"Dragon Son-in-law" a.k.a. Millionaire Son-in-law, Charlie Wade Story. Translated by Junlee (aka Jungal2000)

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1051: "Debts and Desperation"

Jerome found himself in a state of utter disbelief, as if the very foundations of his world were crumbling beneath him. The shocking video footage of Nestor's lifeless fall into the river left no room for doubt; his debtor was irrevocably gone. The weightiest dilemma now loomed before Jerome – how to retrieve the owed sum of 620,000 dollars.

The magnitude of this debt threatened to plunge him into financial ruin, for the usurious loan of 500,000 dollars had the potential to snowball into an astronomical debt burden. A desperate sense of urgency engulfed him, propelling him to take immediate action.

Without delay, he dialed the emergency number, 110, and hastily reported his predicament to the police. Panic gripped his voice as he explained, "Officer, I've been deceived. Someone swindled me out of 620,000 dollars, but now he's deceased. What recourse do I have?"

The police, measured and detached, responded, "If the individual involved has indeed passed away, we are unable to address this matter. We advise you to initiate legal proceedings in court to recover your debt from the deceased's estate. Alternatively, seek repayment from any surviving family members, particularly parents or guardians."

Tears welled up in Jerome's eyes as he replied, "Officer, he was an orphan without any direct relatives or guardians. What options do I have now?"

The police inquired further, "Did this debtor possess any tangible assets, such as a house or a car? If so, you may pursue a court-ordered asset seizure and liquidation of his personal belongings."

In that moment, Jerome's eyes widened in realization.

Nestor, while no longer among the living, had left behind a Mercedes and a Phaeton – the latter being particularly valuable. The Mercedes might fetch around three or four hundred thousand dollars, but the Phaeton was a substantial asset. With it in his possession, not only could Jerome offset his debts, but he might even turn a profit. After all, there were no surviving relatives to contest his claim on Nestor's property, and it was a perfectly legitimate course of action.

Determined, Jerome abruptly ended the call, rushing out to hail a taxi bound for Nestor's residence.

Unbeknownst to him, Marion, another interested party, was in the midst of watching the viral video on the internet. Marion had been among the guests invited by Orvel to a lavish banquet at Chef Legenda Mansion, where their attention had shifted to the shocking footage that had surfaced.

As denizens of Aurous Hill's underworld, they were not unfamiliar with the Beggar Gang in Suzhou and Hangzhou. Witnessing the obliteration of the entire sect was nothing short of astonishing, and discussions ran rampant at the banquet.

Speculation about the identity of the perpetrator, his formidable strength, and his apparent disregard for the Weaver family's power and influence captivated their attention. Only Orvel held the secret knowledge that the mastermind behind these events was none other than Charlie.

Initially, Marion, like the others, was merely intrigued and engaged in speculative chatter. However, when he witnessed Nestor's demise on the video, his heart raced with disbelief.

It was the same individual who had collided with his car – the one who had yet to compensate him for the damages. And now, fate had taken a sinister turn, leaving Marion grappling with the absurdity of it all. With Nestor's demise, who would now be held accountable for the damages to his vehicle?

emzeeviper · Jan 8, 2024

I can't help the feeling that 97% of this characters are dumb. Someone has the surname of the most prestigious family, you're saying it cannot be him, another asking if he orchestrated a extraction of the children when you clearly thought there's more to him than eyes meet.
If It'll be something I think, then that'll be that this story can just be related to what Dustin did for Dahlia within the 3 years of their marriage since he also helped her secretly.

The only part I'm waiting for now is the night

scene, where they'll both be playing on the bed

cause that's the only thing keeping me to continue reading the story

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1052: "The Quest for the Missing Phaeton"

Marion had invested more than two million in that car, and it hadn't even reached a month of age! What exacerbated his frustration was that he had imprudently handed over the damaged vehicle to the young man who caused the accident. He had initially intended to make the young man compensate him for a new car, but fate had taken a cruel twist with the young man's untimely demise. Now, not only was there no replacement car in sight, but he was also clueless about the whereabouts of his damaged Phaeton.

As he mulled over this infuriating predicament, Marion clenched his teeth, silently vowing, "I must locate my Phaeton, or I'll face substantial losses!"

Thankfully, he had dispatched one of his subordinates to intimidate the young man earlier, so he knew the address of the young man's residence. With determination, he informed Orvel, "Lord Orvel, I have some pressing matters to attend to; I will return once they are resolved."

Orvel nodded and declared, "Go ahead, but make haste. Tonight, I shall escort you to the Splendid Clubhouse."

The onlookers erupted in cheers, but Marion's mind was preoccupied with his missing Phaeton. He had little interest in the club; his sole focus was on locating his prized possession.

Exiting the Chef Legenda Mansion, he found his subordinate and chauffeur waiting in an aging Audi A6. Marion swiftly entered the vehicle and instructed, "Hurry to the young man's residence from yesterday!"

His subordinate questioned in surprise, "Brother Mar, why visit there now? Aren't you dining with Lord Orvel?"

An impatient Marion urged, "Enough chatter; drive swiftly, or I might lose my Phaeton!"

Marion, a seasoned figure in the underworld, knew all too well that when someone met an untimely demise, their belongings often became the target of covetous individuals. He couldn't shake the worry that his Phaeton might be taken away, as the top-of-the-line vehicle was indeed a valuable commodity.

With that thought in mind, he retrieved another set of Phaeton keys from the Audi A6's glove compartment. He was determined to retrieve the car at any cost, even if it meant footing the bill for repairs rather than losing the prized Phaeton.

Meanwhile, Jerome arrived at Nestor's residential building. Relief washed over him as he spotted the Phaeton parked downstairs. As long as the car remained, his debt could be settled.

However, a new conundrum presented itself – he couldn't drive, nor did he possess the car keys, rendering it impossible to take the Phaeton with him. Without the means to operate it, he couldn't sell it to alleviate his financial woes.

Recognizing the gravity of his predicament, he reached out to a friend employed at an automotive repair shop, inquiring, "Can you come to Jinxiu Shanhe District 1 and tow a vehicle for me?"

Fully aware of Jerome's knack for exploiting others and his audacity in using a friend's facilities just to save on resources, his acquaintance retorted, "I can tow it, but you'll have to pay upfront. It's over ten kilometers from here to Jinxiu Shanhe, so it'll cost you 800 dollars."

Frustration welled up within Jerome as he cursed, "800 dollars for such a short distance? Are you trying to rob me?"

His friend replied disdainfully, "Take it or leave it; that's the price."

Chapter 1053: "A Desperate Bargain"

Upon receiving such a stern reply, Jerome found himself unable to maintain his facade any longer.

With a sense of urgency, he conceded, "Very well, my friend. I'll agree to your 800 dollars demand. Please come as swiftly as possible; my situation is pressing."

The other party responded, "I won't budge until you transfer the funds via WeChat. Your track record for reliability is far from stellar; I've learned this from past experiences."

Jerome, somewhat resigned, replied, "Understood. You have my word. I'll initiate the transfer on WeChat immediately. Please don't waste any time."

"Only once the money arrives in my account will I commence my journey. Trust is paramount; I'm not willing to risk being deceived."

Realizing he could delay no longer, Jerome promptly reached for his phone to transfer the promised 800 dollars.

Yet, as he tapped the confirmation button, he was confronted with the harsh reality of an insufficient bank account balance.

It then dawned upon him that he had entrusted the lion's share of his family's wealth to Nestor in hopes of reaping greater profits. Consequently, he retained a mere 500 dollars for personal expenses, banking on Nestor's prompt repayment.

Now, he was short of the necessary 800 dollars.

Regrettably, Jerome could only transfer 500 dollars and offered a voice message as a plea, "Dear friend, I have only 500 dollars in my account at this moment. I beseech you to accept this amount, and I shall promptly remit the remaining 300 dollars as soon as it becomes available."

The other party retorted via voice message, "Spare me the tales. Am I not aware of your history? On our previous trip to Hong Kong with my girlfriend, you requested cosmetics for your own girlfriend, amounting to 1320 dollars. However, you only repaid 1100 dollars, citing your intention to settle the remainder upon receiving your salary. What became of that promise? You still owe me 220 dollars!"

Desperate, Jerome implored, "My friend, I confess my fault in that matter, and I genuinely forgot about it. However, this time, I assure you, I will not forget. I pledge to return the 220 dollars, along with the remaining sum, without fail. Is this acceptable to you?"

"Let us consider this 500 dollars as a down payment, and you may proceed to tow my vehicle. Upon selling it, I shall remunerate you the outstanding 520 dollars in one installment, bringing the total to 600!"

The other party remained resolute, stating firmly, "No, you must tender the full 800 today, or our arrangement is null."

Having affirmed this, the person processed the payment and returned 280 dollars, clarifying, "This 220 dollars settles your outstanding debt to me. I returned the remaining 280. Should you desire my assistance in towing your vehicle, you will need to secure another 800."

A sense of frustration and desperation washed over Jerome. Not only did the person refuse to aid him, but they also deducted the owed 220 dollars. With a mere 280 dollars remaining, seeking alternative towing services appeared futile.

Recognizing the dire circumstances, he clenched his teeth and proposed, "Very well, I will borrow the additional funds to fulfill the 800 dollars requirement. Will this arrangement be acceptable to you?"

The other party conceded, "Very well, I have the time now. Once the funds are in place, I shall proceed."

Without delay, Jerome sent out a group message to his colleagues: "This is Jerome. I find myself facing an urgent situation and require a sum of 520 dollars. Can anyone extend a loan to me? I will reimburse you as soon as my salary arrives."

Left with only 280 dollars, he required an additional 520 dollars to secure the services of the individual for towing.

Unfortunately, his reputation preceded him, and among the sixty to seventy colleagues he contacted, not a single one was willing to extend assistance.

Most did not respond at all, while those who did declined outright.

Their reasons varied—some claimed financial constraints, others alleged investment commitments, and a few confessed to losing money in gambling.

In sum, none were willing to extend financial support to Jerome.

Driven to desperation, he had no choice but to turn to his girlfriend and plead, "Janine, could you possibly lend me 520 dollars?"

In an exasperated tone, his girlfriend responded, "Jerome, are you serious? Typically, it's the boyfriend who gifts 520 dollars to the girlfriend, and here you are asking me for money? Have you no shame?"

Jerome quickly clarified, "Janine, it's not what it seems. I'm genuinely in dire straits and urgently require 520 dollars. Please, lend it to me, and I promise to repay you once my salary arrives."

After a considerable pause and heavy sighing, she retorted, "Jerome... you're truly pitiable... asking for a meager 520 dollars? What happened to your savings? Weren't you sitting on a substantial sum, tens of thousands? Where has it all gone?"

Jerome replied, "It's a long story, Janine. Could you lend me the 520 dollars for now? I will return it to you later, I promise."

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1054: "A Twisted Transaction"

As the moment unfolds, an unexpected male voice resonates through the phone, labored breaths accentuating his words as he cautions, "Why engage in futile discourse at such a critical juncture? Simply remit the funds without delay, sparing no room for procrastination."

Jerome's instincts are immediately aroused, and he inquires, "Janine, why is there a male presence on the line? With whom are you currently accompanied?"

The response comes hastily, "Oh, it's just my cousin. Remember my back injury? We're attempting some back exercises on my bed, and I require assistance, which I summoned him over for."

Jerome, accepting this explanation, responds with a casual "oh," recalling his girlfriend's recent endeavors in bed and dismissing further suspicion.

In the background, his girlfriend interjects, "Enough chatter; I'll transfer the funds to your WeChat shortly."

This declaration elicits immediate elation from Jerome, who eagerly exclaims, "Janine, you're truly remarkable. Thank you."

The voice on the other end cuts in with urgency, "Alright, I won't hold you any longer. I'm disconnecting."

With the call terminated, a red envelope containing 520 dollars arrives in Jerome's WeChat account, instilling him with joy. He promptly transfers the entire 800 dollars to his friend at the repair shop.

Anxious to resolve his predicament, he urges, "Dear friend, I've repaid your 220 dollars and forwarded you an additional 800. Please expedite your arrival; time is of the essence."

His friend swiftly acknowledges the receipt of the funds, assuring, "I'm en route and should reach you within 20 minutes."

"Perfect!" Jerome exclaims with enthusiasm. "Kindly notify me upon your arrival."

Jerome then assumes a crouched position before his Phaeton, his anticipation palpable as he awaits his friend's arrival.

Ten minutes pass, and his friend calls to reassure him, confirming his imminent arrival and urging him not to fret.

However, at that very moment, an aging Audi A6 pulls up, right before his eyes.

Marion's heart lightens upon spotting his Phaeton nearby.

"Though my car remains unrepaired," he muses, "at least I've recovered some of my losses. Losing this car, along with that insufferable youth's demise, would have spelled true calamity."

With determination, he instructs his subordinate, "I'll take the Phaeton back. Follow me closely."

The subordinate nods obediently, affirming, "Certainly, Brother Mar."

Exiting his vehicle, Marion's annoyance festers, his thoughts dwelling on the exorbitant repair costs and the expense of replacing his remote key. He laments, "Such an unjust calamity! Perhaps I've irked the Tai Sui (Chinese astrology's God of the year) this year?"

As he steps out to unlock the Phaeton, his gaze lands upon a young man squatting in front of his car.

Irritation swells within Marion, and he scolds sharply, "What in the world are you doing? Move along!"

Jerome may be destitute and lacking in refinement, but his obstinacy is unmatched, akin to a resilient boulder in a cesspool.

In colloquial terms, his impecunious determination is undeniable.

However, his unyielding resolve is not readily apparent when he is ingratiating. Observing the middle-aged man before him and assessing the car he alighted from, Jerome's disdain intensifies. "It's merely an aged, second-hand A6," he scoffs inwardly. "This subpar vehicle pales in comparison to my Phaeton, and yet he presumes to assert himself? Where I choose to squat is none of his concern."

With this conviction, Jerome, still squatting, gazes up at Marion and utters with disdain, "I'll squat wherever I please. What's it to you?"

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1055: BEHAVING INSOLENTLY

In an unexpected turn of events, Marion found himself irritated when a disheveled individual squatting in front of his car dared to confront him. Without uttering a word, he raised his foot and forcefully shoved Jerome to the ground, proceeding to deliver a relentless thrashing.

Jerome, suffering the blows, cried out in both agony and indignation, "Why are you attacking me? What have I done to provoke you? Are you out of your mind?"

Marion's retaliatory punch struck Jerome squarely on the nose, causing it to bleed profusely. In a cold, scathing tone, he berated him, "Why were you squatting so brazenly in front of my car, behaving insolently? Did you think you could escape without repercussions?" He continued his assault with a flurry of blows.

The relentless assault left Jerome on the verge of losing consciousness, his vision filled with stars.

Meanwhile, Marion's henchmen, having observed the confrontation, hastened to join the fray, subjecting Jerome to a merciless beating.

With the sudden addition of another assailant, Jerome, already in a dire state, felt an overwhelming sense of despair.

His initial bravado had all but dissipated by now.

As the ruthless attackers showed no intention of letting up, nearly bludgeoning him into submission, Jerome could endure it no longer. Tearfully, he implored, "Brother, I admit my mistake, please stop beating me. You're going to kill someone…"

Yet Marion displayed no signs of relenting, cursing as he continued his relentless assault, "I was merely seeking an outlet for my rage, and then you crossed my path. It would be an injustice if I didn't teach you a lesson!"

By now, Jerome had been pummeled mercilessly, his face obscured by blood, rendering him barely recognizable as a human being.

At that moment, a tow truck suddenly arrived on the scene, driven by none other than Jerome's friend, who yelled from his vehicle's window, "Hey, what are you doing? Cease this brutality, or I'll contact the authorities!"

This young man possessed a strong sense of justice and moral character. He had not initially recognized Jerome as the victim, but witnessing such a brutal beating compelled him to intervene.

With much of his pent-up anger now vented through physical violence against Jerome, Marion weighed the risks of further entanglement, particularly with an impending dinner engagement with his boss.

He coldly addressed Jerome, "You're fortunate today, kid. Otherwise, I would have ended you!" With that, he gave Jerome a final kick, retrieved his car keys, and unlocked his Phaeton's door.

Jerome, almost unconscious and with eyes swollen like eggs, suddenly noticed Marion opening the Phaeton's door and panicked.

"Why are you opening my car?" Jerome roared, scrambling towards Marion.

Before Marion could react, Jerome had tightly grasped his legs.

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1056 THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

Jerome's visage bore the stains of blood, marred across his trousers in a grim tableau!

Marion, his fury barely contained, delivered another kick with unrestrained ire, bellowing, "You ingrate! Are you courting your own demise? When did my car become yours?"

Misinterpreting Marion as another of Nestor's creditors vying for possession of the car, Jerome scrambled back, clutching desperately at Marion's legs, his voice a frantic refrain, "This Phaeton belongs to me! It's mine! You cannot take it away!"

Marion, now seething, seized Jerome by the collar, and his fist rained down on the bewildered face, each strike an exclamation of exasperation, "Have you lost your senses? Can't you see I have the car keys? Since when did my car become yours?"

Jerome wailed, "No! This is Nestor's car. He owes me 620,000 dollars. I need this car to settle the debt. If you take it, you're taking my life!"

"I will knock some sense into you!" Marion's knuckles found their mark once more, his words laden with frustration, "You truly are deranged! Let me make this clear: this car was originally mine. Nestor had rear-ended my vehicle, and I left it with him for repairs. Now that he's deceased, it's rightfully mine to reclaim. If you meddle further, I might just have to take your life!"

Jerome's sobs echoed, "This can't be! It can't! This car belongs to Nestor. He owned two cars, a Mercedes and this Phaeton. His Mercedes was damaged, so he was using this Phaeton. Now that he's gone and owes me so much money, I must take this car to settle the debt! If you don't give me this car, then you might as well kill me; I have no desire to live!"

Marion teetered on the precipice of his own patience.

This tenacity was akin to that of an indomitable cockroach, clinging stubbornly even after enduring a severe thrashing.

But he couldn't resort to murder in broad daylight. His influence could only extend so far, even in covering up a matter of such magnitude.

With a heavy heart, he sought to rid himself of this unhinged interloper. He hauled Jerome to the rear of the Phaeton, gesturing at the extensive damage to the car's rear, his tone laced with frigid exasperation, "Examine this closely with your woeful eyes. See the wreckage here? Wonder why it's damaged? It's because yesterday, that Nestor collided with my Phaeton in his Mercedes. Do you comprehend now?"

