Chapter 2021

Charlie Wade's heart pounded when he heard Claire Wilson's ridicule. He feared his mother-in-law and wife were subtly probing his true identity. Therefore, Claire's direct questioning made him nervous.

However, Elaine Ma waved her hand, smiled at Charlie, and said, "Claire, that's unlikely. While my son-in-law is now successful, that's recent. When Loreen visited Aurous Hill, he hadn't yet 'risen.' Don't you remember Harold, that spineless fellow, even dared to challenge him then?"

Claire smiled helplessly. "Then I truly don't know what 'big treasure' you're referring to."

Elaine laughed. "What it is isn't important; it's none of our business. I'm just saying your friend isn't simple; she's hiding a secret."

Claire said, "Let it be. Even if she is, it's none of my concern. I won't pry into her privacy." She added, "Mom, when Loreen arrives, don't ask too many questions. Let's avoid gossiping."

Elaine nodded. "Fine, I'll be quiet."

Charlie finally relaxed.

Downstairs, Jacob Wilson was eating noodles. Seeing them, he asked, "What was all the commotion upstairs? Mother was quite noisy this morning."

Elaine laughed. "Jacob, your mother's become quite something! She was loudly cursing Hannah on the balcony, claiming Hannah stole her money and threatening to call the police!"

Jacob muttered, "Mother's balcony cursing is nothing compared to your neighborhood-wide yelling."

Elaine slapped the table. "Jacob Wilson, what did you say?!"

Jacob quickly waved his hands. "Nothing!" He changed the subject. "Why would Hannah steal Mother's money? What's going on?"

Seeing Jacob's quick change of topic, Elaine glared at him before saying, "I don't know what drama they're creating."

Jacob sighed. "It's ruined a perfectly good day. It's a good thing Father's businesses were already ruined by them."

Elaine scoffed. "It doesn't matter if they ruined the family business. It's none of our concern, as long as they don't come to us with a fake smile!"

Jacob nodded, looking troubled, and remained silent.

After breakfast, Loreen and Sam arrived, bearing gifts. Loreen warmly greeted Jacob and Elaine, "Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt! I came early to pay my respects!" She then greeted Claire and Charlie.

Claire and Charlie replied, "Happy New Year!"

Sam, timidly following Loreen, seemed terrified of Charlie. Loreen said, "This is my cousin, Sam. Say hello."

Sam, fearfully, said, "Happy New Year, Uncle, Aunt, Miss Wade, and Mr. Wade," bowing deeply. Elaine was astonished.

While unfamiliar with Sam, she knew Loreen's aunt married into the powerful Eastcliff Kilgore family. She was surprised by Sam's excessive politeness, thinking, "Is Kilgore family discipline this strict? For the young master to bow so deeply to a small family like ours incredible!"

She didn't know Sam, normally arrogant, was terrified of Charlie. He'd taken nearly twenty days to cycle from Eastcliff to Aurous Hill, exceeding Charlie's fifteen-day deadline. He feared Charlie's retribution and a prolonged stay in Aurous Hill.