the eldest grandson would suffice. However, Corran revealed that his son, Jon, was already engaged to a Norwegian princess. Jon added that Zara Banks was aloof and difficult to approach, and his engagement made his pursuit impossible.
Brenden, Myles' eldest son, eagerly offered to try. Corran dismissed this as unrealistic, Myles argued for Brenden's chances, but Corran and Lord Wade were unconvinced. Lord Wade then asked Stephen Thompson, "Stephen, if Bruce's son were to marry into the Banks family, do you think it's possible?"
Chapter 1615
Lord Wade's suggestion caused an uproar. Bruce's son—Charlie Wade—was alive. Many Wade family members were wary and disliked Charlie Wade, fearing his return and competition for power.
They had been relieved when he'd refused to return to the Wade family, but were still resentful of the old master's decision to give him the Emgrand Group. While the Wade family's assets were in the trillions, the division among numerous heirs meant that the 100 billion valuation of the Emgrand Group was a significant portion of the inheritance.
Many had opposed the old master's decision, yet he persisted, citing the family's debt to Bruce. While reluctantly accepting the situation, many remained deeply dissatisfied. They preferred Charlie Wade to remain distant, allowing them to focus on their own ambitions within the family.
The old master's suggestion that Charlie Wade return and marry into the Banks family was met with strong opposition. Corran pointed out Charlie Wade's lack of formal education and his existing family in Aurous Hill. Myles echoed this, highlighting the educational advantages of other Wade family members.
Stephen Thompson countered, stating that Charlie Wade possessed the demeanor and courage of Bruce, emphasizing his capabilities. Jon aggressively dismissed Thompson's opinion due to his outsider status, and Brenden accused Thompson of acting in self-interest and loyalty to Charlie Wade. Everyone's expressions shifted, realizing the implications of this statement.