Jerome's face resembled a macabre mosaic of blood, yet he stubbornly shook his head, refusing to acquiesce, "I do not believe it! I don't! This car belongs to Nestor! I require it to settle the debt, and you cannot wrest it from me!"

Marion found himself at a loss for the first time.

What recourse remained? Could he truly resort to murder?

Beatings alone proved ineffectual in prying the man loose, and their stalemate remained an unsatisfactory resolution.

In a last-ditch effort, he commanded his subordinate, "Lester, retrieve the vehicle registration certificate for this Phaeton from the glove box of the Audi A6! Hurry!"

Swiftly complying, the underling produced the document and handed it over.

Marion unfurled the document, displaying it before Jerome's disbelieving eyes, and pointed to the license plate number on the registration certificate, "Examine it meticulously. Is this not the license plate number affixed to this Phaeton?"

A vehicle registration certificate bore the same significance as an identity card for a car, divulging vital information, including the license plate number, chassis number, engine number, registration date, place of registration, and owner.

Jerome squinted, his gaze falling upon the document, and a frigid chill swept over him, plunging him into an abyss of despair!

The license plate number on the registration certificate aligned precisely with that on the Phaeton, and the name listed as the owner was none other than Marion Molino, not Nestor!

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1057: "The Awakening of Deception"

Jerome found himself in a stark revelation of the elaborate deception that had ensnared him. The veneer of Nestor's apparent affluence and success had crumbled to reveal an unsettling truth. Not only was Nestor far from the prosperous individual he pretended to be, but he had also inadvertently caused a substantial catastrophe. His reckless actions had left Marion's prized Phaeton car in ruins, compelling him to acquire a replacement and subsequently resorting to deceit in order to extract over 600,000 dollars from Jerome.

To complicate matters further, the unthinkable had transpired—Nestor had met his untimely demise. Consequently, Jerome now grappled with the realization that he would never recover a single cent from the substantial sum he had handed over, a staggering 620,000 dollars.

The gravity of this realization weighed heavily on him, a torment more agonizing than the physical injuries he had endured. As Marion, the one who had subjected him to a vicious beating, observed that Jerome had ceased his erratic behavior, he allowed himself a slight relaxation of tension. Addressing him, Marion inquired, "You see now, I'm merely retrieving my own car, do you have any objections?"

While Marion might have held a contemptuous view of Jerome, the earlier frenzied outburst had left him somewhat apprehensive. Having climbed the ranks himself, Marion recognized that individuals pushed to their limits could resort to desperate measures, becoming potentially unpredictable and dangerous.

Thus, it was prudent to avoid provoking such individuals or, at the very least, refrain from pushing them to the brink. As Marion posed his question, Jerome's heart sank into desolation, his thoughts too painful to entertain. He could scarcely fathom the grim predicament that would unfold in a week's time when various platforms would commence demanding repayments. The looming uncertainty gnawed at his soul, leaving him almost devoid of hope.

Seeing Jerome's despair, Marion opted for silence, for words held little solace in the face of such profound anguish. Without further ado, he entered his vehicle and drove away, leaving Jerome to his solitary lamentations on the ground.

Alone in his desolation, Jerome wept, tears mingling with the blood and dust on his face, forming distinct rivulets of despair. His friend, who had been behind the wheel of the tow truck, finally dared to approach him, squatting down and offering a consoling pat on the shoulder. He tentatively inquired, "Jerome, should I call the police for you?"

Amidst his tears, Jerome uttered a heartrending response, "It's over for me. The one who wronged me is gone. What purpose would summoning the police serve..."

Unaware of the depths of his ordeal, his friend sighed softly and inquired further, "Jerome, do you still intend to have the car towed?"

Jerome, his gaze fixed on his friend, vented his frustration with a bitter rebuke, "Are you blind? Didn't you witness the car being driven away? What is there left to tow?"

His friend, now vexed by the ungrateful response, mentally noted, 'If not for my timely intervention earlier, you might have met a more sinister fate. I approached you out of concern, and this is the gratitude I receive? Very well, play your game alone; I shall not partake.'

With this thought, he rose to his feet and informed Jerome, "If you're not proceeding with the tow, I'm departing."

Startled into reality, Jerome hurriedly made a demand, "Return my 800 dollars before you go!"

His friend, exasperated, retorted, "Do you expect me to have undertaken this journey for free? I'm operating a tow truck from a repair shop. As soon as I leave, this incident goes on the books as a dispatched job. Whether you choose to tow the car or not, I am obligated to report the income."

Infuriated, Jerome stood his ground, insisting, "I care not for your predicament. That is your concern. I know you didn't tow my car, so you must refund my money."

His friend, equally provoked by Jerome's unreasonable stance, shot back, "Are you deaf? The repair shop charges for every dispatch. If I refund you, what am I to do about the money the shop will demand from me?"

With a tone as cold as steel, Jerome pressed, "I am unconcerned with your handling of the situation; that is your problem. All I demand is the immediate return of my money."

His friend, perturbed by Jerome's stubbornness, exploded in frustration, "Individuals like you deserve to be ensnared in scams until you're utterly penniless!"

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1058: "Desperation's Escape"

After delivering his stern statement, he proceeded to disregard the individual and continued on his way.

Jerome, his gait marred by a limp, made a determined attempt to catch up, unleashing a string of curses, "You scoundrel! Return my money this instant, or you shall not escape my relentless pursuit!"

"You're completely deranged!" The other party retorted, promptly climbing into his tow truck and commencing his departure.

Jerome, unable to bridge the widening gap between himself and the departing vehicle, experienced an overwhelming surge of anger. However, as the realization of the situation settled in, his anger transformed into a profound sense of helplessness and despair.

At that moment, his foremost concern shifted to the impending burden of the high-interest loan, amounting to 500,000 dollars. It seemed as though his life hung on the precipice of despair.

In his despair, he couldn't help but think of his girlfriend, Janine. Jerome, an orphan bereft of both parents and relatives, had finally found solace and familial love in Janine.

Faced with this catastrophic setback, consumed by despair and uncertainty, he yearned for the presence of the woman he loved, hoping she could provide some semblance of comfort.

With a hasty swipe of his hand across his face, he hobbled toward the entrance of the neighborhood, flagging down a passing taxi.

Initially, the taxi driver hesitated, intimidated by Jerome's disheveled appearance. However, Jerome seized the rearview mirror and bellowed, "If you refuse me now, I'll ensure you face endless complaints until your demise!"

The driver, unable to openly defy such a threat, reluctantly permitted him entry and steered the vehicle in the direction of the neighborhood where his girlfriend resided.

Yet, Jerome was penniless and incapable of covering the fare.

He devised a scheme involving a narrow alley near his girlfriend's residence, impassable by vehicles and convoluted to navigate. His intention was to request the driver to halt at the alley's entrance and then make a swift escape while the driver was unprepared, thereby evading payment.

As they neared his girlfriend's domicile, Jerome instructed the driver to halt at the alley. The meter was deactivated, and the driver stipulated, "The fare comes to 45 dollars."

Jerome concurred, feigned the scanning of a QR code for payment on his phone, and asserted, "Perhaps the network is experiencing difficulties; the notification should be forthcoming."

Subsequently, he forced open the car door and darted into the narrow alley with the fervor of a madman.

Anticipating that his familiarity with the alley would grant him an advantage in evading the driver, Jerome had not foreseen the adverse impact of the earlier assault. Barely moments into his escape attempt, he found himself gasping for breath, a searing pain surging through his abdomen, causing him to lose balance and tumble to the ground.

Recognizing Jerome's attempt to evade payment, the driver promptly exited his vehicle and gave chase. Upon finding Jerome sprawled on the ground, his temper flared, and he demanded, "Thought you could flee without settling your dues? Pay up immediately!"

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1059: A PLEA FOR MERCY

Jerome found himself sprawled on the pavement, gazing up at the irate taxi driver before him. His once arrogant demeanor had vanished, replaced by a plea for mercy, a stark contrast to the swagger he'd displayed when demanding cars to halt.

With a pitiful expression, he implored the cab driver, "Sir, I've recently faced bankruptcy, my financial well has run dry, and the weight of my debts crushes me. I've been subjected to a thrashing, leaving me both physically and financially battered. I simply cannot afford the fare. I beseech you, have compassion upon me."

The taxi driver's temper flared as he retorted, "Debts? I'm mired in them as well. If I were flush with cash, would I still be driving this cab? Do you think the 45 dollars you owe me came easily? It's enough to feed me for two days! Settle your account promptly!"

Tears welled in Jerome's eyes as he wept, "Dear driver, I genuinely lack the means to pay, and I possess nothing of value. I beseech you to show mercy."

The cabbie shot back coldly, "Spare me your theatrics. Failure to remit payment will force my hand, and I will summon the authorities."

Upon hearing this, Jerome struggled to rise, knelt at the driver's feet, and began to kowtow, desperation etched on his face. "Sir, I'm bereft of funds. Even if you were to take my life, I'd remain penniless. I entreat you, consider this act of bowing as a sign of my profound gratitude. Imagine I'm your own child, bestowing upon you a New Year's greeting—would you not extend a red envelope in return?"

The taxi driver, incensed by such audacity, exclaimed, "How can you sink to such depths of shamelessness? Do you not have parents? How would they feel knowing you prostrate yourself before strangers for the sake of 45 dollars, yearning to be adopted as their kin?"

Jerome's response was heavy with sorrow, "Sir, I am an orphan, raised in the Aurous Hill Orphanage without parents. I toiled for years, amassing 120,000 dollars, only to have it pilfered by a so-called friend from the orphanage. That scoundrel not only absconded with my savings but also deceived me into acquiring 500,000 dollars in high-interest loans from various lending apps, all on his behalf. Now, I am ensnared in a web of insurmountable debt…"

The taxi driver, moved by the sincerity in his tale, was taken aback. "Even in our pursuit of a moderately prosperous society, how can such unfortunate souls still exist?"

His heart softened, and he decided to forgo demanding payment for the ride. He sighed and told Jerome, "Given your unfortunate circumstances, your orphaned upbringing, I shall let the fare slide this time. Consider it my treat for your journey."

Hearing this, Jerome kowtowed three more times, gratitude flowing from his lips, "You are a true benevolent soul, akin to a reborn parent to me."

He then raised his head, beseeching the driver, "Since you've already generously covered the fare, may I humbly request an additional 50 dollars for a meal?"

The driver, incensed once more, gave him a swift kick, exclaiming, "Indeed, a pitiable soul can be shameless. Your audacity knows no bounds. I am utterly exasperated with you!"

With that, the cabbie returned to his vehicle and sped away.

Jerome managed to rise to his feet, brushed the dust from his clothing, and contemplated, "Despite the tumultuous encounter, I've managed to save that precious 45 dollars."

Gaining a small advantage over the taxi driver somewhat lifted Jerome's spirits.

Limping toward his girlfriend's residence, he contemplated that the first thing he would do upon arrival was to find solace in her embrace.

His girlfriend dwelled in a city shantytown, in a self-constructed, timeworn abode.

But to Jerome, this ramshackle dwelling was a potential goldmine. The area was slated for redevelopment, and in such cases, compensation often translated into multiple new apartments.

Hence, his fervent wish to wed his girlfriend soon; by becoming a member of her family, he hoped to share in the forthcoming redevelopment benefits.

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 8, 2024

Chapter 1060: "Unveiling Deceptions"

Arriving at the doorstep of his girlfriend's residence, he knocked persistently, yet received no response from within.

Unbeknownst to him, his girlfriend, Janine, was ensconced in her room, engaged in a clandestine meeting with a client who had a penchant for counterfeit cigarettes.

Frustration mounting, he attempted to contact her through WeChat, but the digital silence left him perplexed. Suspecting that she might be asleep, he recalled the hidden key, carefully concealed beneath a jar of pickles outside her house. This seemingly innocuous key, initially discovered by chance, now held a pivotal role in Jerome's unexpected drama.

With the key in hand, he deftly unlocked the entrance and entered the confines of her modest, self-constructed dwelling. The door to her room stood closed but unlocked, a fateful detail that played into Jerome's hands.

Traversing the living area, an unusual and unsettling sound emanated from the bedroom, resembling the soft moans of his girlfriend. Perturbed, he limped toward the source of the commotion, its implications growing more disconcerting with every step.

As he approached the bedroom door, the ambiguous noises grew more explicit, hinting at not just Janine's presence but also that of a male companion, accompanied by an alarming rhythm.

Enraged and unable to contain himself, he kicked open the bedroom door, only to be confronted by the sight of two unclothed bodies, entwined upon the bed, with Janine lying beneath.

His anger surged, and he screamed in disbelief, "Janine! How could you betray me like this?!"

The pair on the bed jolted, rolling away from the intrusion and scrambling for cover beneath the blankets. Janine, trembling and guilty, met Jerome's accusing gaze, stuttering, "You... how did you get here? How did you get inside?"

His fury unabated, Jerome retorted vehemently, "The method of my entry is irrelevant! If not for my unexpected arrival, your treachery would have remained hidden!"

Turning his attention to the stout man beside Janine, he ground his teeth and snarled, "You, wretch! How dare you defile my girlfriend! I shall confront you for this!"

With unwavering determination, Jerome lunged at the stout intruder, but before he could make contact, the latter unleashed a kick that sent him tumbling through the doorway, concealed beneath the bedsheets.

In a tone laced with disdain, the stout man rebuked him, "You're the one who's utterly useless! What future could Janine possibly have with you? I've heard you don't earn much. Do you expect Janine to support you by peddling counterfeit cigarettes?"

Stunned, Janine interjected, "Rommel... how did you know I sell counterfeit cigarettes?"

Affectionately, the stout man, Rommel, responded, "Silly girl, I've been smoking for years. Can't I differentiate between genuine and counterfeit Zhonghua cigarettes?"

Even more bewildered, Janine exclaimed, "But Rommel, if you knew they were fake, why did you buy them, and in such large quantities?"

With a tender smile, Rommel lifted her chin, confessing, "I did it out of concern for you, to help you earn some extra income. The cost of a few packs of fake cigarettes means nothing to me. Your happiness matters more."

Janine's face displayed the bashfulness of a young girl, and she embraced Rommel, whispering shyly, "Rommel, you're truly too good to me..."

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 9, 2024

Chapter 1061: "A Fatal Betrayal: A Descent into Madness"

Jerome struggled to his feet, a seething cauldron of rage directed at the deceitful couple. Their audacious flirtation and insults in such dire circumstances left him utterly appalled. How could they be so shameless and disrespectful?

His soul, already weighed down by a burden of negativity, had led him to seek solace and comfort from Janine. Yet, before he could even reach her, a taxi driver had mocked and humiliated him, forcing him into repeated kowtows, pushing him further to the brink of despair.

But what awaited him was an even more devastating revelation: the woman he loved had betrayed him. That shocking realization drove him to the brink of madness.

The 500,000 dollars high-interest debt, the humiliations, and the beatings he had suffered that day no longer held any significance. All that mattered was making the treacherous couple pay for their betrayal.

Crawling to the kitchen, he seized a boning knife, his mind set on exacting revenge.

Meanwhile, Rommel, the portly man, had just put on his pants and was about to expel the infuriating Jerome. As he approached the door, he noticed that Jerome had vanished. Assuming that Jerome had left in anger, he turned back to inform Janine. However, a sudden sharp pain in his back made him stumble forward.

Jerome had thrust the knife into his back.

After withdrawing the weapon, Jerome forced Rommel to the ground and stormed into the bedroom.

Inside, Janine lay undressed on the bed, eagerly awaiting Rommel's return. Their momentary tryst had been interrupted by Jerome, and she desperately wanted Rommel to continue once he'd sent Jerome away.

To her horror, it was Jerome who entered the room, brandishing the knife.

Terrified, Janine wrapped herself in a blanket and cowered against the wall, urgently questioning, "Jerome, what are you doing?!"

"I?" Jerome sneered. "You betrayed me, and now I want your life!"

Janine sternly warned, "Don’t do anything foolish. If anything happens to me, the police won’t let you off!"

With a bitter smile, Jerome replied, "My life is already in ruins. I had hoped you would be my last glimmer of hope. But it's you who has pushed me into the abyss."

Gritting his teeth, he continued, "Since you've utterly destroyed me, I'll ensure you meet your doom before I meet mine!"

Janine, terrified beyond measure, knew that Jerome was deadly serious.

She screamed for Rommel to save her, but Jerome sneered again, "Your Rommel is already lifeless, courtesy of my hand. Now it's your turn!"

Only then did Janine notice the blood staining the knife.

Overwhelmed by despair, she pleaded with Jerome, "Jerome, please spare me. I never meant to betray you. You loved me so deeply, how can you bear to harm me?"

Jerome replied icily, "Sorry, I no longer love you. I don’t even love myself or this world anymore. You must pay the price and learn not to trifle with honest people."

He swiftly approached her.

Janine's cries for mercy were abruptly silenced.

As he stared into Janine's lifeless eyes, Jerome stood motionless for what felt like an eternity.

Chapter 1062 "Unveiling Shadows: A Tale of Betrayal and Redemption"

Five minutes later, he took out his phone and dialed 110: "Hello, I want to surrender."

The person on the other end hurriedly asked, "What's wrong with you? Why do you want to surrender?"

Jerome, with an expressionless face, said, "I just killed someone..."

Upon hearing this, the person blurted out, "Where are you now? Is the person dead?"

"Dead!" Jerome glanced at Janine and then slowly provided the address of Janine's house.

Ten minutes later, two police cars and an ambulance arrived almost simultaneously at the front of Janine's house.

The police rushed in with a doctor, first restraining Jerome, handcuffing him, and then having the doctor check the condition of the two victims.

The doctor quickly concluded that both victims were dead.

The police immediately took Jerome into custody, officially arresting him.

Sitting in the police car, Jerome's expression was extremely indifferent. He knew that his life was already ruined, and at this point, whether he lived or died didn't matter anymore.

Though his expression was calm, his heart still ached.

He had suffered throughout his life, loved countless people when he once felt inferior, but not a single person truly loved him.

He had thought that Janine was the only person in the world who loved him, which was why he had saved up money and even borrowed a high-interest loan of 500,000 to provide a substantial dowry for Janine's future mother-in-law and marry Janine as his wife.

But it wasn't until he pushed open the door to Janine's bedroom just now that he truly realized that no one had ever loved him in his entire life.

As the saying goes, there is no greater sorrow than a dead heart.

The current Jerome's heart was completely dead.

...

At this moment, Charlie had just returned home not long ago.

