The Amazing Son-in-Law: Chapters 1631-1635
Chapter 1631
Charlie Wade was somewhat numb to Loreen’s constant displays of affection. He dismissed her actions as playful and changed the subject, asking, "By the way, where did your cousin Sam end up cycling?"
Loreen’s lips fell in disappointment. She knew Charlie avoided emotional discussions, so she was used to his evasiveness. Following his lead, she said, "I heard he reached the next town this morning, but apparently slept under a bridge last night and caught a cold."
Charlie Wade smiled faintly. "By the time he reaches Aurouss Hill, his physical fitness should improve significantly."
Loreen chuckled. "Actually, this punishment is good for him. My cousin is usually arrogant and domineering, causing trouble for the family without ever facing consequences. He doesn't learn his lesson easily, but this will hopefully change that."
Charlie Wade nodded. "If not for you, I would have made him swallow the jade pendant at the birthday banquet and have another operation to remove it. Some people only learn from repeated painful experiences."
Loreen looked at Charlie Wade. "Knowing you're doing this for me, I let him go. After he arrives in Aurouss Hill, I'll take him to dinner and have him apologize to you."
Charlie Wade waved his hand. "Dinner's fine, but he needs to reform honestly in Aurouss Hill. Good behavior might earn him an early release; poor behavior will extend his stay."
Loreen pursed her lips. "Don't be so strict. If we get together, he'll be your brother-in-law—even if he's just a cousin."
Charlie Wade shook his head helplessly. "You're always mentioning this"
"Hehe," Loreen smiled. "I like you! If you change your mind someday, let me know!"
Charlie Wade ignored her, looking up at the screen. "First and business class boarding is starting. Let's go."
Loreen hummed, gathering her luggage. "Did you tell Claire you're coming back today?"
Charlie Wade nodded. "I messaged her last night."
Loreen smiled. "I wasn't jealous, was I?"
"Why would you be?" Charlie Wade replied. "She knew I was at your grandmother's banquet. I told her you were coming back and booked my ticket."
Loreen smiled and nodded. "Did you tell Claire about the tens-of-millions-of-yuan fan you gave Grandma?"
"No," Charlie Wade said. "Don't tell Claire. She doesn't know about my relationship with Chairman Sun."
"I know," Loreen said seriously. "Don't worry, I won't tell her."
Relieved, they boarded the plane through the VIP gate. Their first-class seats were adjacent, Loreen by the window.
After boarding, Claire Wilson called. "Husband, are you on the plane?"
"Yes," Charlie Wade said. "Taking off in twenty minutes."
Claire Wilson asked, "Loreen's with you?"
"Yes," Charlie Wade replied. "Sitting next to me."
Claire Wilson said, "Take care of her."
Charlie Wade said helplessly, "I'm not piloting the plane. The flight attendants will take care of everyone."
Loreen leaned in. "You can hug me during turbulence, lest I get thrown out"
Claire Wilson, assuming it was a joke, smiled. "Buckle your seatbelt! What if Charlie doesn't have time to hug you?"
Chapter 1632
Loreen smiled, "I know!"
Claire Wilson smiled. "I'm free today. I'll pick you up at the airport."
"Okay!" Loreen smiled. "My big beautiful girl will have to work hard!"
Claire Wilson smiled. "Don't be so polite! It's to pick up Charlie, too."
Loreen said, "You’re picking up Charlie, right?"
Claire Wilson smiled, "Yes!"
"Okay," Loreen said. "I'm happy you're picking me up, too!"
Claire Wilson said, "See you at the airport!"
After a two-hour flight, they landed smoothly at Aurouss Hill Airport. They saw Claire waiting.
Charlie Wade had missed Claire. She looked elegant in her long coat.
Claire had also missed Charlie. They hadn't been apart this long since their wedding. The absence highlighted their connection.
Seeing Charlie, Claire rushed forward and hugged him gently. After a few seconds, she hugged Loreen.
Loreen was surprised by Claire's actions, noticing a subtle shift in Claire's attitude towards Charlie, though she couldn't define it.
Charlie hadn't expected Claire to hug him in front of Loreen. He saw it as a positive sign of her growing feelings.
After hugging Loreen, Claire noticed Charlie's Hermes shopping bags. "Charlie, why so many Hermes bags?"
Charlie smiled. "Gifts for you and your parents."
Claire hurried to say, "Oh, why such an expensive brand? Local specialties would have been fine…"
Charlie smiled, "I'm making money. It's natural to spend it on my family."
Claire said seriously, "You'll spoil your mother! If you buy her expensive gifts now, she'll expect it next time."
Charlie smiled slightly. "This time, it's mostly for you (a limited-edition bag). My mother's are regular items."
Claire said worriedly, "You must have spent a lot…"
Charlie smiled. "Don't worry about money. Let's go home first, and we can discuss it later!"
