The Amazing Son-in-Law: Chapters 1861-1865
Chapter 1861
"Selling face?"
Lord Banks, visibly moved, said, "In this world, everything has a price. They say the enemy who killed your father is unforgivable. But offer him a hundred million, a billion, even ten billion—there's always a price that will sway him."
He paused. "But the question is, how much is this face worth? If it costs ten billion, even a hundred billion, would you pay it?"
Zayne fell silent. He desperately wanted to save Xion, his own flesh and blood. How could he watch her die? Xion, a top Banks Family master, was young and promising. Rescuing her would be a huge boon to the family. Yet, sentiment aside, the cost had to be carefully considered.
Tens or hundreds of billions—the Banks Family might not approve. After all, only he and the old man knew Xion was his daughter; everyone else considered her a subordinate.
Tens of millions for a subordinate is acceptable. A few hundred million for a top expert like Xion, he could stomach. But a larger sum would raise eyebrows. Even if accepted, suspicions of hidden motives would arise.
Lord Banks offered comfort. "Zayne, I want Xion safe—she's Banks Family, my granddaughter, your daughter. But business requires weighing pros and cons. If the disadvantages are equal to, or less than the advantages, proceed. But if the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, don't force it."
Zayne anguished, "Dad, how much will the Banks Family pay for Xion? We already paid a great deal to rescue Fitz and Zara…"
Lord Banks pondered. "Xion's identity is…complicated. I can't equate her with Zara. Let's aim for under one billion, to keep the accounting discreet. Anything higher will invite questions."
Zayne hesitated. "I'll try. I'll fly to Osaka to find someone to mediate."
Lord Banks warned, "Don't. The Japanese government knows you're involved, but they're avoiding conflict with the Banks Family. But if you go to Osaka, and someone confesses, they might change their minds."
Zayne agreed. The Japanese government had essentially given the Banks Family a bit of face. Justice for the murder was enough; they wouldn't press further. But a high-profile rescue attempt would be seen as shameless. The government might retaliate.
He sighed. "I understand, Dad. I'll fly back from Aomori tomorrow morning."
Chapter 1862
"Good," Lord Banks said. "Focus on the bigger picture. The Banks Family is in trouble. We need a meeting to strategize. We must quickly regain lost power, or other families will make their move!"
"Understood."
Meanwhile, in Eastcliff at the Wade family estate, news of the Banks Family's losses in Japan had sent shockwaves through the city. No one expected the top Chinese family to suffer such a devastating blow. It was terrible news for the Banks Family, but excellent news for everyone else!
The Banks Family's dominance in Eastcliff was immense. Only the Wade Family could compete. Now, the Banks Family was weakened, the gap narrowed. Everyone reveled in their misfortune.
The Wades were particularly jubilant.
Lord Wade paced excitedly. "Those Banks Family masters were a constant threat, especially Xion—young, powerful, ruthless. She was a thorn in my side. This Japanese debacle is fantastic!"
Corran agreed. "The Banks Family is crippled. For a long time, they’ll be keeping their tails between their legs!"
Lord Wade asked, "How are Jon's talks with Ito Yuhiko going?"
Corran shrugged. "Jon met Ito Yuhiko in the hospital, but Ito Yuhiko seems uninterested in continuing business at this stage."
Lord Wade nodded. "Understandable. Losing his legs…even ordinary people would be depressed. A top businessman like Ito Yuhiko—it's perfectly normal."
Corran asked, "Should Jon return, or stay in Tokyo?"
Lord Wade considered. "Stay in Tokyo. Visit Ito Yuhiko in two days. His attitude might soften. Let Jon stay until the ninth day of the lunar new year."
"Okay," Corran nodded. "I'll go to Aurouss Hill tomorrow. It would be wonderful if Charlie Wade returned for the New Year!"
Corran chuckled. "If not, we can’t force him…"
Lord Wade said seriously, "The Wade family isn't thriving. Charlie Wade's return would boost us, and secure advantageous marriages. Perhaps not Zara from the Banks Family, but at least Stefanie from the Sun family. A Sun-Wade alliance would counter the Banks Family!"
Chapter 1863
Charlie Wade's plane landed in Aurouss Hill at 10 PM. To surprise Claire, he hadn't told her he was coming. Cameron Isaac had arranged transport, and they went home in separate cars.