Claire saw him return and hurriedly asked, "Did you go out early this morning to help the orphanage find children?"

Curious, Charlie asked, "How did you know?"

Claire said, "It's all over the internet already. I saw the news and knew that you had gone out for this."

Charlie nodded and said, "I organized a few friends to search for them, but unexpectedly, a mysterious person had already brought the children back. It was a false alarm."

He said this because he was afraid that his wife might think otherwise. After all, even though he hadn't personally killed anyone today, he had still commanded his subordinates to deal with many scoundrels.

Thinking of this, Charlie looked at Claire and deliberately tried to test her attitude. So he said, "I watched the video today too, it was quite terrifying, so many people died."

Claire nodded and said, "It was a bit frightening, but when I saw those scoundrels from the Beggar Gang receiving their punishment, I felt quite relieved. I've seen many posts online exposing the atrocities of the Beggar Gang, they are truly wicked. They've harmed so many children, they deserve no sympathy."

Charlie agreed with a nod.

The reason he had his men deal with the Beggar Gang and the human traffickers was because they deserved to die.

Just at that moment, Charlie received a notification.

"Our city has just solved a deliberate murder case, and the suspect has been apprehended on the spot!"

At this moment, in the orphanage's WeChat group, someone posted to all members, "Jerome is in trouble! He killed someone and the police have arrested him! The news has already been broadcast!"

Chapter 1063: "Unraveling the Web: A Tale of Tragedy and Tangled Fates"

Charlie only realized that the news he had just read was about Jerome.

Today, the WeChat group for the orphanage exploded.

No one could have imagined that just yesterday, they were all having dinner together, and today, two friends from the orphanage had suffered.

The first to die was Nestor, and everyone knew what he had done, so his death was considered deserved by many.

But no one had expected that Jerome, who always liked to take advantage of others, would turn out to be a murderer.

And who he had killed turned out to be his girlfriend and her lover!

Natasha posted a crying emoji in the group and said, "Why would Jerome be so desperate? Even if his girlfriend betrayed him, he shouldn't have resorted to such extreme actions!"

Someone else said, "Well, even though I usually can't stand Jerome, I now feel sorry for him. He poured his heart and soul into his girlfriend, and she treated him like this in return."

Another person asked, "Will Jerome be sentenced to death for killing two people?"

"The news said he turned himself in, so he might get a more lenient sentence, right? He didn't kill out of greed or for any other malicious purpose, but because his girlfriend cheated on him. I guess the court might show some sympathy when judging."

"Well, there's a high probability of a death sentence, and a small chance of life imprisonment. But even if he gets life imprisonment, his life is over."

Natasha sighed, "Aunt Lena just found out about this news too, and she seems really hurt. She locked herself in her room and doesn't want to come out."

Upon seeing this, Charlie felt a pang of sympathy for Aunt Lena.

Despite these children growing up and having their ups and downs, Aunt Lena had raised them into adults bit by bit.

They were all like her children, and today she had lost two of them.

Charlie, who had been silent all this while, spoke in the group, "Natasha, should we go and check on Aunt Lena?"

Natasha replied, "No need, Brother Charlie. Let Aunt Lena have some quiet time."

"That's fine..." Charlie couldn't help but sigh.

He never expected Jerome to end up like this.

Though this man was unlikeable, he was undeniably pitiable.

But then again, pitiable people often had their share of faults.

Most of the time, people fell into traps because of their own greed.

So, he decided to mute the notifications from the orphanage's WeChat group; he didn't want to hear any more about this incident today.

...

At this very moment, the Weaver family was undoubtedly the most miserable family in the world.

Online, they were being cursed like dogs, and the entire internet community was fervently condemning them. The verbal abuse was escalating, with no signs of stopping.

What was even more crucial was that their attempt to hire internet water armies had been fully exposed. It was like adding insult to injury, and the entire nation despised the Weaver family even more.

Weaver's elderly patriarch was so furious that he almost had a stroke. After a series of emergency measures, his life was barely saved, but he had fallen into a deep coma.

Donald's wife, Alison, had a complete breakdown when she learned that her younger brother and sister had died, and her own family lineage had come to an end. In her room, she smashed everything that could be smashed into pieces.

Chapter 1064: "Seeking Vengeance: Donald's Calculated Revenge"

At this moment, Donald had no time to worry about Alison. Instead of feeling sympathetic for the emotionally distraught Alison, he was growing resentful of her.

Because if it weren't for her, if it weren't for her cursed brother, how could the Weaver family have fallen into such a massive crisis of reputation?!

That damned Kobi's death might not only result in the loss of a significant portion of the Weaver family's assets but could also prevent the Weaver family from ever regaining its status as the top family in South Laverton region.

Furthermore, the nature of this incident was so heinous that it was unlikely that people across the country would forget it anytime soon. So, for a long time to come, the members of the Weaver family would be despised and scorned by the world.

What's even more tragic is that the Weaver family's business would undoubtedly suffer profound consequences, and their assets would continuously dwindle over the foreseeable future.

It was very likely that the Weaver family would degrade into a second-rate family as a result.

The most pathetic part was that Donald had no way to change this now.

He was beyond redemption.

In fact, when faced with such a situation, not even a grandmaster could save themselves, for nothing is more dangerous than incurring the wrath of the masses.

If one day the Wade family also produced a black sheep who earned the hatred of the entire nation, the Wade family would be equally powerless.

So, at this moment, the leaders of the country's major families all secretly sighed, "We must remember the mistakes and lessons of the Weaver family this time. Today, the Weaver family has taught a lesson to all the major families in the country."

At this moment, Donald had already given up on saving the Weaver family's reputation.

All he wanted now was one thing: to seek revenge on Charlie.

Xander rushed over to him and said, "Dad, the Eight Great Kings have responded. They say they will only obey Grandpa's orders, and the commands of others are of no use to them."

Donald asked anxiously, "Did the doctor say when Grandpa might wake up?"

Xander shook his head, "The doctor said it's still too early to tell, Grandpa's stroke this time is quite severe."

Donald furrowed his brows, "If the Eight Great Kings don't step in, I'm afraid we won't be able to retrieve Evergreen Mountain from that father and son..."

Xander said, "But if we continue to wait like this, we don't know when Grandpa will wake up."

Xander continued, "In my opinion, we should send some second-rate experts over for a try, and this time we should send more people."

Donald pondered for a moment, then nodded gently, "Waiting won't solve the problem, so if that's the case, let's send people over."

Xander asked, "Dad, I'm not quite sure why you want to seek revenge against Charlie's enemies. In my opinion, these people are all losers, how can we expect them to deal with Charlie?"

Donald replied calmly, "Last time, we suffered such heavy losses because we underestimated the enemy. This time, we need to stabilize first and observe for a while, find some cannon fodder to help us test the waters."

Donald continued, "In a battle between two armies, we shouldn't reveal our main forces too early, but rather find some cannon fodder to test the enemy's position. Once the enemy opens fire, we can identify their firepower and eliminate their firepower points, then our main army can press on, and the enemy will be doomed."

"Otherwise, if we send our main forces directly, what if the enemy's firepower takes us out first? Won't we be wiped out in one wave?"

Xander nodded in understanding, "Dad, I understand what you mean."

Donald grunted and said, "Since we're looking for cannon fodder, we must find those who have grudges against the enemy because such cannon fodder will charge ahead without fear of death. The father and son from Evergreen Mountain, the entire Wilson family, Zoraida who was sent to the coal mine, the incapacitated Joaquin Wilson, and even those who were once humiliated by Charlie, they are all excellent choices for cannon fodder!"

He then asked Xander, "Have the people sent to rescue Zoraida already left?"

Xander hurriedly replied, "They've already set off!"

Chapter 1065: "From Riches to Rags: Zoraida's Coal Mine Nightmare"

In the past period, life had felt like an eternity for Zoraida.

She was the daughter-in-law of the Wilson family, so she had never experienced any hardships or suffering. On the contrary, during the prosperous years of the Wilson family, Zoraida's life had been quite lavish.

So, while she couldn't claim to have lived a life of luxury forever, she had enjoyed good days all along. Now, she had fallen to the point where she was digging coal tirelessly day and night in a dark coal mine, a life that was even more painful than hell itself.

However, among the group of people sent to the coal mine by Charlie Wade, Zoraida was one of the luckier ones.

The men were all tortured beyond recognition, working fifteen to sixteen hours a day in the coal mine, barely getting enough to eat or wear, and becoming emaciated from hunger.

Jinny's life wasn't any better because she was unattractive and didn't gain favor with the overseers. Her daily routine and work were no different from the men.

The reason Zoraida had it slightly better was that she was originally a rich young lady with good looks and decent upkeep. Although she was a bit older, she still had her charm, which made her intriguing in the eyes of the overseers.

So, Zoraida reluctantly became the overseer's mistress, serving the filthy overseer every night. This made her life slightly more bearable.

At least, she didn't have to work as much, had more time to rest, and, most importantly, had slightly better food than the others.

However, even so, this kind of life was still excruciating for Zoraida.

That overseer, despite his supreme status and authority in the coal mine, was essentially a rural scoundrel. He was extremely untidy and didn't care about personal hygiene, sometimes going weeks without bathing.

But Zoraida had no choice but to endure her disgust and please him.

At night, Zoraida emerged from the brick house, disheveled. She still held a plastic basin in her hands because the overseer, despite his aversion to personal hygiene, enjoyed soaking his feet daily. And every time he did, he made Zoraida wash his feet for him.

Each time Zoraida filled a basin of water to wash his feet, the water turned murky and dark afterward.

Thinking about his foul-smelling feet, Zoraida couldn't help but shed tears of frustration.

That bastard overseer had no appreciation for her whatsoever, causing her body to ache all over.

Her once soft and delicate skin had gradually become rough in this dusty and coal-filled environment.

This kind of life was simply hellish, and Zoraida wondered if she'd ever get a chance to leave this place where daylight never seemed to reach.

With the basin in hand, Zoraida headed to the boiler room and happened to see Jinny's family covered in soot, carrying baskets of coal to the coal pile.

Jinny's gaze toward her was filled with hatred and jealousy.

In her eyes, if it weren't for that wretched woman Zoraida setting her up to trap Elaine, she wouldn't have ended up in a place like this.

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 9, 2024

Chapter 1066: "Coal Mine Confrontation: Jinny's Fury Unleashed"

Furthermore, ever since her own family came in and started working at full capacity from the day they arrived until now, what about Zoraida? Just because she takes better care of herself, she thinks she can become the foreman's mistress!

So, she glared at Zoraida, her anger bubbling up, gritting her teeth as she cursed, "Some women have no shame. They'd sleep with the foreman for a few benefits, truly shameless!"

Zoraida, hearing her mockery, naturally bristled with anger and retorted, "Jinny, watch your mouth when you speak to me, or else I'll make sure you don't eat tomorrow!"

Jinny, upon hearing this, erupted in fury, "Zoraida, why are you acting so proud? Aren't you just sleeping with the foreman? Do you think having him as your backer means I won't dare to do anything to you? When he gets tired of you, by that time, won't you be just like me?"

Zoraida felt intense anger welling up inside her, and she blurted out, "Jinny, I see your whole family is up to no good. Believe me or not, with one word from me, I'll increase your daily working hours from 16 to 20! I'll work your family to death!"

Jinny, upon hearing this, was infuriated, "Zoraida, have you no conscience left? My family ended up like this all because of you! Instead of feeling any remorse, you dare to speak such words to me! You're not human!"

Zoraida coldly retorted, "Stop whining. You agreed to cooperate with me for the money, so if you want to earn that money, you have to bear the risks that come with it! Why blame me?"

Jinny gritted her teeth, "If not you, then who else should I blame? If it weren't for you, my family would be living the good life in Aurous Hill right now! How can we be suffering like this?"

Zoraida scornfully remarked, "It just proves that you don't have a destiny for a comfortable life! Your whole life is doomed to be spent in this little coal mine. Either you'll work yourself to death here, or you'll be crushed to death at the bottom of the pit when it collapses. In any case, you'll never turn your life around!"

Jinny, upon hearing this, was now boiling with rage!

After working tirelessly as a dealer in Macau for so many years, she had saved up some money and returned to Aurous Hill to prepare for her retirement. However, Zoraida had set a trap for her, which led her into this wretched coal mine, subjecting her to this hellish existence. How could she not hate Zoraida?

Now, hearing Zoraida's words, Jinny had lost all self-control. Her mind felt numb, and she impulsively grabbed an iron hook used for digging coal from the ground and swung it towards Zoraida!

Zoraida was taken aback, not expecting this woman to attack her!

Moreover, she had picked up an iron hook and immediately used it as a weapon. She was terrified and quickly tried to escape, but she was a bit slower in her reaction, and the hook caught her lower leg!

The hook could easily pierce through hard coal, let alone flesh and skin. Zoraida felt the hook go through her lower leg, followed by a sharp, excruciating pain, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground.

By this point, her lower leg was already bleeding profusely, a horrific sight to behold.

Zoraida was petrified; she knew full well that everything in this small coal mine was filthy, and the iron hook was rusty and covered in coal dust. She had no idea how many bacteria were on it, and now that it had pierced her leg, there was a risk of infection!

Furthermore, Jinny had clearly lost her sanity, and her threat was significant!

So, she hastily shouted, "Jinny, do you dare to harm me? Do you want to die?"

Jinny, now with tears in her eyes, clenched her teeth, "You brought me to this point, condemned me to a life of eternal darkness. I'd rather die with you!"

With that said, she forcefully pulled the hook out of her lower leg and immediately aimed it at Zoraida's face!

Chapter 1067: "Rescue and Reckoning: A Confrontation"

Zoraida was so frightened that she rolled on the ground several times, fearing that the iron hook would really hook into her face.

That thing looked too terrifying, and she couldn't help but think it might hook her eyeballs out in an instant!

However, Zoraida's leg was already injured, and even though she managed to dodge a few initial strikes from Jinny, Jinny kept chasing her and relentlessly attacking. At this rate, she was bound to be brutally beaten by Jinny sooner or later!

Zoraida was just about to flee when suddenly her leg hurt, causing her to fall to the ground.

As she regained her senses, Jinny rushed towards her, swinging the large hook directly at her head.

At this moment, Zoraida couldn't escape no matter how hard she tried. She closed her eyes in despair, thinking that she was doomed today.

But just at that moment, several Toyota Land Cruisers suddenly drove in.

The glaring headlights shone directly on Jinny's face, and a group of people jumped out of the cars. One of them pointed a gun at Jinny and shouted, "What the hell are you doing? Put down that hook!"

Jinny was startled by this show of force!

After all, she had worked in the Macau casino for many years and had seen a lot. She could tell at a glance what kind of people generally had what kind of power.

Although the security guards and supervisors in the coal mine were frightening, they didn't have guns, and these people seemed to have more influence!

So she trembled and dropped the iron hook on the ground.

At this point, a middle-aged man with a round and fat face, looking like he had seen his fair share of the world, walked up to Zoraida. He opened a photo on his phone, glanced at Zoraida, and asked, "Are you Zoraida?"

Zoraida nodded in panic, "Yes, who are you?"

The middle-aged man nodded and said casually, "Hello, Ms. Zoraida. Let me introduce myself. I'm Sanford Nigellus from the Weaver family in Suzhou. Our young master heard that you were tricked into coming here by Charlie Wade, so he sent me to rescue you. Come with us to Suzhou. Our young master has something to tell you, and then you can meet your family."

Zoraida was pleasantly surprised and asked, "Is what you're saying true? Are you really going to rescue me and let me meet my family?"

Sanford coldly retorted, "Otherwise, what do you think I came all the way out to this godforsaken place for? To chat with you?"

Upon hearing this, Zoraida was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded vigorously and said, "Thank you, thank you, Mr. Weaver!"

Sanford, somewhat disgusted by her dirty appearance, instructed someone behind him, "Let her sit in your car."

"Sure thing, boss!"

With that, the man holstered his gun and prepared to escort Zoraida into one of the cars.

At that moment, a man from inside the house came out, muttering angrily, "What the hell are you people doing? Even my woman is taken away just like that? Keep her here!"

Sanford furrowed his brow and asked, "Who do you think you are?"

This man was the supervisor of the coal mine and acted like a local kingpin when the boss wasn't around.

So he arrogantly said, "I'm the safety supervisor here. Did you even bother to inform our boss, Mr. Li? Let me tell you, Mr. Li wields a lot of power in this area!"

Sanford coldly stated, "Didn't Mr. Li give you a call? Did he not tell you that our young master has already bought this place?"

"Ridiculous!" The supervisor scoffed, "If Mr. Li had really sold this place, he would have definitely informed me. I think you people are up to no good, trying to steal my woman, aren't you?"

Chapter 1068: "Silenced Fates: A Deadly Turn of Events "

Sanford looked at Zoraida and questioned, "What's going on here? Are you his woman?"

Zoraida cried and said, "No, I'm not. I was forced by him!"

Sanford turned to the foreman and said coldly, "Since she herself doesn't admit to being your woman, then don't bother me here with your nonsense."

The foreman, who had been pampered by Zoraida these days, was completely infatuated. He was just a rural bumpkin and had never experienced women like Zoraida from the city, so he had become addicted to her.

Now, seeing this group of people about to take Zoraida away, he was naturally very unhappy.

So he said coldly, "I don't care about your nonsense. I don't care about any of your interference. Let me tell you again, she is my woman!"

Sanford snorted and said, "You're digging your own grave, then. I won't give you a chance."

He finished speaking and immediately pulled out a dark handgun from his waist, aiming it at the foreman without hesitation.

With a bang, the gun spat out a tongue of fire, and a bullet instantly entered the foreman's forehead.

The foreman, who had just been arrogant, instantly became a lifeless corpse.

Zoraida was terrified and screamed, but Jinny's eyes were filled with excitement. She felt that her chance to stay alive had come!

So she hurriedly said to Sanford, "Mister, we were also abducted here. Please take us with you!"

Upon hearing this, Zoraida quickly said, "Please don't take her with us! She was just trying to kill me a moment ago!"

Sanford looked at Zoraida and asked, "Is this woman your enemy?"

Zoraida immediately nodded and blurted out, "Yes, she's my enemy. She was trying to kill me!"

Jinny panicked and said, "Zoraida, don't speak nonsense! When did I..."

Before Jinny could finish her sentence, a gunshot suddenly rang out.

Zoraida was startled, and when she looked again, Sanford had raised his handgun once more, and this time, he was aiming it at Jinny!

Just moments ago, Jinny had been talking, but now her face was covered in blood. She stood frozen for a moment and then collapsed to the ground with a loud thud.