Chapter 1633
Leaving the airport, Charlie drove Claire's BMW, first dropping Loreen off at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Claire tried to invite Loreen to stay at their home again, but Loreen declined. While closer to Charlie, she feared Elaine Ma and Jacob Wilson's constant bickering. She also sensed an unspoken tension in the Wilson family—Jacob's former love, Matilda. Elaine didn't know about Matilda, and the potential conflict scared Loreen away.
The hotel provided the solitude and freedom she desired.
After dropping Loreen off, Charlie and Claire went home.
Claire asked, "Charlie, did you finish the Feng Shui assessment for Miss Sun's house?"
"Yes," Charlie smiled. "The family was very satisfied; they gave a five-star review."
Claire relaxed. "If they're satisfied, we're assured of the payment." She then asked, "How much did those Hermes bags cost?"
Charlie replied truthfully, "Around one million."
"A million?!" Claire exclaimed, feeling dizzy. "That's our family's living expenses for a year!"
Charlie smiled, "Luxury goods are expensive."
He pulled over, turned to Claire, and gave her the Hermes limited-edition crocodile leather handbag. "Open it!"
Claire carefully opened the package, admiring the craftsmanship. "This bag must have cost a fortune!" Charlie confirmed, "It's over 500,000."
"Oh my god," Claire said nervously, "It's too expensive!"
Charlie smiled. "My wife, Hermes limited editions are not cheap, but they are valuable and can appreciate in value. Reselling it would fetch 600,000-700,000, or more."
Claire said anxiously, "It's too expensive! I can't use it. Sell it!"
Charlie hurriedly said, "No! It's a gift. As my successful Feng Shui master's wife, you deserve it! Not using it would make me look bad!" Claire, seeing his insistence and the logic in his words, sighed gratefully. "Thank you, my husband."
Chapter 1634
Charlie remembered something. "By the way, I need to go to Japan soon. I told you, clients are pressing me."
Claire nodded. "How long? It's less than a month to Chinese New Year. Many places are preparing for the holidays. You can rest then."
Charlie smiled, "I've promised people, so I can't cancel. Don't worry, it should only be a few days. Japan's not far; it's a quick flight."
"Okay," Claire nodded. "Take care. Don't get into conflicts, so you don't get bullied."
"Okay!" Charlie smiled. "You don't know my capabilities! I won't let anyone bully me."
Claire gave him a knowing glance. "I know you can fight, but focus on making money peacefully."
Charlie nodded, "Don't worry, my wife. I will be careful."
Back at Thompson First, Elaine Ma, her cast removed, ran out joyfully. She knew Claire had gone to the airport and had been waiting for Charlie's return, anticipating a lavish gift.
Seeing Charlie, Elaine Ma greeted him enthusiastically, "Oh, my good son-in-law, you're finally back! I've missed you so much!"
Charlie felt uneasy at her fawning attitude.
Elaine Ma continued, "I worried about you these days. You've never been away for so long. I've been so worried about you."
Charlie nodded and smiled. "Mom, thank you for your concern. I'm fine."
"That's good!" Elaine Ma breathed a sigh of relief, secretly looking into the car for gifts.
Jacob Wilson also came out, holding sandalwood beads. "Charlie, you're back. How was Eastcliff?"
Charlie smiled slightly. "Dad, things went well."
Jacob Wilson nodded. "That's good!"
Elaine Ma spotted gift boxes in the backseat but couldn't see them clearly. "Son-in-law, what's in the back? Gifts for us?"
Charlie nodded and smiled. "I have gifts for you and Dad."
"Oh!" Elaine Ma beamed, "You always think of us! Show Mom what you bought!"
Chapter 1635
Seeing Elaine Ma's eagerness, Charlie smiled, opened the back door, and revealed the Hermes gift boxes.
Elaine Ma's eyes widened. "My God, it's Hermes! Even an Hermes scarf costs tens of thousands!"
She came forward excitedly, covering her mouth. "Oh, it's Hermes! Son-in-law, you're so generous! What did you get me?"
Charlie selected several boxes and handed them to Elaine Ma. "Mom, this large one is an Hermes bag. Do you like it?"
Elaine Ma jumped up in excitement! "It's a bag! My good son-in-law, you're so generous!"
She had always wanted an Hermes bag. Today's gift was a huge surprise.
She eagerly unpacked the bag, smiling. "This bag is so beautiful! How do you like it?" She looked at Charlie, her smile fawning. "My son-in-law, you're so generous! You bought me such an expensive bag!"
Charlie smiled slightly. "You like it."
"I love it!" Elaine Ma hugged the bag excitedly. "I was so blind before! My good son-in-law, forget what happened before!"
Charlie nodded. He reflected that perhaps a little material reward tames even a shrew like Elaine. Her improved behavior demonstrated that her past actions stemmed from a lack of understanding the consequences of her actions.
Charlie then handed her two smaller gift boxes. "Mom, here are two more gifts, for you."
"Ah? More?!" Elaine Ma was ecstatic. She quickly opened the boxes, revealing Hermes scarves. "Wow! Hermes scarves! They’re beautiful! These are expensive, right?"