The Amazing Son in Law

Chapter 46

Charlie Wade felt he needed to speak with Isaac beforehand and arrange for complete security that day. During dinner, Loreen began, "Before I came to Aurous Hill, I spoke with some university friends about a class reunion."

Charlie immediately said, "No, thank you. I won't attend."

"Why?" Loreen asked curiously. "We weren't university friends for four years, but we spent a year together!"

When Charlie was taken in by Lord Wilson, he was sent to Aurous College to get to know Claire Wilson. He and Claire spent their final year together in the same class. Claire shared his reluctance.

Loreen quickly explained, "The main reason for the reunion is Douglas Adams. He's opening a restaurant tomorrow and inviting everyone to celebrate." She continued, "Don't you think it's rude not to attend the opening?"

Douglas had created a group chat with over thirty people. Loreen Thomas, one of the two class beauties, had also moved to Aurous Hill and would be attending! Someone in the group added, "I heard Loreen is still single! All the single guys better make your move!"

Immediately, countless replies flooded the group: "Congratulations!" "Loreen's in Aurous Hill? I'll be there!" "What about Claire Wilson, the other beauty? Will she go?" "I heard Claire married Charlie Wade, the transfer student—a live-in son-in-law, is that true?" "Yeah, I heard that too, but I haven't seen them since graduation…" "I heard they haven't consummated their marriage…"

Claire frowned at the messages and told Charlie, "Don't take it seriously."

Charlie smiled. "It's okay; it's the truth. I'm used to it."

Loreen quickly responded in the group, "Hey, stop gossiping! I'm having dinner with them right now! They're lovely."

"Wow, it's Loreen!" The group buzzed. Douglas, the group creator, tagged Charlie: "Charlie, even though we only spent a short time together, we were good friends. You and your wife should come tomorrow!"

Charlie had a good impression of Douglas, a kind person he was close to in college. Considering the invitation, Charlie replied, "Okay, we'll be there."

Douglas immediately responded, "Great! It's going to be a fantastic reunion!"

Chapter 47

Since Charlie agreed to the reunion, Claire advised, "We should bring a gift for Douglas's restaurant opening. We can't go empty-handed."

Charlie replied, "Alright, I'll buy a gift tomorrow morning."

"Great," Claire said, "I have to go to the Emgrand Group office tomorrow morning."

Loreen said, surprised, "Is that so? Stop by my office afterward; I can carpool to Douglas's restaurant with you at midday."

Claire grinned, "Well, you can forget that! I don't have a car. I usually take a taxi or bus, or Charlie takes me on his scooter."

"What?" Loreen exclaimed, frustrated. "You're a director now! Why don't you buy a car?"

"I've just started and haven't made much money. My salary goes to expenses and my mother. I only have a thousand dollars or so left at the end of the month, not enough for a car." Claire continued, "Honestly, I enjoy the bus. And scooter rides on nice days are amazing."

Loreen said earnestly, "You don't have to be ostentatious, but you need to maintain your status. You're a Wilson Group director and work with Emgrand. People will gossip if you don't have a car."

Charlie agreed. His wife had always been frugal, giving most of her income to her mother, while his mother-in-law was a spendthrift, keeping most of Claire's salary. He decided to buy Claire a car.

After dinner, the couple parted ways with Loreen and took a taxi home. On the way, the radio DJs were discussing the chartering of the Dreamland Sky Garden at the Shangri-La Hotel—a historic event. The taxi driver commented, "It must be that mysterious rich man online!" Charlie was astonished.

The news of the Sky Garden chartering spread like wildfire throughout Aurous Hill overnight. Everyone knew the Shangri-La used a membership system, and only top-tier members could access the Sky Garden. The chartering was impossible! The mystery of who chartered it became a hot topic, with speculations ranging from a mysterious online figure to a wealthy foreigner or a couple planning an extravagant wedding.

Chapter 48

Many people anticipated seeing the Sky Garden. To maintain his identity secret, Charlie had Isaac make special modifications to the Sky Garden for the occasion. He wanted to give Claire a grand wedding anniversary surprise.

