The Amazing Son-in-Law

Chapter 171

Charlie Wade left the White family mansion, leaving everyone staring in amazement. Jasmine couldn't help but periodically glance at him as he drove her home. Charlie had reverted to his usual, unremarkable self; he no longer projected the powerful aura he'd exuded earlier. Jasmine felt a little unsettled. In the courtyard, he'd emanated an extraordinary, mystical presence. Now, seated beside her, he looked like an ordinary passerby. She wondered if this was deliberate or just an impression.

"Charlie Wade," she asked, "were you really the one who summoned the thunder and lightning just now?"

He grinned. "Why don't you guess? Would you believe me if I said it was a coincidence?"

The image of Charlie confidently summoning the storm flashed through Jasmine's mind. Any woman would have been captivated by his commanding presence. Her heart beat faster, but she quickly dismissed the thought. What a joke! Even the world's best physicist couldn't control lightning! If Charlie could summon storms at will, why would he be the impoverished son-in-law of the Wilsons? Was the thunderstorm truly a coincidence?

As soon as Charlie reached his doorstep, he heard his mother-in-law, Elaine Ma, from inside.

"I told you to find a capable husband, but you refused! Look at Rachel's son-in-law! He can afford a four-bedroom house, over 180 square meters! Ours is barely 120! It's embarrassing!"

Elaine continued, "Others rely on their sons-in-law, but yours is useless! I can't rely on him; I'll never live in a big house!"

Claire Wilson interjected, irritated, "Mom, why are you always envious of others? I've been promoted to director! With a few more years of saving, we can afford a bigger house."

Elaine sneered. "Wait a few more years? Since you married Charlie, we've never had a good day! "

Claire retorted, "Mom, why the constant comparisons?"

Elaine whined, "I hate losing to my friends!"

Charlie shook his head, unlocked the door, and entered the house, appearing meek. Elaine snorted upon seeing him. "Do you know what time it is?"

Charlie smiled. "Okay, Mom. I'll start cooking."

He understood Elaine's nature. She'd always be jealous of others' possessions. If she knew Zeke was giving him a villa, she'd shower him with praise to curry favor.

Chapter 172

However, Charlie didn't intend to mention the villa because of Elaine's current attitude.

While Charlie cooked, Claire whispered, "Charlie, don't take Mom's words to heart. She's vain and idealistic."

He feigned ignorance. "What did she say? I didn't hear anything."

Claire playfully jabbed his temple. "Right. It would be strange if you didn't."

Charlie seized the opportunity to hold her hand. Claire blushed, looked around, and tried to pull away. He held firm, examining the bracelet he'd made her. "Is the bracelet effective?"

"Yes," she replied. "I feel lighter, more relaxed, and comfortable. What's it made of? Why is it so effective?"

"Just pearls," he smiled.

The Holy Pearl of the Sea made her wrist look delicate and tender. Holding her warm hand, he didn't want to let go. Realizing his thoughts, she blushed, glared, and withdrew her hand.

"Are you interested in moving into a new house?" he asked.

"Of course! Who wouldn't want a bigger house? Since Mom moved out of the suite, she's complained constantly about how small and worn-out this house is…" She sighed. "But new houses are expensive. We don't have much cash."

Then, she brightened. "We could look at new properties! We can calculate the price difference. If it's not too much, we can get a new house soon!"

Before Charlie could respond, she exclaimed, "It's decided! Tomorrow's a weekend. Let's look at some new houses!"

He nodded, seeing her excitement. "Sure. If you want to look at new houses, I'll accompany you."

Claire used her phone to research properties, settling on an area with a good environment.

After dinner, a courier delivered a small parcel to Charlie. Inside were a key and several gold cards marked "Thompson First Villa A05."

He received a call from Zeke, the head of the White family. Zeke warmly greeted him. "Mr. Wade, have you received the key and cards for the villa? Thompson First, built by Thompson First Development in Aurouss Hill, is one of the most luxurious projects. Villa A05, which I've gifted you, is the largest, over 1000 square meters excluding the courtyard! I hope you and your family enjoy it."

Charlie knew Thompson First was a high-end development. A villa there would cost at least $100 million. Zeke was being incredibly generous.

"Thank you for your kindness," Charlie replied lightly.

Zeke exclaimed, "No, no! It's an honor to do something for you, Mr. Wade!"

Back in the room, Charlie asked Claire, "My dear wife, do you like the villas at Thompson First?"

Claire gasped. "Thompson First?! How will we ever afford it? Their properties are twice the price of others! But they are the best in Aurouss Hill!"

Charlie smiled. "We can look at them tomorrow before deciding."

Claire quickly waved her hand. "Forget it. Let's be realistic and look at average houses instead."

Charlie grinned. "I didn't tell you, but I have a friend at Thompson First. He said he can get me a villa at cost price. Why don't we check it out first?"

Chapter 173

Early the next morning, Charlie, armed with the key and cards, drove to the Thompson First sales center with Claire.

They arrived at a crowded sales center. Aurouss Hill residents were clearly interested in the properties, even if they couldn't afford them.

Seeing the crowd, Claire pulled Charlie aside. "Charlie, there are too many people. We can't afford anything here, let's go somewhere else."

He smiled. "My dear wife, since we're here, let's look. I want to see the properties."

Claire replied helplessly, "Well, I suppose it's time to look at Thompson First."

Inside, a crowd listened to a sales representative describe Thompson First Villas. The development was large, with high-rises and houses ranging from 120 to 240 square meters, costing $80,000 per square meter. The most exclusive area housed the Thompson First villas, ranging from 300 to over 1000 square meters, costing $130,000 per square meter. Zeke's gift was worth $130 million!