Sanford had actually shot and killed Jinny!

Zoraida hadn't expected that Sanford would kill two people in the blink of an eye. She was trembling in fear.

Meanwhile, Jinny's family members began to wail and rushed towards her lifeless body.

They hadn't expected that Jinny, who had been lively just a moment ago, was now separated from them by life and death.

However, they had no recourse. They didn't dare seek revenge against Sanford, nor could they seek revenge against Zoraida. All they could do was hold onto Jinny's lifeless body and cry in despair.

Sanford paid no attention to the grieving family in front of him. He turned away and said to his group of henchmen, "The plane is waiting at the airport. Let's hurry!"

The frightened Zoraida quickly pushed a domineering vehicle forward.

Sanford also stepped into the car he had come in. When the car turned around, he rolled down the window, aiming the gun at Jinny's family. As long as they took one step forward, he would kill them without hesitation.

Fortunately, Jinny's family had already been scared out of their wits and didn't dare to move.

The convoy then left the black coal mine in the mountains and headed towards the local airport!

Chapter 1069: "Rescued by Destiny: Zoraida's Unexpected Turn of Fortune"

The black coal mine where Zoraida is located is situated in the Shanxi province in northwestern China, known for its abundant production of vinegar and coal tycoons.

It's a thousand or so kilometers away from Suzhou and Hangzhou in the southeast, and if one were to drive back directly, it would take at least a day and a night.

Young Master Xander was in a hurry, so he sent the Weaver family's private plane directly. Please support the author by reading the original novel on your mobile device.

The convoy took nearly three hours to emerge from the deep mountains and forests and arrive at the local airport.

At this moment, a Weaver family Gulfstream jet was already parked on the airport apron.

Zoraida never dreamed that the means of transportation to Suzhou and Hangzhou would be a private plane!

Sanford led her onto the plane, and when she saw the luxurious interior resembling a palace, her eyes widened in amazement.

Seeing her covered in dirt, Sanford furrowed his brow and said, "There's a bathroom at the back of the plane where you can shower. Please go and freshen up, but be careful not to dirty our master's plane."

Zoraida nodded hastily and cautiously made her way to the tail of the private plane. As expected, there was a very luxurious bathroom, albeit small, but equipped with a shower, truly extraordinary.

As she was about to take a shower, the plane began to taxi, and she could see that it was about to take off. While others were fastening their seatbelts in their seats, she was afraid of dirtying the seats due to her dirty clothes, so she quickly grabbed the armrest and steadied herself.

It wasn't until the plane took off, climbed to altitude, and began flying smoothly that Zoraida finally took her shower in the bathroom.

After showering, Zoraida put on the new clothes provided by the service staff and sat cautiously in her seat, awaiting her fate.

Zoraida wasn't a fool. Although she didn't know why the Weaver family had come to rescue her, she was certain that there was no such thing as a free lunch, and the Weaver family must have a use for her.

She then thought about her family.

She had no idea that at this moment, her husband, her son, and daughter all believed that she had taken all the money from home and run off with a younger man.

She had no clue that her family now harbored a deep hatred for her.

At this moment, all Zoraida could think about was her family; she missed her husband, her son, and her daughter.

In reality, Zoraida was not a woman of loose morals. She had been with Noah for so long with the sole intention of providing a good life for her family, never wavering in her commitment.

But ever since she was sent to the black coal mine, she had been betraying her husband almost every day, and worse, with such a disgusting rural bumpkin. This made her feel a bit uneasy in her heart.

She didn't know whether, if her husband found out about her recent experiences, he would sympathize with her or blame her for humiliating him. First release.

Thinking of this, Zoraida made up her mind to keep this matter hidden and not mention it to anyone.

When the plane arrived in Suzhou and Hangzhou, the sky was already beginning to brighten.

The Weaver family's convoy was waiting, and as soon as the plane landed, they took Zoraida directly to the Weaver family's grand villa.

Last night, neither the Weaver family father and son had slept.

It wasn't because they were waiting for Zoraida, but because of the overwhelming internal and external troubles that kept them awake.

It wasn't just the two of them; Donald's several brothers and sisters, along with their children, totaling about twenty or thirty close relatives, had all been sitting in the living room throughout the night.

The video of Kobi and the core members of the Beggars Sect being thrown into the river was still circulating hotly on the internet.

And everyone who saw this video cursed the Weaver family countless times in their hearts.

Therefore, the Weaver family's reputation continued to decline rapidly.

Chapter 1070: "Vengeance Awaits: Zoraida's Oath of Retribution"

In this situation, every person with the surname Weaver in the Weaver family was restless and couldn't sleep.

When Zoraida was brought to the Weaver family, Sanford didn't immediately take her to the living room. Instead, he temporarily arranged her in the servants' living area and then called Donald and Xander over.

Upon hearing that Zoraida had been brought back, the father and son went together to see her.

Upon meeting, without saying a word, Zoraida first kneeled down and kowtowed to the two of them, expressing her gratitude for saving her life.

Xander, with an emotionless expression, said, "Zoraida, we brought you back not out of sympathy, but because we want you to do something for us."

Zoraida anxiously asked, "Whatever you command, I'll do it!"

Xander gritted his teeth and said, "I know you have a vendetta with Charlie Wade, and I also have a deep-seated hatred for him. It's a blood feud. I'll ask you one question: Do you want to seek revenge against Charlie?"

Zoraida, with anger in her eyes, blurted out, "That damn Charlie nearly killed me, made me suffer tremendously. I've longed to tear him to pieces!"

Xander nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good. In that case, I will send you back to Aurous Hill, and your mission is to do everything in your power to take revenge on Charlie and his family. Spare no effort!"

Zoraida agreed without hesitation. Even if Xander hadn't asked, she would have sought revenge on Charlie once she had the opportunity.

After agreeing, Zoraida couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Master Weaver, do you know the current situation of my husband, my son, my daughter, and my mother-in-law?"

Xander sneered, "They are in a tough spot right now. Some time ago, they were thrown into prison by Charlie, and they haven't been released yet."

"What?!" Zoraida, upon hearing that her family members were all in prison, became extremely nervous and asked, "What's going on? Are they okay? When can they be released?"

Xander said, "The reason they ended up in prison is because of Charlie's schemes. I guess they must hate Charlie bitterly by now."

Nervously, Zoraida asked, "Master Weaver, can you release my family? I beg you!"

Xander replied calmly, "I can release them, but I need to ask you, if I release them, will they obey my orders and go against Charlie?"

Zoraida nodded repeatedly, "Yes, they will definitely obey. To be honest, our whole family has suffered greatly at the hands of Charlie!"

"My mother-in-law's Wilson Group was ruined by Charlie!"

"My husband and I lost our life savings, all thanks to Charlie!"

"My son was supposed to be the heir of Wilson Group, but because of Charlie, he ended up with nothing and became a loser!"

"My daughter was supposed to marry into the Aurous Hill White family and become a lady of the house. However, after they played with her, the White family broke off the engagement, all thanks to that damn Charlie!"

As she spoke, Zoraida's anger grew, and she was on the verge of an emotional breakdown, trembling violently.

At this point, her emotions were out of control, and she burst into tears, saying, "I was sent to that pitch-black coal mine, lived a hellish life for so long, every day was worse than death. I almost committed suicide several times, and it's all because of Charlie! My whole family bears an unrelenting grudge against him!"

Xander and his father, Donald, exchanged a glance, both showing a look of joy.

What they needed were cannon fodder, people with a deep-seated grudge against Charlie!

The entire Wilson family, a family of five, were sworn enemies of Charlie. As long as they were all brought out and sent under Charlie's nose, they would definitely make Charlie's life miserable! They were the ideal first members of the cannon fodder team!

This way, Charlie would undoubtedly be heavily distracted, and the Weaver family would have more opportunities to catch him off guard!

BenedictHaz10 · Jan 9, 2024

I understand your concern

CasaNovack said:
Well yeah... What did you expect? Out of a million possible stories Charlie could have cooked up, he chose one that would have Elaine think that he's still useless.

Her character consists of 2 main tropes:
- like 99% of other characters in stories like these, she bullies the weak and submits to the powerful
- her greed knows no bounds

Charlie is hell-bent on making Elaine think that he's neither powerful nor wealthy, effectively making her disrespect him at every turn. All done just so we can have another 500 chapters of family nonsense, untill Elaine pulls another stunt like this.

Honestly at this point my initial frustration with prolonging the story by any means is waning. However author makes choices that are completely out of character for his own creations. If Charlie and Isaac are supposed to be clever and cunning, why would they leave any possibility of Elaine not understanding that Charlie is someone she shouldn't mess with? They willingly invite trouble just to make Claire temporarily happy.

"Temporary" is the key word for novels that have thousands of chapters. We can't have character development, because that would mean the author has to actively think how to enrich the story. The only way they know how is to introduce the same, useless, reused chumps that change nothing. I mean what's the point of writing a story stretching over 6000 chapters if your MC doesn't learn anything? Hundreds of encounters with arrogant, cunning adversaries, multiple allies and women that fall for Charlie leave him absolutely the same... If character development is non-existent why even bother reading a story like this?

In this arc Claire's transformation could be amaizing. After being disowned by old Ms. Wilson she realizes that despite her blind loyalty towards her family, even they can't be fully trusted. Now she would realize that betrayal can come even from her own mother. But no! Why bother improving your own work, when you're convinced that your characters are flawless smh...

Good point... But when it comes to novels it's entirely at the writer's discretion... We all have thoughts on how the story can be better.... Unless we are buddies with the writer we can't influence anything ... It's either you like or you don't like, kindly choose one and have peace

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 10, 2024

Chapter 1071: "Behind Bars and Beyond: Freedom Beckons"

At this moment, in the Aurous Hill Detention Center.

Mrs. Wilson and her granddaughter, Wendy had been living in the detention center for several days now. They were fortunate because Mrs. Wilson had won the sympathy of the prison boss, Verity, so no one troubled them inside.

However, it was not as easy for Noah and his son, Harold, in the men's detention center.

Being newcomers, the father and son were subjected to various forms of bullying as soon as they entered.

They not only had to do a lot of labor but also had their meager food rations stolen by others, leaving them hungry every day.

The more they suffered, the more Noah resented Zoraida.

He couldn't help but think that Zoraida, who had taken all of his wealth, must be living a comfortable life with that young man right now.

If it weren't for Zoraida taking away all the money, how could he have fallen into this situation today?

Initially, the family of four had been sentenced to 15 days of detention, and they were just a few days away from their release. However, no one expected that right after lunch today, the detention center would release all four of them simultaneously.

When Mrs. Wilson learned that she was being released, she became flustered and refused to leave the prison cell.

At this point in time, she truly did not want to face the harsh reality outside.

After all, she had no money to her name, and her family's villa had been seized. If she left, she wouldn't even have a place to stay, let alone enough to eat. She felt that staying inside was more comfortable.

However, the prison guards didn't give her that option. When she stubbornly remained in the cell, they pulled her out of bed and dragged her towards the exit.

Verity also knew that once the old lady was out, she would end up on the streets, so she quickly shouted from behind, "Old lady, let me teach you a trick. When you go out, go to the bus station and block the bus. Refuse to let it leave. The police will come for disturbing public order and bring you back!"

Mrs. Wilson finally breathed a sigh of relief and said hastily, "Thank you so much, Verity. Wait for me, I will come back!"

Wendy followed silently behind her grandmother. At this moment, she didn't know what to do. After all, she was a young girl, and she had some looks. She really didn't want to stay in the detention center, but figuring out how to make a living after leaving was a serious problem.

She had thought about maybe working as a princess in a KTV, and if she encountered wealthy clients, she could occasionally accompany them privately. After all, since her encounter with Joaquin Wilson, her reputation in Aurous Hill had already been tarnished.

So why bother caring about it so much?

Therefore, she made up her mind that if her grandmother wanted to come back in, she wouldn't care about her.

The prison guards led the two of them out of the cell and took them to the office where they processed their release.

As they entered, they saw a well-dressed man standing in the office.

Several prison guards surrounded him, showing utmost respect.

The man noticed the old lady and her granddaughter walking in and asked casually, "You're the Wilson family, right?"

Mrs. Wilson nodded eagerly. She had been a people person all her life and could tell that this man seemed to have some authority. So she asked, "Sir, are you here for us?"

The man nodded and said, "I'm the one who bailed you out. Your son and grandson have also been released by me. I will take you to meet them now."

Chapter 1072: "Rolling into the Unknown: A Ride to Mystery at the Airport"

When Wendy heard these words, she couldn't contain her excitement and asked, "Sir, is it true that my dad and my brother have been released? Where are they now?"

The man replied calmly, "My people have already arranged everything for them. You two just need to follow me."

Wilson's grandmother didn't think too much about it. After all, she was already in this situation, and it was unlikely that someone would come to harm her again, especially since they had indeed secured her release. So, she decided to go along and see what might come of it.

They completed the necessary procedures, retrieved their belongings, changed into fresh clothes, and then followed the man out of the detention center.

Outside the detention center gates, two Rolls-Royce Phantoms had been waiting for some time.

The man turned to the grandmother and granddaughter and said, "You two, get in the back of the second car."

Seeing the two Rolls-Royces, Wilson's grandmother couldn't help but feel excited.

Anyone who could afford a Rolls-Royce was far from ordinary.

During the peak of the Wilson family's prosperity, they couldn't afford a Rolls-Royce. Even if they could afford it, they wouldn't have reached that level of wealth and status.

So, Wilson's grandmother spoke up, saying, "Thank you, sir. We'll take the back seat of the second car."

With that, she led her granddaughter to the second car.

The three of them got into the vehicles, and the two Rolls-Royces started heading towards the outskirts.

After about 20 minutes of driving, Wilson's grandmother said in surprise to Wendy "I think this road is leading to the airport."

Wendy nodded and said, "If we keep going a few more kilometers, we'll reach the airport expressway."

Wilson's grandmother frowned and whispered, "I wonder who that gentleman up front really is. Could it be that they've also taken your dad and brother to the airport?"

Wendy suddenly became nervous and said, "Grandma, could it be from Charlie? Are they trying to make us leave Aurous Hill and never come back?"

"It's unlikely," Wilson's grandmother shook her head. "That scoundrel Charlie isn't so courteous. He wouldn't release us. On the contrary, he would find a way to keep us inside for a longer time, even for a lifetime."

Wendy asked in surprise, "Could it be Joaquin, Dad's cousin? Could he still have some lingering feelings and want to take us to Eastcliff?"

Wilson's grandmother waved her hand, saying, "Impossible. If Joaquin were still capable, maybe there would be a chance. But he has long been a useless man. How could he possibly have any lingering feelings? If he truly had any, he wouldn't have left you back then."

Wendy couldn't help feeling a bit down. Initially, she had been quite resistant to her parents and grandmother arranging for her to serve Joaquin. But upon reflection, Joaquin had treated her fairly well back then. After all, he had invested millions and given her 5 million as spending money for just one encounter.

Thinking about it, Wendy couldn't help but sigh in her heart, "If Joaquin still had the ability of a man, I would probably be living a much better life right now."

As they were thinking, the two Rolls-Royces continued on the airport expressway, heading swiftly toward the airport. Wilson's grandmother and Wendy couldn't help but be puzzled. What exactly was going on?

Chapter 1073: "Family Reunion in the Sky: Unexpected Encounters at the Airport Hangar"

Although she had many doubts in her mind, Mrs. Wilson knew very well that it was pointless to overthink the situation at this point. After all, she had already gotten into someone else's car, so it was better to go with the flow and see what the other party had in store.

Moreover, her intuition told her that, despite the mysterious appearance of the other person, they probably didn't intend to harm her.

Because she was currently penniless and had nothing of value, it wouldn't make sense for someone to go through all this trouble to harm her.

With these thoughts in mind, Mrs. Wilson let out a sigh of relief.

So, she calmly sat in the car, waiting to see what the other party had up their sleeve.

Two Rolls-Royces drove directly into Aurous Hill Airport, where a small private hangar housed the Weaver family's Gulfstream jet, which had already been parked there.

It was this very plane that had picked up Zoraida in Suzhou last night.

Early in the morning, the jet had taken off from Suzhou and arrived in Aurous Hill, ready to pick up the Wilson family.

Seeing a private plane parked in front of her, Mrs. Wilson was left speechless with surprise.

If a Rolls-Royce was a toy for the wealthy, then a private plane was something only the super-rich could afford.

Planes like this Gulfstream jet had a price tag of at least 200 to 300 million dollars.

And buying one of these planes wasn't just a matter of spending a couple hundred million; you also had to hire a dedicated crew, including two pilots, several mechanics, and several service staff.

The maintenance costs of such a plane were also extremely high, not to mention the expenses for parking it in a hangar and taking off and landing at airports, which all required substantial funds.

Upon seeing this private plane, Mrs. Wilson immediately realized that there must be a very powerful family behind this.

The Rolls-Royces parked next to the plane, and Mrs. Wilson and her granddaughter, Wendy got out of the car.

Wendy was also mesmerized by the private plane, and at that moment, a familiar figure suddenly emerged from the plane's door!

"Grandma! Wen!"

As soon as they heard the voice, the two of them looked up and were surprised to see Harold coming out of the plane!

Mrs. Wilson, upon seeing her grandson, couldn't contain her excitement and said, "Harold, how did you end up here? Where's your father?"

"Mom!"

Just as Mrs. Wilson finished speaking, her eldest son, Noah, also walked out of the plane!

Mrs. Wilson was overjoyed, but upon seeing her son and grandson looking noticeably thinner, her heart couldn't help but ache.

In the past, Mrs. Wilson had been indifferent to such matters, only concerned with herself and nothing else.

However, after experiencing her time in prison and seeing her son and grandson again, she now felt a deep sense of family connection.

Looking at her eldest son, who had aged considerably with more gray hair and a much older appearance, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He used to have a rosy complexion and was well-built, but now his skin looked dull, and his body had become thin. It genuinely tugged at Mrs. Wilson's heartstrings.

On the contrary, during her time in prison, Mrs. Wilson hadn't suffered much, and she had even tormented Elaine for a few days, so she hadn't lost weight or aged significantly.

At this moment, both Harold and Noah had reached Mrs. Wilson's side, and she hugged her son and grandson tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face.

Chapter 1074: "From Detention to Elevation: A Jet-Setting Encounter with the Weaver Family"

She sobbed as she uttered, "My child, my grandson, both of you have suffered!"