Charlie went to a car dealership early the next morning. He wanted a luxurious, stylish car for Claire, but worried about explaining the cost and her preference for simple things.

Cars in his initial price range were decent but not flashy. An Audi A6 fit the bill—classy and practical.

The sales executives looked at him condescendingly. One said, "Have you seen the price? Did you miscount the zeros?"

Charlie frowned. "Six hundred and eighteen thousand dollars, I saw it."

"Then why ask? It will be humiliating if your card is declined."

Charlie said coldly, "Are you sick? Need me to call 911?" He threatened to have the security guard remove him.

Chapter 49

Charlie plastered a sarcastic smile and asked, "How much do you make here?"

The sales executive snarled, "Ten thousand dollars!"

Charlie nodded, turned, and left.

"Yes, I am," Arthur, a manager, said. "May I help you?"

Charlie pointed to the rude sales executive and said, "Fire him. He's a bad apple."

The executive rushed forward, "Mr. Walsh, don't listen to him! He's crazy! He just uses our WiFi and AC!"

Charlie grinned, "A freeloader, you say? Wait and see." He went to the BMW showroom next door and saw the BMW 760. He was acting irrationally—he would buy the top-of-the-line BMW to spite the Audi salespeople!

A saleswoman was shocked. "Sir, this car just arrived. Are you sure?"

"Yes," Charlie nodded. "Let's do it."

This was the first time she'd seen someone buy a car on the spot. He couldn't believe it.

Charlie smiled, "I've seen the price. Tell me if you want to sell it."

"Er…yes, yes, of course…" she stammered, grinning. "Please follow me!"

The sale was quick and smooth. When the BMW 760 left, everyone at the Audi showroom stared in astonishment. Charlie drove the BMW to the Audi showroom entrance, put his scooter in the trunk, and drove off. Arthur fired the rude sales executive. The other Audi salespeople were shocked. Who would have thought the man on the scooter was so wealthy?

Driving the BMW 760, Charlie slapped his forehead. He wasn't upset about the money but the car's cost. How would he explain it to Claire?

Chapter 50

He had an idea! He went to a nearby auto repair shop and spent twenty dollars to replace the BMW 760 logo with a 520 logo. The exterior of the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series are very similar. The 520 was the most affordable model in the 5 Series. The 760 was the top model. Charlie smiled triumphantly. Claire didn't know much about cars. She'd accept it as a BMW 520.

The shop owner was amused. He knew Charlie was being sly.

Afterward, Charlie needed to buy a gift for Douglas. He wanted something meaningful and expensive but not obviously so. He went to an antique store and bought an early painting by Rachel Ruysch for two hundred thousand dollars.

It was almost noon. He called Claire and said he'd pick her and Loreen up from the Emgrand Group office. Claire was shocked to see the BMW 5 Series!

"I bought it for you!" Charlie said.

"You bought it? Where did you get the money?"

"Savings," Charlie said. "I didn't spend anything when we got married, and you and your family have covered my expenses. What's wrong with saving some money?"

"It's your savings, you should use it on yourself. Why such an expensive car? It must have cost four hundred thousand dollars, right?"

Charlie chuckled, "You're my wife. Should I spend it on a girlfriend? You're a director now, and people might tease you for not having a car."

Loreen added, "Claire, you need a car. This is perfect. Charlie loves you so much!"

Claire responded gratefully, "Thank you, Charlie!"

Charlie held her hand, "You deserve it, my dear." He urged them, "Let's go to Douglas's restaurant!"

Claire asked, "Did you buy him a gift?"

"Yes," Charlie said, "I bought him a painting."

"A painting? What kind?"

"An old painting. It's a pomegranate painting, symbolizing prosperity. It looked good, so I bought it."

"How much?"

"A few thousand dollars."

Claire chuckled, "I think you got ripped off! You can't get a real painting for that price."

Charlie smiled, "It's the thought that counts."

Claire nodded, "You're right. Let's go!"