The Amazing Son-in-Law (Chapters 1621-1625)
Chapter 1621
Hearing Charlie Wade's question, Stephen smiled bitterly and said sadly, "Master, most people are ungrateful. They rely on others and enjoy their help only when needed, but turn their backsโeven complaining of being robbed of the limelightโthe moment they no longer require assistance."
Stephen continued, emotionally, "You wouldn't believe it. Your father, with Ross, led them during the fierce Rothschild family feud. They were incredibly flattering, even forming the Eastcliff Business Alliance and electing your father as its first chairman."
"But when your father defeated the Rothschilds, they immediately disbanded the alliance, vilifying his leadership, claiming he missed opportunities andโeven worseโmaliciously slandering him, alleging a secret alliance with the Rothschilds to defraud Eastcliff families."
Charlie Wade clenched his fist, rage flooding him. He thundered, "These people are despicable!"
Stephen sighed, "Master, such behavior is commonplace among Eastcliff's elite families. Your father, a hero who resisted the Rothschilds, became the target of everyone's envy and slander. He was simply too good."
He paused. "A tree that stands tall in the forest invites the wind. He was too successful, making the entire Eastcliff elite turn against him."
"The Rothschilds, seeing him as a target, made a comeback. Insidiously, they publicized the conflict as a personal feud between the Rothschilds, the Wade family, and him, allowing other families to watch the fire from afar."
Stephen's voice grew angrier. "Seeing the Wade family targeted by the Rothschilds and many other Eastcliff families waiting to strike, your grandfather expelled your father from the family, publicly announcing he had no connection to them. Your father then took you and your mother to Aurouss Hill."
Charlie Wade's expression was grim. "This was a betrayalโEastcliff betrayed the Wade family, who then betrayed my father, making him a scapegoat. Our family bore the Rothschilds' wrath alone."
Stephen nodded, eyes red. "That's exactly how it happened."
Charlie Wade's eyes were solemn. "Those bastardsโthey crossed the river and burned the bridge. I swear, Charlie Wade will make them pay!"
Stephen urged, "Master, don't be impulsive! This happened long ago. Except for the Sun family, every Eastcliff familyโfrom the powerful Banks family to the smallestโbetrayed your father. Don't become their public enemy!"
Charlie Wade remained resolute. "I'm not a coward. Those people, including the Wade family, are all accomplices in my parents' deaths. I won't let them off easily!"
He looked at Stephen. "Steward Thompson, don't worry. I'm not foolish. I won't directly confront Eastcliff's elite families until I'm strong enough. I'll save my energy and surprise them!"
Stephen sighed, nodding. "Master, I've longed for this day. I'll go through fire and water for you!"
Charlie Wade nodded. "Steward Thompson, I'll call on you if needed."
Chapter 1622
Stephen said, "Master, I have a suggestion. Would you like to hear it?"
"Please," Charlie Wade replied.
Stephen said, "To make those who wronged your father pay, you must first secure control of the Wade family, then develop a plan to destroy those families one by one."
Charlie Wade asked, "If I control the Wade family, which family should we target first?"
"The Banks family," Stephen answered without hesitation. "They are the strongest. Defeating them is half the battle. The group who secretly stabbed your father in the back was orchestrated by the Banks family; they formed an anti-Wade alliance, with the Banks family leading it."
Charlie Wade sneered. "An anti-Wade alliance? Four words: I will not yield to the Banks family!"
Stephen said, "Master, the family head convened a meeting today, mentioning you and the Banks family."
Charlie Wade frowned. "What was said?"
Stephen hesitated, glancing at Stefanie. "I stated that the old master wants the Wade family to rise again, pinning its hopes on you. He wants you to return and marry into the Banks family."
Charlie Wade and Stefanie were shocked.
"He suggested the Banks family!" Stephen sighed. "Miss Zara Banks is important. Marrying her would provide immense resources. He wants you to marry her, but asked me to persuade you." He glanced at Stefanie. "He also suggested Miss Sun as an alternative if the Banks family proves unsuitable."
Stefanie blushed.
Charlie Wade said coldly, "When my father was condemned, instead of protecting us, they cast us out. Now they want me to help the Wade family rise? It's a pipe dream!"
Stephen nodded. "The master's approach was excessive, but don't be too angry. It's an opportunity. Promise him, marry Miss Sun, then use the chance to request more resources from the Wade family. Becoming the next patriarch would strengthen your position against the Banks family!"