Harold, looking pitiful like a child, wiped away his tears and choked up, "Grandmother, you don't know what kind of hardships I've endured with Dad during this period. I've experienced all the hardships I've never encountered in my entire life."

Noah sighed and said, "Ah, it's the same for us. Let's not talk about those things. Speaking about them will only bring more worries."

Old lady Wilson nodded and hurriedly asked, "By the way, Noah, what exactly is going on? Who are the people who bailed us out?"

"I don't know either," Noah shook his head. "Harold and I were suddenly taken out, and then their car brought us here, asking us to wait. We don't know who these people are."

At this moment, the man who had taken Old lady Wilson and Wendy out of the detention center quickly approached the family of four. He spoke, "Let me introduce myself. I'm Dominic, from the Weaver family in Suzhou and Hangzhou. My brother is Donald, you've probably heard of him."

"The Weaver family?!" The Wilson family of four were stunned.

How could they not know the Weaver family?

The Weaver family was even more prestigious in South Laverton region than the Walker family!

Back when the Weaver family's patriarch was a dominant figure, legends about him circulated throughout South Laverton region. During those times, Old Master Wilson used to mention the Weaver family's patriarch every day and regarded him as an idol worth emulating for a lifetime.

The Wilson family never dreamed that they would establish a relationship with the Weaver family, and this time, it was the Weaver family who had rescued them. It was truly miraculous. Could it be that the Wilson family's fortune was finally turning around?

Thinking this, Old lady Wilson smiled flatteringly at Dominic and asked, "Mr. Weaver, may I ask, why did you bring us out and then bring us here?"

Dominic calmly replied, "I came to pick you up at the behest of my older brother. However, I don't know the specific reason yet. But time is of the essence, so please don't ask too many questions. Let's board the plane first, and my brother will explain everything to you when we arrive."

Upon hearing this, Old lady Wilson immediately nodded and said, "Mr. Weaver is right. We shouldn't delay your time or your brother's time. Let's board the plane to Suzhou and Hangzhou to meet your brother first."

Dominic nodded, and without further words, he stepped onto the plane.

The Wilson family of four hurriedly followed him and boarded the plane.

Noah and Harold had already boarded the plane earlier, so they weren't as surprised by the luxurious interior.

However, Old lady Wilson and Wendy were wide-eyed with astonishment. They had never traveled on a private plane before. Normally, they wouldn't even consider flying first class, let alone a private jet.

So, Old lady Wilson looked around like a country bumpkin who had entered a wonderland, her eyes darting around, unsure where to focus.

Dominic couldn't help but look down on this family. He felt somewhat uncomfortable sitting on the same plane as these unsophisticated folks.

Therefore, he beckoned the stunning and alluring flight attendant, had her pour him a glass of whiskey, and then asked her to provide him with an eye mask.

The flight attendant, dressed in a short skirt, swayed her voluptuous body as she served Dominic. After he finished his drink, she helped him put on the eye mask and whispered seductively into his ear, "Rest for now. The plane is about to take off. If you need anything, just call me."

Harold, seated behind them, couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. The flight attendant was so beautiful, and she seemed to be fawning over Dominic. If only she could provide him with the same level of service...

With that in mind, he quickly said to the flight attendant, "Excuse me, could you please bring me a drink as well?"

The flight attendant, after serving Dominic, stood up and tugged on her skirt, saying disdainfully, "I'm sorry, but I am Mr. Weaver's private flight attendant. I don't serve anyone else."

Chapter 1075: "Burdened Heir: Donald's Dilemma in the Face of Crisis"

Upon hearing the response, Harold felt embarrassed and jealous. The other party had directly rejected him and claimed to be Dominic's private flight attendant.

Wealthy people were indeed wealthy. Not only did they have a private jet, but they also had a private flight attendant. It was truly envy-inducing.

When would he ever reach such a level himself?

The flight attendant paid no further attention to them and proceeded to the front cabin, while Dominic kept his eyes closed, ignoring the Wilson family of four.

This made the Wilson family feel quite bored.

However, in their hearts, they were all looking forward to their fate after arriving in Suzhou and Hangzhou. Although they hadn't heard of Dominic's name before, they were familiar with the name Donald.

Donald was the eldest son of the Weaver family's patriarch and the current heir, effectively steering the Weaver family's fortunes.

Harold couldn't believe his luck, as if he had burned some magical incense. He had somehow gained the favor of the Weaver family's patriarch. Did this not indicate that the Wilson family's fortunes were turning around?

Although the four of them remained silent throughout the journey, each had their own thoughts.

Suzhou and Hangzhou were close to Aurous Hill, and the flight would take less than an hour. Soon, the plane began to descend and landed at Suzhou and Hangzhou Airport.

After landing, two Rolls-Royces were waiting for them.

Dominic got into one car by himself, while the Wilson family of four got into the other.

The two cars then sped towards the Weaver family villa.

At this moment, Donald was staring grimly at the stock market.

Due to the sharp decline in the Weaver family's reputation yesterday, they became the target of online criticism and attacks. Several listed companies under the Weaver family had all hit their daily limit down when the market opened this morning.

The market had become panic-stricken about the Weaver family. Everyone was desperately selling their shares, so Donald predicted that the stocks would still hit the limit down when the market opened tomorrow, and possibly even the day after.

The Weaver family's market value was expected to drop by at least 50%.

If he could find an opportunity to restore the Weaver family's reputation, there might still be a chance for the stocks to rebound. If he couldn't find that opportunity, the Weaver family could face a downhill slide from this point on.

Therefore, the burden on his shoulders was extremely heavy, almost suffocating.

Moreover, his father was currently in a coma, leaving Donald feeling lost without a guiding force.

When he thought about the top families in the country, most of them had been established by the older generation.

The Weaver family and the Walker family had both built their substantial family businesses during their patriarchs' youth.

However, such families often faced an awkward situation where each subsequent generation was less capable than the previous one.

When Donald was young, his father was undoubtedly a formidable figure, especially in the South Laverton region region. But now, compared to his father, his abilities were far inferior.

If Donald had to start from scratch, even if he exerted all his strength, he wouldn't be able to achieve even a tenth of what his father had accomplished.

And now, his son Quintin was even less competent. Take Quintin, for example. Besides his ability to chase women and spend money, he couldn't do much else. After raising him for over twenty years, he hadn't contributed anything to the family yet, turning into a parasite who needed to eat every hour.

As for Xander, while he was slightly more capable than his younger brother Quintin, his abilities were still quite limited.

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 10, 2024

Chapter 1076: "Unveiling the Unexpected: The Meeting with Zoraida"

Why do the prominent families decline from one generation to the next?

In fact, this has a lot to do with the environment they grow up in.

The older generation was born in adversity, fighting for every meal and earning every penny with their lives on the line. In those times, anyone who could establish a family legacy was no ordinary person; they were all elites.

However, when they built their empire, their sons were born into a life of abundance. With no need to struggle or fight for survival in comfort, their ferocity naturally diminished.

By the time their grandsons were born, they were already born with silver spoons in their mouths. Expecting them to work hard or possess any kind of fighting spirit was a far-fetched dream. How could you expect them to have any determination or tenacity when they were born into privilege?

Those who are born and raised in the wilderness, facing life-threatening challenges to hunt and survive, are the true wolves.

Those born in captivity, where they have meat to eat every day, might not even compare to stray dogs in terms of their ferocity.

Donald knew that his abilities fell far short of his father's, and he was well aware that his own son was even less capable than him. In this situation, he felt an unprecedented sense of loneliness.

This loneliness was like being isolated and helpless, feeling that no one in the world could help him. Even his only hope, his father, was now in a coma due to a stroke.

Just as he was lamenting his situation, his younger brother, Dominic, walked in and blurted out, "Brother, I've brought the family you asked me to fetch from Aurous Hill."

Donald nodded and asked, "Where are they now?"

Dominic replied, "They are in the living room."

Donald said, "Good. I'll go meet them first. You go and call Zoraida."

"Sure, Brother," Dominic replied eagerly, nodding his head, and went to find Zoraida.

Donald lit a cigar and, while puffing on it, walked out of his study and headed to the living room.

In the living room, the four members of the Wilson family were anxiously waiting.

As they saw Donald coming out, their faces lit up, and each of them wore an expression of flattery and fawning.

Madam Wilson, as the head of the Wilson family, immediately stepped forward, smiling broadly, and said, "Oh, Mr. Weaver, we've only seen you on television before. Today, we finally get to meet you in person, and you are even more extraordinary than on TV!"

Donald, with an expressionless face, nodded. He naturally didn't take the flattery from an old lady seriously.

So, he calmly said, "I had Dominic bring you here for two reasons."

Madam Wilson hurriedly said, "Mr. Weaver, if you have any requests or instructions for us, please feel free to tell us!"

Donald nodded and said, "The first reason is for you to meet someone, and the second reason is that I need your help to deal with someone."

Madam Wilson understood very well that the Weaver family was the lifeline given to the Wilson family by the heavens.

Previously, the Wilson family had wanted to become a dog for the prominent families, but those families had never paid them any attention.

However, things were different now. The Wilson family had an opportunity to become the Weaver family's loyal dogs, a once-in-a-lifetime chance!

So, she quickly flattered, "Mr. Weaver, the Wilson family regards you as our utmost priority. Whoever you want us to meet, we will meet them. Whoever you want us to deal with, we will deal with them!"

Just as she spoke, Dominic arrived with Zoraida.

Donald pointed at Zoraida and said to the Wilson family's four members, "The person I want you to meet is her!"

The four members of the Wilson family looked in the direction he pointed and saw Zoraida. The expressions on their faces turned extremely ugly.

Noah instantly erupted in anger, gritting his teeth as he cursed, "Zoraida, you shameless wench, today I'll definitely kill you!"

Chapter 1077: "Revelations and Regret: Noah's Shocking Encounter with Zoraida"

During this period, Noah harbored an intense hatred towards Zoraida!

After all, for a man, there is nothing more painful than the betrayal of his beloved woman.

When Zoraida disappeared, Noah was led astray by Charlie's influence and mistakenly believed that she had truly eloped with a younger man.

Furthermore, since all the family's money was in his possession at the time, he held an even deeper grudge against Zoraida.

As the days and nights passed, every time he thought of Zoraida, he wished nothing more than to catch her and beat her half to death!

However, he also knew that since Zoraida had disappeared with the money, it was highly unlikely he would ever see her again. She might even have fled overseas with the funds.

But he never imagined that today, he would come face to face with the woman he hated so much, Zoraida, in the luxurious mansion.

So, almost without thinking, he rushed towards Zoraida, extending his hand to viciously slap her across the face, sending her sprawling to the ground with one strike.

After the slap, Noah pointed at her angrily and shouted, "You despicable woman! How dare you come back! Do you have any idea how miserable our family has become because of you, taking away all my money?"

Zoraida was dazed from the blow. She never expected that her husband, whom she had thought about day and night, would slap her across the face as soon as they met.

Her leg was still hurting, and she struggled to crawl away, crying out, "Noah, why are you hitting me?"

"Why am I hitting you?" Noah gritted his teeth and cursed, "I'm not only going to hit you, but I'm also going to kill you! You dared to take my money and keep a younger man, not leaving a single cent for me! You heartless woman!"

Zoraida screamed and cried out, "Noah, what nonsense are you talking? When did I keep a younger man? I was tricked by Charlie Wade!"

"What?!" Noah furrowed his brows. "What does this have to do with Charlie?"

Thinking about the torment she had endured for many days, Zoraida burst into tears and said, "Don't you remember, originally we were trying to set a trap for Elaine? I had almost completed that task with Jinny, but then Charlie, that scoundrel, suddenly appeared with his men and brutally beat us. He forced me to donate all the money in my bank account and then sent all of us to work in a coal mine..."

As she spoke, tears streamed down Zoraida's face.

She wiped away her tears and continued, choking on her sobs, "Do you know how miserable I've been during this time? Working as a laborer in a dark and endless coal mine, getting only four to five hours of rest a day, and spending the rest of the time toiling underground. I can barely eat, and I can't keep warm. I'm constantly being beaten. It's like living in hell. Is this how you treat me? After finally being rescued by the Weaver family, you not only hit me but also accused me of keeping a younger man. Is this how you treat me?"

Noah was overcome with dizziness as he listened to her words.

He had never dreamed that his wife, instead of enjoying herself with the money, had suffered so much.

In an instant, he felt both regret and guilt towards his wife, and at the same time, he despised Charlie to the core.

The mastermind behind taking away all his savings and banishing his wife to a coal mine was none other than Charlie!

In that moment, a rush of anger filled him.

Beside him, Harold and Wendy were equally filled with rage.

Chapter 1078: "Vendetta and Vengeance: Donald's Scheme Against Charlie Wade"

Not too long ago, just like their father, Noah, both of them despised their mother, Zoraida, for her greed, money-grabbing ways, and fleeing with ill-gotten gains. During these tough times, they couldn't help but curse her in their hearts.

But today, they came to know that their mother's life was even more miserable than theirs, far more agonizing.

The four of them had, at most, suffered some time in the detention center, while Zoraida had endured torment in the coal mines.

Madam Wilson's face was extremely unpleasant.

She didn't sympathize with Zoraida's ordeal; instead, she felt pity for the money that Charlie had taken away from them!

At this thought, the old lady couldn't contain her anger any longer and strode over to Noah, catching him off guard, and delivered a resounding slap across his face.

A loud smack echoed, leaving Noah stunned.

He looked at his mother in shock and asked, "Mom, why did you hit me?"

Madam Wilson, in her rage, scolded, "I'm hitting you, this disloyal and unfilial scoundrel! I told you a long time ago, give me the money! Give me the money! You insisted on being stingy with that little bit of money, holding onto it for dear life. And what happened? The Wilson family is ruined, and all that money of yours is gone too!"

Hearing these words, Noah hung his head in shame.

If he had known that Charlie would squander all that money, he would have been better off giving it to his mother, at least it could have helped solve some of the troubles facing the Wilson Group.

But back then, he didn't want to sink with the Wilson Group, so he had played some tricks.

Little did he know, he had played himself into a corner, causing misery to his own wife in the process.

Thinking of this, he felt guilty towards his wife, his mother, and even his two children.

And the thought of his wife suffering so much made him even more distressed, as he hugged Zoraida and burst into tears.

At that moment, Donald approached them, his voice cold as he said, "It seems that you all have a deep-seated grudge against Charlie. If I were to offer you a chance for revenge, would you be willing to accept it?"

Upon hearing this, Noah blurted out, "Willing! I'm willing! I want to tear that bastard Charlie apart while he's still alive!"

Madam Wilson, sharp-witted as she was, had already figured out that Donald had brought her family here to deal with Charlie, which meant he also had a score to settle with Charlie.

So, the old lady nodded repeatedly and said, "Mr. Weaver, as long as you give us a chance, we will do everything in our power to deal with Charlie!"

Harold, filled with anger, declared, "If someone gives me a gun, I'll go slaughter that bastard tonight!"

Donald was extremely satisfied with this family's attitude. He wanted people who were willing to go to any lengths to kill Charlie.

With a faint smile, he said, "I won't hide it from you. I also have a deep grudge against Charlie and would like to kill him with my own hands. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, so that's why I brought your family here. If you're willing to seek revenge, then let's cooperate."

Madam Wilson immediately responded, "Mr. Weaver, just give us your orders! What do you need us to do?"

Donald calmly replied, "I want to personally take Charlie's life. As for you, I'll send you back to Aurous Hill and help you resolve all your current problems. From now on, your only goal will be to find every possible way to torment Charlie, make his life a living hell, and distract his attention. Before we lay our hands on him, I want to set his backyard on fire!"

Chapter 1079: "Strategic Neighbors: The Wilson Family's Plan to Torment Charlie"

When Madam Wilson heard these words, she was overjoyed deep inside.

Whether Donald could kill Charlie or not, she didn't really care in her heart.

What she truly cared about was that, with Donald needing her help, it meant that the Wilson family was now tied to the Weaver family's big ship.

The Wilson family was already on the brink of extinction, but now they had a chance at resurrection by becoming partners with the Weaver family.

And not only could they be revived, but they might even become more formidable than they were at their peak.

So, the old lady spoke to Donald, "Mr. Weaver, my granddaughter, who happens to be Charlie's wife, Claire, now runs a renovation company that competes with our Wilson Group. If you can help revive the Wilson Group, we can strike back in the business."

Donald nodded and said calmly, "Rest assured, I will invest 80 million dollars in your Wilson Group and help clear all your debts. If you perform well, I will continue to invest."

Madam Wilson almost couldn't contain her joy upon hearing this.

This was truly a stroke of luck, coming effortlessly.

One could even say it was a silver lining after the dark clouds.

During this time, she had always felt that the Wilson Group could never come back to life. But unexpectedly, with just one sentence from Donald, she found a powerful lifeline.

The only problem with the Wilson Group was their lack of money and the millions in external debt they owed. They didn't know how to handle it.

The bank had been pressuring them, trying to reclaim the loan. But as long as they paid off the money, everything would be fine.

Originally, the Wilson Group owed 80 million, but Joaquin had already invested 10 million initially, and the bank had taken his villa and many antiques. So, as long as they paid off the remaining millions, the villa and antiques would be returned, and there would be millions left in the company's account. They would instantly turn things around!

Harold and Wendy were both extremely excited upon hearing this. They looked at their grandmother and asked eagerly, "Grandma, does this mean we can go back to our Wilson family villa this time? Are we no longer going to be homeless?"

Wendy was so thrilled that tears welled up in her eyes. "Do I no longer need to use Big Treasure sod honey?"

Madam Wilson was about to nod but suddenly had a brilliant idea.

So, she spoke to Donald, "Mr. Weaver, Charlie's family and ours are like water and fire, irreconcilable enemies. They would love to see us end up in a small coal mine or in prison, out of sight, out of mind. But if we go back this time, being under their watchful eyes every day, it will make them extremely miserable. Didn't you want them to suffer in their own backyard? If you put us right next to them, their backyard will be on fire all day long!"

Donald became interested upon hearing this and asked, "Madam Wilson, what exactly do you mean? Please clarify, no need to beat around the bush."

Madam Wilson quickly and obsequiously said, "Mr. Weaver, Charlie's family lives in a villa at Aurous Hill Thomson Elite. You may not know, but because of that villa, they are flaunting themselves day in and day out! Especially my daughter-in-law, she acts so high and mighty that her nose seems about to reach the sky. She keeps saying that people like us don't even have the qualification to guard her gate. If, all of a sudden, we become their neighbors, seeing each other every day, just think about it, how would they feel?"