Don Albert and Liam left separately; Cameron Isaac drove Charlie Wade back to Thompson First.
In the car, Cameron Isaac said, "Master, we really crippled the Banks Family. They'll be desperate for revenge…"
Charlie Wade smiled. "They're barely holding on. The losses they suffered will take years to recover from."
Cameron Isaac sighed. "Even Xion Banks, who everyone in Eastcliff feared, was taken down by you. They suffered a heavy blow."
Charlie Wade frowned. "Xion? Who is she?"
Cameron Isaac explained that Xion was the woman Charlie had greeted on the plane—a top Banks Family operative.
Charlie Wade asked, "Is she the heir?"
"No," said Cameron Isaac. "She joined three years ago, but made a huge impact. Her strength is incredible."
Charlie Wade nodded. "A pity I didn't get to meet her."
Cameron Isaac laughed. "Master, she's just a mortal. Compared to you…a word from you, and she'd turn to ash!"
Charlie Wade said indifferently, "I don't use such power often. I prefer to learn from real martial arts masters."
Cameron Isaac said, "Many national martial arts masters are in Eastcliff, serving the Order or top families."
Charlie Wade smiled. "Perhaps I'll visit Eastcliff again."
Cameron Isaac's phone rang. "Master, it's your aunt…"
Charlie Wade frowned. He remembered his aunt, Cynthia—two years younger than his father. They weren't close. She favored his uncle, and often worked against his father.
Chapter 1864
Cameron Isaac answered the phone. Cynthia's high-pitched voice filled the car. "Isaac, are you in Aurouss Hill?"
"Yes, Miss," Cameron Isaac replied respectfully.
Cynthia said, "Tomorrow, prepare the presidential suite at the Aurouss Hill Shangri-La. Arrange transport to pick me up at the airport. I'm flying in the morning."
Cameron Isaac was surprised. "Miss, you're coming to Aurouss Hill?! What else needs to be prepared?"
Cynthia asked, "What's Charlie Wade been up to?"
Cameron Isaac glanced at Charlie Wade, who remained impassive. "Master Charlie Wade isn't busy. He's likely at home with his wife."
Cynthia scoffed. "The dignified young master of the Wade family, stuck in a third-rate city with a commoner family. He has the Emgrand Group, and all he does is stay home! What a waste!"
Cameron Isaac was flustered. "Miss, are you here to see Master Charlie Wade?"
"Yes," Cynthia said. "Tomorrow night, have him come to Shangri-La for dinner."
Cameron Isaac said, "I'll tell Master Charlie Wade."
"And," Cynthia continued, "I'm particular about beds. What brand is in the presidential suite?"
Cameron Isaac said, "Simmons Black Label, imported."
Cynthia snapped, "Replace it! With a Heisteng, high-end series."
(Heisteng beds are extremely expensive.)
Cameron Isaac agreed. "Miss, Aurouss Hill doesn't have a Heisteng store. I'll arrange for one to be bought and delivered."
Cynthia continued, "And the quilt. I want an Icelandic goose down quilt." (Also extremely expensive.)
Cameron Isaac agreed to everything.
Chapter 1865
Charlie Wade asked, "My aunt's sudden visit…what's her game?"
Cameron Isaac said, "Master, I rarely interact with the Wade family. You should ask Steward Thompson."
Charlie Wade waved it off. "We'll see what she wants."
Cameron Isaac asked, "Will you have dinner with your aunt tomorrow?"
Charlie Wade nodded. "Yes, tell me the time, I'll go myself."
Charlie Wade wondered about his aunt's current standing in the Wade family. Cameron Isaac explained that she had separated from her husband, and had returned to the Wade family.
Cameron Isaac explained that her husband's family, the Bass family, had suffered financial ruin, leading to their separation.
Charlie Wade nodded. "She's not someone to be trifled with."
Cameron Isaac warned, "Her temper is notorious. Don't be impulsive."
Charlie Wade smiled. "She probably wants me to return to the Wade family."
Cameron Isaac agreed. "Steward Thompson said the Master wants you back, but didn't press you since he knows you might resist."
Charlie Wade sighed. "These two families…one day, I'll crush them both."
Cameron Isaac drove Charlie Wade home. It was 11 PM. Charlie entered his villa, finding his wife and in-laws watching TV.