Chapter 1623
"Become the Wade family patriarch?" Charlie Wade said dismissively. "I'm not interested."
Stephen urged, "Master, the Wade family is the second-largest family in Eastcliff, even the country. Controlling them would bring you closer to defeating the Banks family!"
Charlie Wade waved his hand. "Steward Thompson, one day, I will defeat the Banks family and all who betrayed my father! I'll use my own strength to make them kneel before my parents' grave!"
Stephen sighed, "Master, controlling the Wade family would hasten that day!"
Charlie Wade said coldly, "I don't want to return to the Wade family. When that day comes, even they will kneel!"
Stephen, intimidated by Charlie Wade's determination, saw Bruce's shadow in him. He abandoned his plan to persuade Charlie Wade to return to the Wade family. The Wade family wasn't worthy of Bruce, and certainly not his son.
He declared, "Master, I'll follow your orders. If needed, I'll leave the Wade family to serve you!"
Charlie Wade smiled. "Don't worry, but I may need you to leave the Wade family and assist me in the future."
Charlie Wade intended to quickly bring Ichiro Kobayashi to Japan before the Lunar New Year to acquire Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, producing Nova Dias and developing a liver-protecting drug to dominate the global market.
The pharmaceutical industry was lucrative with core technology. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical had several production bases in Japan; moving them to China was impractical. He needed a reliable person to oversee the operation in Japan, and Ichiro Kobayashi was unsuitable. Stephen was the ideal candidate.
Although Stephen didn't know Charlie Wade's plans, he said, "I'm at your disposal!"
Charlie Wade nodded. "I'll go with my wife now. I return to Aurouss Hill tomorrow."
Stephen was surprised. "Master, leaving so soon?"
Charlie Wade said, "I have much to do. It's late."
Stephen offered, "I'll take you and Miss Sun out!"
Charlie Wade mentioned the tea, requesting some to take back for his father-in-law, who had purchased inferior tea online. Stephen quickly arranged for high-quality tea to be delivered. After bidding farewell to Stephen, Charlie Wade and Stefanie returned to the Sun family villa.
Chapter 1624
Stefanie was silent on the way home, troubled. Charlie Wade asked, "Daisy, what's wrong?"
She replied, "Charlie Wade, your relationship with Claire Wilsonโฆ is it serious?"
Charlie Wade was surprised. "Why ask?"
Stefanie said, "I'm curious, and a little worried."
"Worried about what?"
"About your relationship, and what happens later."
Charlie Wade smiled. "Before meeting me, did you consider your future?"
Stefanie nodded. "I did. I felt I had to find you, or remain single. I didn't care for other men."
Charlie Wade asked, "If you never found me, would you remain single into your thirties or forties?"
Stefanie said seriously, "Even into my fifties or sixties? My life is fulfilling, I won't be wronged for needing a man. I'd rather remain single, traveling the world. In old age, I'd settle down somewhere, gardening, raising animals. I donated my family's property, so I'd be fine."
Charlie Wade realized he'd left an indelible mark on Stefanie's life. He felt responsible, but unsure how to resolve their complicated relationship.
That night, Angie prepared a feast, and Orrin brought out top-shelf Maotai for a celebratory drink. They were sad to see Charlie Wade leave, understanding he had a family and business in Aurouss Hill. Charlie Wade rarely used the funds provided by the Wade family, earning most of his wealth independently or through Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. Oracle Pharmaceutical and Nova Dias were gaining international recognition and popularity. Nova Dias was in high demand, poised to become a world-leading stomach medicine.
Chapter 1625
The next morning, Orrin insisted on driving Charlie Wade to the airport. Stefanie's mood was low. As they neared the airport, Stefanie quietly grabbed Charlie Wade's hand. He noticed her resentful gaze and felt guilty.
At the airport, Stefanie wanted to see Charlie Wade to the security checkpoint, but her parents advised against it due to her public profile. She said goodbye, asking him to call after boarding and landing. Charlie Wade received a call from Loreen, who was stuck in traffic but expected to arrive shortly.
Charlie Wade went through security and realized he hadn't bought gifts for his wife and mother-in-law. He decided to shop for handbags at the Hermรฉs store. Despite an initially cool reception from a sales associate, he purchased a large limited-edition crocodile leather handbag for Claire.