Donald's eyes lit up instantly.

Damn, this sounds interesting!

Just imagine, you've just moved into a luxurious villa, enjoying a life of luxury and tranquility every day. Then, you see your nemesis reduced to a miserable existence on the streets, struggling to even put food on the table. That feeling must be extremely satisfying.

But if one day, you wake up and find that your nemesis on the streets has become your neighbor, your life will instantly plummet from heaven to hell.

Chapter 1080: "From Misery to Opportunity: The Wilson Family's Second Chance"

Donald firmly believed in feng shui, fortune, and magnetic fields.

He was convinced that if a person had good feng shui and good fortune, their mood would be excellent, and everything they did would go smoothly.

But if someone's mood was affected, if they felt restless from morning till night, they couldn't concentrate on anything. They would lose interest in everything, and even the finest wine would lose its taste to them, and the most delicious food would not be enjoyable.

Over time, this negative emotional field would affect their entire being, subsequently influencing their feng shui and fortune, ultimately impacting their physical health.

In the field of feng shui, everything that caused restlessness was referred to as "sha."

Loud noise was called "sound sha," excessive brightness was "light sha," and a restless mood was "heart sha."

These types of negative energies were colorless, tasteless, formless, invisible, and elusive, making them extremely challenging to dispel.

If they were to send the Wilson family to Charlie's doorstep, it would be equivalent to giving him these types of negative energies, tormenting Charlie every day!

With this in mind, Donald said with a delighted expression, "In that case, I can help you purchase a villa in the Thomson Elite, right next to Charlie's. Then, your whole family can move in."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wilson trembled with excitement.

Ultimately, why had she severed ties with her second son's family, and why had she spent so many days in detention?

Ultimately, it was all because of the luxurious villas at Thomson Elite.

She had been too envious of the unparalleled luxury offered by Thomson Elite's villas. She had dreamt of living there and experiencing the extravagant lifestyle of the elite. However, she had ultimately been unable to compete with her second son's family. Not only had she failed to move into their Thomson Elite villa, but even her old villa had been seized by the bank.

But now, the situation was different. She had attached herself to the Weaver family's coat-tails.

After her persuasive words, Donald indeed became interested.

It seemed he truly despised Charlie, and anything that could make Charlie suffer piqued his interest!

Even Madam Wilson herself had not expected Donald to agree so readily to buy a villa for her!

This was just like the old saying, "When the snipe and the clam grapple, it is the fisherman who profits."

With this in mind, Thomson Elite would be a bargain for her!

So, she excitedly said to Donald, "Mr. Weaver, I won't hide it from you. Charlie's family resides in A05 at Thomson Elite. I've been there and know the layout. A04 and A06 are adjacent to a05. If we could move into a04 or a06, it would make things difficult for Charlie!"

Madam Wilson was a very shrewd person, skilled in calculations her entire life.

In reality, behind the "A" series villas, there were also "B" series villas. However, the "A" series was the largest layout at Thomson Elite, which was why she suggested A04 or a06 to Donald.

This way, she would be living in a luxurious villa of the same caliber as Charlie's, which would be splendid!

Prosper · Jan 10, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 1054: "A Twisted Transaction"

As the moment unfolds, an unexpected male voice resonates through the phone, labored breaths accentuating his words as he cautions, "Why engage in futile discourse at such a critical juncture? Simply remit the funds without delay, sparing no room for procrastination."

Jerome's instincts are immediately aroused, and he inquires, "Janine, why is there a male presence on the line? With whom are you currently accompanied?"

The response comes hastily, "Oh, it's just my cousin. Remember my back injury? We're attempting some back exercises on my bed, and I require assistance, which I summoned him over for."

Jerome, accepting this explanation, responds with a casual "oh," recalling his girlfriend's recent endeavors in bed and dismissing further suspicion.

In the background, his girlfriend interjects, "Enough chatter; I'll transfer the funds to your WeChat shortly."

This declaration elicits immediate elation from Jerome, who eagerly exclaims, "Janine, you're truly remarkable. Thank you."

The voice on the other end cuts in with urgency, "Alright, I won't hold you any longer. I'm disconnecting."

With the call terminated, a red envelope containing 520 dollars arrives in Jerome's WeChat account, instilling him with joy. He promptly transfers the entire 800 dollars to his friend at the repair shop.

Anxious to resolve his predicament, he urges, "Dear friend, I've repaid your 220 dollars and forwarded you an additional 800. Please expedite your arrival; time is of the essence."

His friend swiftly acknowledges the receipt of the funds, assuring, "I'm en route and should reach you within 20 minutes."

"Perfect!" Jerome exclaims with enthusiasm. "Kindly notify me upon your arrival."

Jerome then assumes a crouched position before his Phaeton, his anticipation palpable as he awaits his friend's arrival.

Ten minutes pass, and his friend calls to reassure him, confirming his imminent arrival and urging him not to fret.

However, at that very moment, an aging Audi A6 pulls up, right before his eyes.

Marion's heart lightens upon spotting his Phaeton nearby.

"Though my car remains unrepaired," he muses, "at least I've recovered some of my losses. Losing this car, along with that insufferable youth's demise, would have spelled true calamity."

With determination, he instructs his subordinate, "I'll take the Phaeton back. Follow me closely."

The subordinate nods obediently, affirming, "Certainly, Brother Mar."

Exiting his vehicle, Marion's annoyance festers, his thoughts dwelling on the exorbitant repair costs and the expense of replacing his remote key. He laments, "Such an unjust calamity! Perhaps I've irked the Tai Sui (Chinese astrology's God of the year) this year?"

As he steps out to unlock the Phaeton, his gaze lands upon a young man squatting in front of his car.

Irritation swells within Marion, and he scolds sharply, "What in the world are you doing? Move along!"

Jerome may be destitute and lacking in refinement, but his obstinacy is unmatched, akin to a resilient boulder in a cesspool.

In colloquial terms, his impecunious determination is undeniable.

However, his unyielding resolve is not readily apparent when he is ingratiating. Observing the middle-aged man before him and assessing the car he alighted from, Jerome's disdain intensifies. "It's merely an aged, second-hand A6," he scoffs inwardly. "This subpar vehicle pales in comparison to my Phaeton, and yet he presumes to assert himself? Where I choose to squat is none of his concern."

With this conviction, Jerome, still squatting, gazes up at Marion and utters with disdain, "I'll squat wherever I please. What's it to you?"

Jerome, you deserve beatings

Prodigy · Jan 10, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 901: "Rediscovering Youthful Sparks"

Jacob, with a sly twinkle in his eye, casually dropped the mention of the quaint little woods into the conversation, fully anticipating the delightful flush that would grace Merit's cheeks.

Even if she tried to play it cool, there was no denying the time machine that was their shared history, filled with those sweet, blush-inducing moments of yore.

Jacob was on a mission, a quest to rekindle the embers of their passionate past, which had patiently simmered in the depths of Merit's heart for over two decades.

Being the wily fox he was, Merit saw right through his game and swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere. With a shy giggle, she inquired, "Oh, by the way, how's our old class teacher doing these days?"

Jacob couldn't help but chuckle, "Well, he's not leaping tall buildings in a single bound, but he's hanging in there. We even lured him to our alma mater for a lecture during our last reunion."

"Seriously?" Merit sighed, "I'm kicking myself for missing out on that one!"

Jacob grinned mischievously, "Oh, that reunion was just a tiny gathering, mainly attended by our Aurous Hill-area male classmates."

Merit nodded, "But this time, it looks like a real reunion. I reached out to some of my close female classmates from back in the day, and they're all super excited to come."

"Fantastic!" Jacob beamed. "This time, we'll have the grand gathering we deserve."

Then, Merit dropped a bombshell, "You know, I heard Yusuf Patterson got caught up in a corruption scandal. He's currently behind bars, waiting for his day in court."

Jacob's face lit up with satisfaction at the thought of Yusuf's downfall. He remarked gleefully, "Well, Yusuf had it coming. Why dabble in corruption when you can earn an honest living? Our teacher always stressed the importance of integrity, even if we weren't destined for greatness. People like him are just fundamentally flawed."

Merit nodded in agreement. Most of their generation's intellectuals had a strong sense of duty towards their country and society, which had driven them to pursue higher education.

Despite residing in the United States, Merit had never lost touch with her roots and had been generous in her contributions during national crises. Her selflessness remained a secret, even to old friends like Jacob.

Just then, Jacob's phone buzzed with a message from his university's student union WeChat group, which had been dormant for days. Someone tagged everyone, asking, "Hey, classmates, are you going to Merit's reunion today?"

"I'm already in Aurous Hill, gearing up for the feast!"

"I'm en route to Aurous Hill, about 100 kilometers away. Should be there in an hour and a half!"

"Just landed, flew all the way from Eastcliff!"

Then, someone cheekily tagged Jacob, teasing, "Jacob, come out, your first love is back! Did you have any clue?"

Chester Kimball, the old friend who had once come to Jacob's rescue during Yusuf's taunts, chimed in with a message and a laugh, "I totally believe it, buddy! You two were meant to be back in school!"

Grinning, Jacob replied with a voice message, "Chester, you've always been the voice of reason! Haha"

Lilian a classmate who had been close to Merit, joined in with an angry emoji and said, "Jacob, you've got some nerve laughing about this. You were the reason Merit left! I've missed her all these years!"

Jacob winced, recalling the painful episode of his drunken infidelity with Elaine, a notorious incident from their school days that had haunted him ever since.

As he struggled to find the right words, a mysterious member of the group suddenly sent a red envelope.

Chapter 902: "The Red Envelope Extravaganza!"

Jacob's reflex for snagging those enticing red envelopes was spot-on, and he didn't hesitate to rip into this one. To his amazement, it was a generous 200 dollars inside!

But wait, there was more to this red envelope story – it turned out many of his classmates had scored the same 200-dollars surprise.

Hold onto your hats, because it appeared to be raining 200-dollars bills for everyone in this virtual gathering!

Jacob's excitement was through the roof, but a twist of fate awaited him as he spotted the sender's peculiar nickname, "Missing That Beautiful Sunny Day." Uh-oh.

And just like that, the chat group exploded with all the fervor of a popcorn machine at the movies!

"Whoa, Grayson is back and in style!"

"Ain't that the truth! Grayson Joyce, the enigmatic millionaire, is spreading the wealth."

"Rumor has it, Grayson is swimming in money. This is just pocket change for him."

"You got it! Grayson is practically a legend in the Hong Kong business scene. This is just him spreading the love."

The sender even threw in a cheerful emoji and a voice message with a classic Hong Kong twang, gushing, "Ah, I'm over the moon that Merit is back from the USA, so I'm splurging on these red envelopes for everyone's delight!"

And then, another red envelope took flight.

Jacob, despite his irritation at that "Missing That Beautiful Sunny Day" moniker, couldn't resist the allure. He grabbed it.

Lo and behold, it contained another 200 dollars for each recipient!

With two red envelopes already in the bag, this mysterious sender had showered them with over 10,000 dollars! Cue the applause and compliments!

And just when you thought the show was over, the sender chuckled and teased, "Folks, keep your eyes peeled, because round three of red envelopes is on its way!"

And with that declaration, another crimson envelope materialized.

Pandemonium ensued as everyone scrambled to snatch it, including Jacob.

Guess what? This third envelope? Yup, you guessed it—another 200 dollars!

Jacob was flummoxed. Who on Earth was this person? None of their old classmates hailed from Hong Kong or Taiwan. This was becoming quite the enigma.

But then, like clockwork, the fourth red envelope made its entrance.

A rock-solid 200 dollars for each lucky soul.

And right behind it came the fifth red envelope, another 200 dollars...

In the blink of an eye, all the online classmates had bagged red envelopes worth a grand total of 1,000 dollars!

But curiously, Hanley Merit had yet to grab a single red envelope from this sender.

And then, the elusive "Missing That Beautiful Sunny Day" made a move within the group, saying, "I hopped on a plane from Hong Kong to Aurous Hill this morning and am currently kicking it at the Shangri-La Hotel. Word on the street is that Merit is staying here too. Merit, you mind spilling the beans on your room number? If it's cool with you, go ahead and accept my friend request so we can have a private chat. I'd love to catch up!"

And just like that, he tagged Hanley Merit.

Seeing this, Hanley Merit couldn't help but furrow her brow and deliver a casually dismissive remark, "Good old Grayson Joyce, still putting on the same ol' show he did twenty years ago, flaunting his stuff!"

Chapter 903 "The Antagonist"

"Grayson Joyce?!"

When that name rang out, Jacob's heart was instantly set ablaze with a surge of envy.

Grayson Joyce, back in the day, was the big shot leading the charge in the student union's external relations department and had a bankroll that could rival a small kingdom.

Back then, both he and Yusuf had vied for Merit's affection.

But alas, Merit had displayed no interest in either of them, leaving Grayson's relentless pursuit fruitless.

Once Jacob had begun dating Merit, Grayson had consistently played the antagonist, doing his best to outshine Jacob in front of her.

And when Merit and Jacob had broken up, Grayson had seen his golden ticket. He had chased after her with unparalleled determination.

Yet, Merit had remained steadfast, choosing instead to venture across the seas to the United States.

Grayson's family, a gold mine in their own right, had been swimming in wealth. His father had cast his entrepreneurial net as far as Hong Kong even before Grayson began college, establishing himself as one of the earliest titans to thrive in the wake of the nation's economic opening.

With such robust familial backing, Grayson, unyielding and unwavering, had pursued Merit even to the land of stars and stripes.

But fate had other plans, and even in the land of opportunity, Merit had not succumbed to his advances.

Witnessing Merit embark on a romance with an American had led to Grayson's departure from the U.S., his heart heavy with disappointment. He had moved on to make his mark in the bustling world of Hong Kong business.

More than two decades had passed, and Grayson had become a renowned tycoon in Hong Kong.

Jacob couldn't help but taste the bitterness of his own financial shortcomings in comparison to Grayson's abundance.

Who could have predicted that Grayson would, in a nonchalant classmates' group chat, dish out tens of thousands in red envelopes?

The recipients of these red packets within the group couldn't help but lavish him with praise.

"Grayson is a true devotee. The moment he heard Merit was returning, he couldn't sit still."

"Grayson, aren't you worried about making Merit's husband green with envy?"

"Exactly! You're so eager, but what if you find Merit and her husband wrapped up in blissful love? Wouldn't that break the heart that's been throbbing for forty or fifty years?"

"How will you explain this to your wife when you get back home?"

At this point, Merit's dear friend Lilian inserted a quiet emoji into the group chat and somberly announced, "Enough with the idle chatter. Merit's husband passed away a while ago..."

Upon hearing Lilian's words, the classmates quickly sent prayer emojis, tagging Merit and offering their condolences.

But despite their outward expressions, most of the male classmates couldn't suppress a glimmer of hope that flickered within them upon learning of the news.

Especially Grayson, who couldn't have been happier about the passing of Merit's husband.

For him, it was the chance he had been waiting for to truly win Merit's heart.

After all, she was the one woman he had never been able to conquer, no matter how hard he had tried.

Now that her husband was no longer in the picture, wasn't this an even grander opportunity beckoning him forward?

Chapter 904: "Love, Laughter, and Red Envelopes"

In the bustling group chat, Grayson wasted no time in hitting back with a witty response: "Well, well, it seems my fate mirrors Merit's in more ways than one."

And then, a curious old classmate couldn't resist but chime in: "Oh, Grayson, you and Merit might just be a heavenly match, don't you think?"

The group echoed with laughter and agreements, even as one added, "Hey, Grayson, both you and Merit are now single. It's practically destiny calling! And we all remember your special fondness for her back in the day. We're rooting for you!"

Grayson, clearly amused by the banter, replied, "Well, I appreciate the early blessings from my dear old classmates. But whether Merit agrees or not, it's all up to her."

He playfully continued, "But regardless, I've made up my mind to make a return to Aurous Hill for good."

"Really?" someone exclaimed with genuine surprise. "Grayson, your family has been in Hong Kong for years! What's made you decide to return to Aurous Hill all of a sudden?"

With a twinkle in his virtual eye, Grayson explained, "Merit has spent years in the United States, and now she's heading back to Aurous Hill too. It appears Aurous Hill has a magnetic pull on us. It's where we shared our youth, sweat, and tears. I plan to retire right here in Aurous Hill!"

At this point, Jacob couldn't resist joining the conversation. He typed with a hint of anxiety, "Grayson, my advice to you is not to get too comfortable in Aurous Hill. Merit didn't have eyes for you back then, and it's unlikely she'll change her mind now. Don't set yourself up for disappointment!"

In reality, Jacob was feeling quite uneasy and self-conscious.

In his eyes, Grayson, now a billionaire businessman, clearly outshone him in every way. The years hadn't been kind to him, and he couldn't help but compare his present self to the lively university student he used to be.

Adding to his discomfort, he was still legally married to Elaine, making him a married man in this context, while Grayson was now widowed.

Merit was also widowed, making a potential pairing with Grayson seem quite fitting.

No matter how he looked at it, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was at a disadvantage.

Having not seen Merit for many years, Jacob had no idea about her current sentiments. What if she grew fond of Grayson during the noon gathering?

As he watched Jacob's message pop up in the chat, Grayson couldn't help but tease, "Ah, I thought our former student union president was just silently snatching red envelopes. I didn't expect you to finally break your silence."

Jacob's face turned beet red at the playful jab. As they say, the one who takes advantage becomes submissive. He had just gleefully snatched several 200-dollars red envelopes from Grayson, and now, being called out, he felt a tad embarrassed.

It was the anxiousness of a financially strapped man.

Jacob had never experienced a life of affluence. Additionally, Elaine had always managed their family finances. So even grabbing a meager five or eight dollars red envelope in WeChat groups could brighten his day.

His habit of greedily snatching every red envelope he came across had been ingrained over the years.

Today, when Grayson Joyce was generously distributing 200-dollars red envelopes in the group, Jacob didn't even bother checking who sent them; he just pounced on them. Little did he know that his actions inadvertently paved the way for Grayson to playfully tease him.

In hindsight, the gains hardly justified the losses.

Seeing him go silent, Grayson continued his playful banter, "Our esteemed president certainly wields authority, doesn't he? After all these years since graduation, you still think you can command me?"

With determination, Jacob responded, "I'm not giving orders, just offering advice for your own good."

To which Grayson swiftly retorted, "Advice, you say? Advising me not to settle in Aurous Hill and join everyone? Me thinks you're still carrying a torch for Merit after all these years. Worried that if I settle in Aurous Hill, I might become your love rival, aren't you?"

