Chapter 1909
In an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city, Cynthia, unwilling to reveal her true identity, urgently addressed Donald. "Mr. Webb," she blurted, "I am the eldest daughter of the Wade family of Eastcliff. Regarding Charlie Wade's orphanage upbringing, I don't deny it. His situation is unique. His father was Bruce Wade, the renowned 'Eastcliff Tiger.' You've heard of him, haven't you?"
Donald was startled. He mused, "Bruce?! My childhood idol! He single-handedly elevated the Wade family to the pinnacle of national power, even surpassing the Rothschild family. In the domestic business world, he was a god! It's a shame he died young; his potential was limitless"
Frowning, Donald looked at Cynthia. "You claim Charlie Wade is Bruce's son? What proof do you have?"
"Don't you see the resemblance? They're practically twins! What more proof is needed?" Cynthia retorted.
"That's nonsense!" Donald countered coldly. "I don't even know what Bruce looked like." He explained that Bruce had died eighteen years prior, before the widespread use of the internet in China. Information relied on television and newspapers, which rarely covered the Wade family's private affairs. Word-of-mouth in upper-class circles was the primary source of information. Being in Eastcliff at the time, he'd never seen Bruce, only heard of his exploits.
Cynthia insisted, "You saw my ID. My name is Cynthia Wade, from Eastcliff. 'Wade' is my surname. I have two older brothers, Corran and Bruce, and two younger brothers, Myles and William, plus a younger sister, Aaliyah. This is all true! I am a Wade!"
Donald remained skeptical, muttering to himself, "Is she telling the truth? If so, I've caused a catastrophe! If the Wade family investigates, the Webb family will be ruined!"
Harold, noticing Donald's uncertainty and nervousness, whispered to Christopher, "Dad, Charlie Wade's… 'ordinary' background… isn't he really a Wade?"
Christopher frowned. "I don't know. It seems impossible, yet… where did this woman come from? Even if she's not Charlie's aunt, she's connected to him somehow."
"Makes sense," Harold agreed.
Elaine Ma, initially skeptical, found herself increasingly convinced by Cynthia's claims. She wondered, "My son-in-law… is he really from a top family?! If so, I'll be incredibly wealthy!"
Her excitement quickly turned to despair. Surrounded by menacing figures, she lamented, "Oh, why is my life so miserable? Just when my son-in-law gains power, I'm trapped by these thugs! If they send me to a brick kiln… will Charlie save me?"