The representative explained, "We offer special property and security services for villa owners. While villas and other residences share the development, villas have additional secure fencing, creating a separate community. The general area is already secure; no outsiders allowed. The villa area is even more secure. Burglars can't get in. You can rest assured with a villa."

A woman angrily exclaimed, "Isn't this excessive? Are the residents of the other buildings supposed to be the security for the villa owners?"

Many agreed. Charlie recognized the woman – Wendy, Claire's cousin, with her father Christopher, mother Hannah, and brother Harold. Why were they here? Charlie and Claire were shocked. Were they here to buy a house?

Claire whispered to Charlie, "Uncle and his family are here. Let's leave!"

Charlie shook his head. "Where should we go? Why leave just because they're here?"

Claire replied, "I'm afraid they'll cause trouble again…"

Chapter 174

Charlie smiled slightly. "Don't worry. Your husband has been bullied for years. I'm used to it."

"Okay then…" Claire replied.

The sales representative smiled at Wendy. "Miss, it's common knowledge that Thompson First values villa owners. Our private pool, gym, sports club, golf course, and Michelin-starred Italian restaurant are exclusively for villa owners."

Wendy retorted angrily, "What do you mean? We're spending a lot of money too!"

The representative replied, "We also have a clubhouse in the high-rise area. If you choose a high-rise condo, you can use that clubhouse."

Wendy asked, "So, I can't use the villa facilities? The golf course?"

"No," the representative said, "The villa facilities are for villa owners only. I'm sorry."

Harold was furious. "What are you doing? We're buying a 240 square meter unit! You won't let us use the villa facilities? I'll change my mind!"

The representative continued smiling. "Sir, let me explain. When we started this project, we only built the outer ring of residences as per city council requirements. We didn't have permission to build an entire plot just for villas. That's why we built the other residences surrounding the villas. Our priority has always been the villa owners. If you can't accept our terms, you can choose a villa or not buy anything at all. Our properties are selling very well; nearly eighty percent of the general residences are already sold!"

Harold's expression darkened. He'd expected the representative to yield to his threats, but she remained unfazed. Her message was clear: "If you like it, buy it. Otherwise, leave."

Furious, Harold turned to his parents. "Let's go! I don't want to buy here. We can get properties elsewhere!"

Hannah stared at him. "Why leave? I want to buy here. I don't want to live anywhere else."

Harold insisted, "Mom, do you want to be one of those people guarding the wealthy villa owners? You deserve better! What's so great about these houses? Even if the amenities in the other buildings aren't as good as the villas, this is the best high-rise in Aurouss Hill! Grandma's villa is old and remote. We have no nearby amenities. We have to travel far just to buy cigarettes! How can we compare that to here?"

Christopher agreed. "Grandma's villa is old and remote. Let's buy a unit here!"

Harold sighed. He'd been rude to the representative, and now looked foolish. He spotted two familiar faces – Claire and Charlie. He shouted, "Claire Wilson! Charlie Wade! What are you doing here?"

Claire hadn't expected to be seen. Harold's call drew the attention of his family. Claire could only manage a smile. "Charlie and I are here to look at the houses."

Harold sneered. "Why? Can you afford anything here? Your husband doesn't work; he lives off you! Why are you even looking at Thompson First?"

Chapter 175

Harold clearly looked down on Charlie. He relished the opportunity to mock them.

Charlie sneered at Harold's mocking tone. "What? If someone like you can look at Thompson First, why can't we?"

Harold sneered. "My family is here because we can afford a house! Can you afford anything here?"

Charlie smiled. "How sure are you that I can't?"

Harold scoffed. "Do you know how much these houses cost? Even the smallest is at least ten million dollars!"

Charlie chuckled. "Why would I look at the smallest? If I buy a house, I'll get the biggest."

Harold laughed. "The biggest, 240 square meters?"

Wendy giggled. "Yes, Charlie Wade. Do you think you can afford that? Even our family can't afford it! Who do you think you are?"

Charlie looked at her, grinned, and said, "Who said I want a 240 square meter house?"

Wendy snorted. "So, what are you saying? Didn't you say you want the biggest? Are you taking back your words?"

Charlie chuckled. "Wendy, you don't know much, do you? Don't you know the biggest properties in Thompson First are the villas in the center?"

Wendy laughed. "The villas? The smallest ones cost tens of millions! The most expensive one is at least a hundred million. You'll never save that much even in eight lifetimes!"

Charlie smiled. "Coincidentally, I happen to own one of the biggest villas here!"

Harold and his family erupted in laughter. Harold pointed at Charlie. "You? You own one of the biggest villas in Thompson? Are you trying to make a fool of yourself, Charlie Wade?"

Several customers, having heard Charlie's claim, stared at him. "He's dressed casually. He doesn't look rich. Do you think he can afford a villa in Thompson First?"

"If he really owns a villa, then I'd be able to buy the whole Thompson First!"

"He's good at bragging!"

Claire paled and whispered to Charlie, "Charlie! Aren't you worried about being embarrassed?"

Charlie grinned. "Why would I be embarrassed if I'm telling the truth?"

Harold laughed. "Look! Even your own wife doesn't believe you!"

Harold then dragged a sales representative over. "Miss, this man said he owns one of the biggest villas in Thompson!"

The saleswoman looked at Charlie's casual attire. He couldn't afford even the smallest three-bedroom house, let alone the biggest villa.

The crowd started shouting. "Get this guy out! He's ruining our mood!"