Chapter 905: "The Reunion Revelations"

Jacob couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions as he deciphered the hidden meanings in Grayson's words. His heart started to do the cha-cha of unease, and he knew he couldn't just spill his concerns in the alumni group chat, oh no, that would be a can of worms he didn't want to open.

You see, he was now a card-carrying member of the "Married Club," so he had to tread carefully on these turbulent waters.

Summoning every ounce of diplomacy, he reluctantly typed into the group, "I'm just a little concerned, you know? Hong Kong is like a comfy old jacket, and Aurous Hill...well, it's different. Our bodies are not the spry machines they once were. Sudden shifts in climate can be like throwing a curveball at our well-being."

Grayson, caught in the spotlight, responded with a blush-inducing laugh, "Hey, don't worry about me, Jacob!"

Jacob, eager to escape the virtual spotlight, tucked his phone away and turned to Merit with a sly grin, saying, "Merit, let's spice things up and do some more exploring, shall we?"

Merit, the partner in crime, flashed a knowing smile and nodded. They continued their stroll down memory lane, making the past feel like it was just a heartbeat away.

Around 10 o'clock, Merit glanced at the clock and nudged Jacob, "The reunion shindig starts at 11. We better make our grand entrance."

Jacob beamed, "Absolutely!"

He whisked Merit away in his sleek BMW 5 Series, heading for the Splendid Clubhouse, a place that had more luxury than a cat has lives.

Upon arriving, they found out that Paul had reserved not just any floor but the 14th floor – the peak of lavishness that regular members could reach.

Jacob was left flabbergasted!

The last time he even sniffed the 10th floor was thanks to his son-in-law Charlie's connection with Orvel Heller. But now, Paul had orchestrated a direct ticket to the 14th floor, where the opulence knew no bounds!

Word on the street was that the 15th floor was the Walker family's personal kingdom, off-limits to commoners. It was clear that Paul had earned his stripes in the upper echelons.

As they ascended in the elevator, curiosity bubbled within Jacob, and he leaned toward Merit, "Merit, is Paul on first-name terms with the Walker family?"

Merit gave a knowing nod, "Oh, you bet! After years of playing legal superhero for them, the Walker family practically rolls out the red carpet."

Jacob mentally tipped his hat to Paul, thinking, "This young gun really knows how to hit the bullseye!"

Finally, they reached a massive private room on the 14th floor, where a bunch of their old buddies were already waiting.

The room? Picture this: a table for 50, a culinary carousel, and room for a whopping 100 dishes. This was no ordinary feast – it was a culinary rollercoaster.

Rumor had it that this extravaganza cost a minimum of 20,000 bucks per head. Paul's wallet was definitely doing some heavy lifting tonight.

And then, there were over 40 classmates in the room, a crowd larger than last time. This gathering was going to set Paul back a cool million, at least.

Seeing Merit and Jacob stroll in together, the classmates couldn't hide their shock.

One inquisitive soul couldn't help but blurt out, "Merit, did you and Jacob just happen to meet downstairs, or is there some 'undercover operation' going on here?"

In the midst of the crowd, a dapper middle-aged man, exuding charisma with his slicked-back hair and designer suit, fixed his intense gaze on Merit. None other than Grayson Joyce himself.

Let the drama unfold!

True, let the drama unfold
I hope this Grayson wouldn't be a pain in the neck for Jacob

Prodigy · Jan 10, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 906: "Love and Jealousy: A Reunion Surprise"

As Grayson impatiently waited for Merit in the private room, his heart raced with anticipation. And when she finally graced him with her presence, he couldn't help but be spellbound.

Merit's timeless beauty and elegance were as mesmerizing as ever, stealing Grayson Jorce's breath away.

To think that even at the age of fifty, Merit radiated such unparalleled grace and allure left him astounded. His determination to win her heart burned brighter than ever.

Yet, what unfolded before him was beyond his wildest expectations. The woman he'd pined for over two decades had walked in with none other than Jacob Wilson, the scoundrel who had once wronged him.

An eruption of anger surged within Grayson, propelling him to his feet as he confronted Jacob, "Jacob, how dare you show up with Merit? We all know what you did to her in the past. If it weren't for you, how could Merit have spent so many years in the United States? Shame on you! If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't have the audacity to show my face here!"

Jacob, equally incensed, shot back, "Grayson, don't push it. Those who truly know the facts understand it wasn't my fault!"

He continued, "Do you think the past twenty years have been a walk in the park for me? I've carried more regret and shame than anyone!"

Grayson stood his ground, unwavering, "Good, you should be ashamed! I suggest you leave this gathering. It's not meant for you."

At this juncture, Merit intervened, attempting to diffuse the tension, "Enough, let's not dwell on the past. We're no longer youngsters prone to gossip. We're all in our forties and fifties, why resurrect old stories?"

After a pause, she addressed the group earnestly, "Each one of you is here by my personal invitation, so please, let's maintain harmony."

Jacob couldn't resist a sly grin directed at Grayson, "Did you hear that, Grayson? Even Merit agrees. Who are you to ask me to leave?"

Then, a recollection struck him, and he added, "Oh, by the way, I should mention that I didn't just accompany Merit. I picked her up from her hotel this morning, and we visited our alma mater, reminiscing about our youth, before joining you here. Any objections?"

Grayson, consumed by jealousy, couldn't find a suitable retort. His affection for Merit had always been one-sided, unlike Jacob's.

Jacob and Merit had a genuine, long-standing history together, a couple recognized as the epitome of elegance during their school days.

Their shared past and visit to their alma mater seemed tinged with ambiguity, leaving Grayson deeply vexed and at a loss for words.

Just as the atmosphere grew more tense, Paul, a young man, entered the room with a smile directed at Merit, "Mom, I've spoken with Mr. Dondie Edwards, the Walker family's butler. He'll handle everything for your reunion today. You don't need to worry about a thing; simply enjoy your time with friends."

Paul's sudden appearance left everyone in awe. A woman exclaimed, "Wow, Merit, is this your son? He's incredibly handsome!"

Merit nodded, introducing him, "Allow me to introduce him. This is my son, Paul Smith."

Another voice chimed in, "Impressive! Merit, your son is mixed-race, born to your American husband, isn't he?"

With a warm smile, Merit replied, "Who else could be his father if not my husband?"

Laughter filled the room.

Curiosity got the best of Grayson, and he asked, "By the way, Merit, Paul must have a Chinese name, right?"

Merit nodded, saying, "Certainly, Paul's Chinese name carries my family name."

Eager voices inquired, "What's Paul's Chinese name?"

Paul was about to answer, but Merit swiftly interjected, "Today is about our reunion, not about my son. Let him excuse himself first; we, the seasoned folks, have our tales to recount!"

Chapter 907: "Unraveling Secrets and Stirring Potions"

As the scene unfolds, Paul noticed a certain mystery about his mother's Chinese name that she preferred to keep under wraps. A sly grin danced on his lips as he decided to liven things up a bit. "Hey, uncles and aunties, don't let me stop you from indulging in this feast," he quipped with an impish smile. "I've got to make my exit."

Jacob, quick on his feet, chimed in, "Hold on, Paul! Why rush off? Stay, share a meal with us!"

His motive was plain as day: he wanted everyone to see that he and Paul went way back, hinting that he had crossed paths with Merit long before this gathering.

By doing so, he hoped to make it crystal clear that their connection was anything but ordinary, serving as a deterrent to anyone eyeing Merit with ulterior motives.

Other guests couldn't help but raise their eyebrows at this exchange. Why was Jacob so chummy with Paul?

With a playful twinkle in his eye, Paul responded, "I'd love to join you, uncles and aunties, but alas, I've got some afternoon business to attend to."

He leaned in, sharing a conspiratorial glance with Jacob. "You see, I've got an appointment with Mr. Wade this afternoon to check out the Feng Shui of my company. I have to be there to host him."

Jacob chuckled and nodded in agreement. "My son-in-law might not have many talents, but he's got Feng Shui skills you can rely on. Let him give your place a good look, and he won't charge you an arm and a leg. Besides, if he doesn't do right by you, what was all that drinking yesterday for, right?"

With a playful smirk, he added, "How about this? I'll give him a call and ask him to waive the fee for you!"

Meanwhile, Grayson, who stood nearby, felt a surge of frustration bubbling within him.

What's happening here? Did Paul and Jacob and his son-in-law share a drink together?

When did this even happen? Yesterday?

Merit had only arrived in Aurous Hill yesterday, right? She had dinner with Jacob on the same day she arrived? This was certainly a special treatment!

Doubts and unease gnawed at Grayson as he wondered if Merit still held a candle for Jacob.

At this juncture, Paul chimed in with a grin, "Uncle Wilson, you really don't have to trouble yourself. If Mr. Wade were to waive the fee for me, I'd feel a bit embarrassed about it."

Beside him, Merit added with a warm smile, "Jacob, let's not get involved in the kids' affairs."

Jacob, catching Grayson's frustrated expression, knew his mission had been accomplished. He didn't press the matter with Paul any further and offered reassuringly, "Go on and handle your business, Paul. I'll take good care of your mother here. You have my word."

Grayson, feeling increasingly disgruntled, couldn't help but wonder, What's going on here? Why does it feel like Jacob is acting as Paul's stepfather?

As these thoughts swirled in Grayson's mind, he nursed a hidden grudge: "Jacob, Jacob, you once stole Merit from me twenty years ago. If you dare to thwart my plans again, you won't get away with it!"

He then decided to stir the pot deliberately, saying aloud, "Oh, by the way, Jacob, where's your wife? The notorious shrew from our college days—what was her name again? Something like Eli, right?"

A former classmate chuckled and replied, "Her name's Elaine!"

"That's it! Elaine!" Grayson couldn't help but chuckle mischievously. "Jacob, word on the street is that you and Elaine are still madly in love. After all these years, your bond must have deepened. Why didn't you bring Elaine along today?"

At the mention of Elaine's name, Jacob's expression fell, and he shot back, "Grayson, why dredge up old history here? Elaine isn't our classmate. What business does she have at this gathering?"

Chapter 908: "A Reunion's Explosive Cocktail of Drama"

Grayson couldn't help but wear a wicked grin as he slyly remarked, "Listen up, buddy! You'd better remember that you're a happily married man. No gallivanting with other ladies, and definitely no wandering thoughts, capisce? Trust me, if someone like Elaine catches a whiff of your shenanigans, she won't be too forgiving."

Well, Jacob wasn't about to let that slide without a fiery retort, "Grayson, what in the world are you babbling about? When have I ever fooled around with other women? When did I harbor malicious thoughts towards anyone else? Let me set the record straight, pal. Just because you've got a bit of dough doesn't mean you can spew nonsense here! Jacob isn't falling for your tricks!"

Meanwhile, Merit, caught in the crossfire, couldn't hide her exasperation, and her voice took on a touch of irritation as she interjected, "Can you two please knock it off? We're here for a class reunion, not to witness a showdown. Keep this up, and I'm outta here!"

Jacob, with his best innocent face, piped up, "Merit, you heard it all. Grayson, old bastard, started it!"

Now, Grayson was no stranger to the finer things in life, being a Hong Kong big shot and all. So naturally, he wasn't thrilled about being labeled an "old bastard" by Jacob.

He slammed the table and sprang to his feet, seething, "Jacob, who the hell are you calling an old bastard?"

Jacob, unfazed, shot back, "I'm talking about you, buddy. Problem?"

With an icy demeanor, Grayson retorted, "Jacob, don't think just because we were classmates back in the day that I won't take you to task. Let me make this crystal clear: If you push my buttons enough, you won't get off lightly. You think you can bully me just because I returned from Hong Kong to Aurous Hill? Have you even considered your own limitations before squaring off with me?"

Suddenly, Jacob was feeling a bit out of his depth. Truth be told, he was pretty powerless these days. He couldn't even scrape together ten thousand dollars if he tried. His swanky villa? That was courtesy of his son-in-law's cunning maneuvering. Compared to Grayson, the savvy businessman, he was peanuts.

The consequences of truly riling up Grayson might be more than he could bear.

Just when he was contemplating his predicament, Paul chimed in, "Uncles, my mom organized this event, and it's meant to be fun, right? Can you please, pretty please, spare us the drama at her party?"

Quick as a flash, Jacob jumped on the opportunity, pledging, "Paul, for your sake, I'll keep the peace."

Grayson, incensed, quipped, "You insult me one minute and back down the next? Do you want me to give you a good slap?"

A frosty silence hung in the air as Merit cut in, her tone icy, "Grayson, what exactly do you want? If you won't heed my words, I won't hesitate to ask you to leave. I won't let you trample over our classmates' good time."

Grayson, boiling with anger, felt betrayed by Merit's lack of support. Why wasn't she taking his side?

Meanwhile, Jacob, fearing he might become the punching bag, pondered his options.

Just as the tension reached its peak, a silver-haired gentleman in his sixties strolled in.

As he spotted Paul, a warm smile crept across his face, "Mr. Paul, the kitchen is all set to serve our delightful feast. Shall we get this party started?"

Paul looked at the newcomer, surprised. "Uncle Dondie, why did you come here personally?"

And the name "Dondie" sent a shockwave through the entire table.

Dondie? Could it be Dondie Edwards, the esteemed steward of the Aurous Hill Walker family?

Everyone present knew that this Dondie Edwards commanded immense respect and influence in Aurous Hill, holding a position of great importance.

Chapter 909: The Astonishing Encounter

When Grayson discovered that the man standing before him was none other than Dondie Edwards, his demeanor underwent a remarkable transformation. It was as if a tidal wave of humility had washed over him, dissolving his haughty facade towards Jacob.

Grayson had always been keenly aware of the formidable Walker family, a presence that had loomed over him since his early days studying in Aurous Hill. Their influence had grown to the extent that they had unquestionably become the city's most dominant family.

Even though Grayson himself was a renowned Hong Kong tycoon with a billion-dollar fortune, he recognized that his wealth was a mere drop in the ocean compared to the Walker family's colossal riches. Their assets soared into the hundreds of billions, dwarfing his own fortune a hundredfold. Consequently, the status and influence of the Walker family's butler, Dondie, far exceeded his own.

In the midst of it all, Paul found himself pleasantly taken aback by Dondie's unexpected presence. He had never imagined that Dondie, representing the mighty Walker family, would personally grace their gathering.

A warm smile lit up Dondie's face as he addressed Paul, "Mr. Paul, our family has shared a longstanding connection with your law firm, dating back to our initial ventures into the American export market. During those times, I accompanied our master, and your father played a pivotal role in resolving various legal matters. In fact, Elder Walker and your father were close friends, although you might not have been aware of it since you were still in school at the time."

With a touch of nostalgia, Dondie continued, "To us, you're not just a client; you're the son of an old friend. Neglecting you would be a breach of our hospitality."

Paul nodded appreciatively and replied, "Dondie, please extend my gratitude to Elder Walker. I've been buried in work recently, but once I've sorted everything out and our company is firmly established in Aurous Hill, I'll make sure to pay him a visit."

Dondie nodded in agreement, adding, "When the time comes, just get in touch with me, and I'll arrange a meeting with our master."

As Dondie prepared to take his leave, Paul suggested, "I was actually about to leave as well. How about we walk out together?"

"Certainly," Dondie agreed.

Just before departing, Grayson hastily rose from his seat and extended a respectful introduction, "Hello, Dondie Edwards, I'm Grayson from Hong Kong's Huisite Trading Company. It's a delight to make your acquaintance."

Dondie, somewhat surprised, inquired, "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your company. Have you had any prior collaborations with the Walker family?"

Grayson responded enthusiastically, "Dondie, I've always aspired to work with the Walker family, but I haven't had the right opportunity yet. If possible, I would greatly appreciate your introduction."

Dondie, maintaining his politeness, offered a friendly smile and remarked, "I appreciate your interest in the Walker family, but we have stringent criteria for our partners. To be candid, if I haven't heard of a company, it's unlikely that they meet our collaboration standards."

As an experienced butler, Dondie possessed extensive knowledge of the family's business affairs and was well-versed in top-tier companies across the nation. This was an essential part of his professional expertise.

If a company had escaped his notice, it likely held little significance and was, at best, considered second-rate. A family as influential as the Walkers wouldn't entertain the notion of collaborating with a second-tier enterprise.

Grayson couldn't help but feel somewhat awkward, not anticipating such a blunt rejection from Dondie. Though unspoken, the implication was crystal clear.

This setback left a dent in Grayson's pride, but he dared not display any displeasure. He managed to muster a respectful response, saying, "I apologize for my presumption, Dondie."

Resuming his seat, he couldn't help but experience a burning sense of embarrassment. Had he known, he would have spared himself this situation, gaining nothing and losing face in front of his peers.

Dondie acknowledged Grayson's apology with a slight nod, his demeanor bearing a hint of haughtiness, a stance befitting his esteemed status in Aurous Hill's elite circles.

Chapter 910: "The Revelation of a Hidden Powerhouse"

Paul looked around at the lively gathering and decided it was time to make his exit, uttering with a dash of politeness, "Ladies and gentlemen, please continue relishing the festivities here. I shall take my leave."

Turning his attention specifically to Jacob, Paul addressed him with a touch of formality, "Uncle Wilson, I bid you farewell."

Jacob regarded Paul with a fatherly warmth in his eyes and replied, "Certainly, go on and attend to your matters, my boy!"

Just then, a remarkable encounter unfolded before their eyes. Dondie Edwards, the well-known steward of the esteemed Walker family, laid his eyes on Jacob and couldn't conceal his astonishment. He exclaimed, "Ah, might you be Mr. Wilson?"

Jacob, taken aback that someone of Dondie's stature recognized him, inquired with genuine surprise, "You... how do you know me?"

Dondie, with the utmost respect, responded, "Mr. Wilson, I must inform you that Master Wade has extended immeasurable generosity to the Walker family. The entire family holds deep gratitude for his benevolence and shall forever cherish it. As you are Master Wade's father-in-law, it is only natural that I recognize you."

A light bulb moment dawned upon Jacob!

It all clicked into place because of his son-in-law, Charlie Wade...

Charlie was growing increasingly challenging to underestimate. While Jacob was impressed by Charlie's ability to outwit the likes of Orvel Heller and George White, he could never have fathomed that Charlie had so thoroughly beguiled the Walker family, Aurous Hill's most illustrious clan.

Over on the sidelines, Paul was thunderstruck. He was well aware that the "Master Wade" mentioned by Dondie was none other than Charlie.

However, he hadn't quite grasped the extent of Charlie's influence.

Even Dondie, the head steward of the Walker family, accorded him the highest respect, addressing him as "Master Wade." And, by Dondie's account, Charlie had performed significant favors for the entire Walker family. Was it possibly because of Charlie's Feng Shui expertise?

Intrigued by this revelation, Paul's perception of Charlie became even more enigmatic. As he anticipated Charlie's afternoon visit to assess Feng Shui at his company, he contemplated seizing the opportunity to uncover more about him.

In the moment, Dondie respectfully directed his attention back to Jacob, "Mr. Wilson, I hadn't anticipated your presence at this gathering. Consequently, I shall personally oversee your table today. Please do not hesitate to request anything you may require."

Jacob's classmates and friends were dumbfounded. Many of them hailed from Aurous Hill and were well aware of the Walker family's influence. None had imagined that Jacob possessed such sway.

Grayson was equally flabbergasted.

He couldn't fathom why Dondie, who had previously dismissed him, now displayed such courtesy towards Jacob!

Grayson had done some background research on Jacob. Supposedly, Jacob hailed from a family that had fallen from grace long ago, with no substantial assets to their name. Jacob himself was hardly noteworthy, a mere shadow of his former self.

So why, then, was Dondie displaying such reverence for this seemingly unremarkable man? Could it be solely due to his son-in-law, this self-proclaimed "Master Wade"?

Contemplating this, Grayson found himself growing increasingly curious about the enigmatic Charlie Wade, and he discreetly leaned over to inquire of a fellow classmate, "Do you happen to know who Jacob's son-in-law is?"

If you should venture into Master Wade background, your head might explode due to lack of assimilation

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 10, 2024

Donald must be missing some screws in his brain. His group's market value is in the decline and the first thing that comes to his mind is throw substantial amount of money for revenge... He can write a book on "how not to save a declining business."

Prosper · Jan 10, 2024

Bunch of idiots

Junlee said:
Chapter 1066: "Coal Mine Confrontation: Jinny's Fury Unleashed"

Furthermore, ever since her own family came in and started working at full capacity from the day they arrived until now, what about Zoraida? Just because she takes better care of herself, she thinks she can become the foreman's mistress!

So, she glared at Zoraida, her anger bubbling up, gritting her teeth as she cursed, "Some women have no shame. They'd sleep with the foreman for a few benefits, truly shameless!"

Zoraida, hearing her mockery, naturally bristled with anger and retorted, "Jinny, watch your mouth when you speak to me, or else I'll make sure you don't eat tomorrow!"

Jinny, upon hearing this, erupted in fury, "Zoraida, why are you acting so proud? Aren't you just sleeping with the foreman? Do you think having him as your backer means I won't dare to do anything to you? When he gets tired of you, by that time, won't you be just like me?"

Zoraida felt intense anger welling up inside her, and she blurted out, "Jinny, I see your whole family is up to no good. Believe me or not, with one word from me, I'll increase your daily working hours from 16 to 20! I'll work your family to death!"

Jinny, upon hearing this, was infuriated, "Zoraida, have you no conscience left? My family ended up like this all because of you! Instead of feeling any remorse, you dare to speak such words to me! You're not human!"

Zoraida coldly retorted, "Stop whining. You agreed to cooperate with me for the money, so if you want to earn that money, you have to bear the risks that come with it! Why blame me?"

Jinny gritted her teeth, "If not you, then who else should I blame? If it weren't for you, my family would be living the good life in Aurous Hill right now! How can we be suffering like this?"

Zoraida scornfully remarked, "It just proves that you don't have a destiny for a comfortable life! Your whole life is doomed to be spent in this little coal mine. Either you'll work yourself to death here, or you'll be crushed to death at the bottom of the pit when it collapses. In any case, you'll never turn your life around!"

Jinny, upon hearing this, was now boiling with rage!

After working tirelessly as a dealer in Macau for so many years, she had saved up some money and returned to Aurous Hill to prepare for her retirement. However, Zoraida had set a trap for her, which led her into this wretched coal mine, subjecting her to this hellish existence. How could she not hate Zoraida?

Now, hearing Zoraida's words, Jinny had lost all self-control. Her mind felt numb, and she impulsively grabbed an iron hook used for digging coal from the ground and swung it towards Zoraida!

Zoraida was taken aback, not expecting this woman to attack her!

Moreover, she had picked up an iron hook and immediately used it as a weapon. She was terrified and quickly tried to escape, but she was a bit slower in her reaction, and the hook caught her lower leg!

The hook could easily pierce through hard coal, let alone flesh and skin. Zoraida felt the hook go through her lower leg, followed by a sharp, excruciating pain, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground.

By this point, her lower leg was already bleeding profusely, a horrific sight to behold.

Zoraida was petrified; she knew full well that everything in this small coal mine was filthy, and the iron hook was rusty and covered in coal dust. She had no idea how many bacteria were on it, and now that it had pierced her leg, there was a risk of infection!

Furthermore, Jinny had clearly lost her sanity, and her threat was significant!

So, she hastily shouted, "Jinny, do you dare to harm me? Do you want to die?"

Jinny, now with tears in her eyes, clenched her teeth, "You brought me to this point, condemned me to a life of eternal darkness. I'd rather die with you!"

With that said, she forcefully pulled the hook out of her lower leg and immediately aimed it at Zoraida's face!

Chapter 1067: "Rescue and Reckoning: A Confrontation"

Zoraida was so frightened that she rolled on the ground several times, fearing that the iron hook would really hook into her face.

That thing looked too terrifying, and she couldn't help but think it might hook her eyeballs out in an instant!

However, Zoraida's leg was already injured, and even though she managed to dodge a few initial strikes from Jinny, Jinny kept chasing her and relentlessly attacking. At this rate, she was bound to be brutally beaten by Jinny sooner or later!

Zoraida was just about to flee when suddenly her leg hurt, causing her to fall to the ground.

As she regained her senses, Jinny rushed towards her, swinging the large hook directly at her head.

At this moment, Zoraida couldn't escape no matter how hard she tried. She closed her eyes in despair, thinking that she was doomed today.

But just at that moment, several Toyota Land Cruisers suddenly drove in.

The glaring headlights shone directly on Jinny's face, and a group of people jumped out of the cars. One of them pointed a gun at Jinny and shouted, "What the hell are you doing? Put down that hook!"

Jinny was startled by this show of force!

After all, she had worked in the Macau casino for many years and had seen a lot. She could tell at a glance what kind of people generally had what kind of power.

Although the security guards and supervisors in the coal mine were frightening, they didn't have guns, and these people seemed to have more influence!

So she trembled and dropped the iron hook on the ground.

At this point, a middle-aged man with a round and fat face, looking like he had seen his fair share of the world, walked up to Zoraida. He opened a photo on his phone, glanced at Zoraida, and asked, "Are you Zoraida?"

Zoraida nodded in panic, "Yes, who are you?"

The middle-aged man nodded and said casually, "Hello, Ms. Zoraida. Let me introduce myself. I'm Sanford Nigellus from the Weaver family in Suzhou. Our young master heard that you were tricked into coming here by Charlie Wade, so he sent me to rescue you. Come with us to Suzhou. Our young master has something to tell you, and then you can meet your family."

Zoraida was pleasantly surprised and asked, "Is what you're saying true? Are you really going to rescue me and let me meet my family?"

Sanford coldly retorted, "Otherwise, what do you think I came all the way out to this godforsaken place for? To chat with you?"

Upon hearing this, Zoraida was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded vigorously and said, "Thank you, thank you, Mr. Weaver!"

Sanford, somewhat disgusted by her dirty appearance, instructed someone behind him, "Let her sit in your car."

"Sure thing, boss!"

With that, the man holstered his gun and prepared to escort Zoraida into one of the cars.

At that moment, a man from inside the house came out, muttering angrily, "What the hell are you people doing? Even my woman is taken away just like that? Keep her here!"

Sanford furrowed his brow and asked, "Who do you think you are?"

This man was the supervisor of the coal mine and acted like a local kingpin when the boss wasn't around.

So he arrogantly said, "I'm the safety supervisor here. Did you even bother to inform our boss, Mr. Li? Let me tell you, Mr. Li wields a lot of power in this area!"

Sanford coldly stated, "Didn't Mr. Li give you a call? Did he not tell you that our young master has already bought this place?"

"Ridiculous!" The supervisor scoffed, "If Mr. Li had really sold this place, he would have definitely informed me. I think you people are up to no good, trying to steal my woman, aren't you?"

Chapter 1068: "Silenced Fates: A Deadly Turn of Events "

Sanford looked at Zoraida and questioned, "What's going on here? Are you his woman?"

Zoraida cried and said, "No, I'm not. I was forced by him!"

Sanford turned to the foreman and said coldly, "Since she herself doesn't admit to being your woman, then don't bother me here with your nonsense."

The foreman, who had been pampered by Zoraida these days, was completely infatuated. He was just a rural bumpkin and had never experienced women like Zoraida from the city, so he had become addicted to her.

Now, seeing this group of people about to take Zoraida away, he was naturally very unhappy.

So he said coldly, "I don't care about your nonsense. I don't care about any of your interference. Let me tell you again, she is my woman!"

Sanford snorted and said, "You're digging your own grave, then. I won't give you a chance."

He finished speaking and immediately pulled out a dark handgun from his waist, aiming it at the foreman without hesitation.

With a bang, the gun spat out a tongue of fire, and a bullet instantly entered the foreman's forehead.

The foreman, who had just been arrogant, instantly became a lifeless corpse.

Zoraida was terrified and screamed, but Jinny's eyes were filled with excitement. She felt that her chance to stay alive had come!

So she hurriedly said to Sanford, "Mister, we were also abducted here. Please take us with you!"

Upon hearing this, Zoraida quickly said, "Please don't take her with us! She was just trying to kill me a moment ago!"

Sanford looked at Zoraida and asked, "Is this woman your enemy?"

Zoraida immediately nodded and blurted out, "Yes, she's my enemy. She was trying to kill me!"

Jinny panicked and said, "Zoraida, don't speak nonsense! When did I..."

Before Jinny could finish her sentence, a gunshot suddenly rang out.

Zoraida was startled, and when she looked again, Sanford had raised his handgun once more, and this time, he was aiming it at Jinny!

Just moments ago, Jinny had been talking, but now her face was covered in blood. She stood frozen for a moment and then collapsed to the ground with a loud thud.

Sanford had actually shot and killed Jinny!

Zoraida hadn't expected that Sanford would kill two people in the blink of an eye. She was trembling in fear.

Meanwhile, Jinny's family members began to wail and rushed towards her lifeless body.

They hadn't expected that Jinny, who had been lively just a moment ago, was now separated from them by life and death.

However, they had no recourse. They didn't dare seek revenge against Sanford, nor could they seek revenge against Zoraida. All they could do was hold onto Jinny's lifeless body and cry in despair.

Sanford paid no attention to the grieving family in front of him. He turned away and said to his group of henchmen, "The plane is waiting at the airport. Let's hurry!"

The frightened Zoraida quickly pushed a domineering vehicle forward.

Sanford also stepped into the car he had come in. When the car turned around, he rolled down the window, aiming the gun at Jinny's family. As long as they took one step forward, he would kill them without hesitation.

Fortunately, Jinny's family had already been scared out of their wits and didn't dare to move.

The convoy then left the black coal mine in the mountains and headed towards the local airport!

Chapter 1069: "Rescued by Destiny: Zoraida's Unexpected Turn of Fortune"

The black coal mine where Zoraida is located is situated in the Shanxi province in northwestern China, known for its abundant production of vinegar and coal tycoons.

It's a thousand or so kilometers away from Suzhou and Hangzhou in the southeast, and if one were to drive back directly, it would take at least a day and a night.

Young Master Xander was in a hurry, so he sent the Weaver family's private plane directly. Please support the author by reading the original novel on your mobile device.

The convoy took nearly three hours to emerge from the deep mountains and forests and arrive at the local airport.

At this moment, a Weaver family Gulfstream jet was already parked on the airport apron.

Zoraida never dreamed that the means of transportation to Suzhou and Hangzhou would be a private plane!

Sanford led her onto the plane, and when she saw the luxurious interior resembling a palace, her eyes widened in amazement.

Seeing her covered in dirt, Sanford furrowed his brow and said, "There's a bathroom at the back of the plane where you can shower. Please go and freshen up, but be careful not to dirty our master's plane."

Zoraida nodded hastily and cautiously made her way to the tail of the private plane. As expected, there was a very luxurious bathroom, albeit small, but equipped with a shower, truly extraordinary.

As she was about to take a shower, the plane began to taxi, and she could see that it was about to take off. While others were fastening their seatbelts in their seats, she was afraid of dirtying the seats due to her dirty clothes, so she quickly grabbed the armrest and steadied herself.

It wasn't until the plane took off, climbed to altitude, and began flying smoothly that Zoraida finally took her shower in the bathroom.

After showering, Zoraida put on the new clothes provided by the service staff and sat cautiously in her seat, awaiting her fate.

Zoraida wasn't a fool. Although she didn't know why the Weaver family had come to rescue her, she was certain that there was no such thing as a free lunch, and the Weaver family must have a use for her.

She then thought about her family.

She had no idea that at this moment, her husband, her son, and daughter all believed that she had taken all the money from home and run off with a younger man.

She had no clue that her family now harbored a deep hatred for her.

At this moment, all Zoraida could think about was her family; she missed her husband, her son, and her daughter.

In reality, Zoraida was not a woman of loose morals. She had been with Noah for so long with the sole intention of providing a good life for her family, never wavering in her commitment.

But ever since she was sent to the black coal mine, she had been betraying her husband almost every day, and worse, with such a disgusting rural bumpkin. This made her feel a bit uneasy in her heart.

She didn't know whether, if her husband found out about her recent experiences, he would sympathize with her or blame her for humiliating him. First release.

Thinking of this, Zoraida made up her mind to keep this matter hidden and not mention it to anyone.

When the plane arrived in Suzhou and Hangzhou, the sky was already beginning to brighten.

The Weaver family's convoy was waiting, and as soon as the plane landed, they took Zoraida directly to the Weaver family's grand villa.

Last night, neither the Weaver family father and son had slept.

It wasn't because they were waiting for Zoraida, but because of the overwhelming internal and external troubles that kept them awake.

It wasn't just the two of them; Donald's several brothers and sisters, along with their children, totaling about twenty or thirty close relatives, had all been sitting in the living room throughout the night.

The video of Kobi and the core members of the Beggars Sect being thrown into the river was still circulating hotly on the internet.

And everyone who saw this video cursed the Weaver family countless times in their hearts.

Therefore, the Weaver family's reputation continued to decline rapidly.

Chapter 1070: "Vengeance Awaits: Zoraida's Oath of Retribution"

In this situation, every person with the surname Weaver in the Weaver family was restless and couldn't sleep.

When Zoraida was brought to the Weaver family, Sanford didn't immediately take her to the living room. Instead, he temporarily arranged her in the servants' living area and then called Donald and Xander over.

Upon hearing that Zoraida had been brought back, the father and son went together to see her.

Upon meeting, without saying a word, Zoraida first kneeled down and kowtowed to the two of them, expressing her gratitude for saving her life.

Xander, with an emotionless expression, said, "Zoraida, we brought you back not out of sympathy, but because we want you to do something for us."

Zoraida anxiously asked, "Whatever you command, I'll do it!"

Xander gritted his teeth and said, "I know you have a vendetta with Charlie Wade, and I also have a deep-seated hatred for him. It's a blood feud. I'll ask you one question: Do you want to seek revenge against Charlie?"

Zoraida, with anger in her eyes, blurted out, "That damn Charlie nearly killed me, made me suffer tremendously. I've longed to tear him to pieces!"

Xander nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good. In that case, I will send you back to Aurous Hill, and your mission is to do everything in your power to take revenge on Charlie and his family. Spare no effort!"

Zoraida agreed without hesitation. Even if Xander hadn't asked, she would have sought revenge on Charlie once she had the opportunity.

After agreeing, Zoraida couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Master Weaver, do you know the current situation of my husband, my son, my daughter, and my mother-in-law?"

Xander sneered, "They are in a tough spot right now. Some time ago, they were thrown into prison by Charlie, and they haven't been released yet."

"What?!" Zoraida, upon hearing that her family members were all in prison, became extremely nervous and asked, "What's going on? Are they okay? When can they be released?"

Xander said, "The reason they ended up in prison is because of Charlie's schemes. I guess they must hate Charlie bitterly by now."

Nervously, Zoraida asked, "Master Weaver, can you release my family? I beg you!"

Xander replied calmly, "I can release them, but I need to ask you, if I release them, will they obey my orders and go against Charlie?"

Zoraida nodded repeatedly, "Yes, they will definitely obey. To be honest, our whole family has suffered greatly at the hands of Charlie!"

"My mother-in-law's Wilson Group was ruined by Charlie!"

"My husband and I lost our life savings, all thanks to Charlie!"

"My son was supposed to be the heir of Wilson Group, but because of Charlie, he ended up with nothing and became a loser!"

"My daughter was supposed to marry into the Aurous Hill White family and become a lady of the house. However, after they played with her, the White family broke off the engagement, all thanks to that damn Charlie!"

As she spoke, Zoraida's anger grew, and she was on the verge of an emotional breakdown, trembling violently.

At this point, her emotions were out of control, and she burst into tears, saying, "I was sent to that pitch-black coal mine, lived a hellish life for so long, every day was worse than death. I almost committed suicide several times, and it's all because of Charlie! My whole family bears an unrelenting grudge against him!"

Xander and his father, Donald, exchanged a glance, both showing a look of joy.

What they needed were cannon fodder, people with a deep-seated grudge against Charlie!

The entire Wilson family, a family of five, were sworn enemies of Charlie. As long as they were all brought out and sent under Charlie's nose, they would definitely make Charlie's life miserable! They were the ideal first members of the cannon fodder team!

This way, Charlie would undoubtedly be heavily distracted, and the Weaver family would have more opportunities to catch him off guard!

Bunch of idiots. Prepare for your death

Alonzo03 · Jan 10, 2024

Junlee said:
Donald must be missing some screws in his brain. His group's market value is in the decline and the first thing that comes to his mind is throw substantial amount of money for revenge... He can write a book on "how not to save a declining business."

He has a Liquid asset of Two Billion dollars, his Entire company shares is about to decline further by fifty percent. And he is planning to waste 100 million plus on a villa and another 80 million on reviving their company. Old Lady Wilson has more Brains than Donald no wonder He knows he falls short of his own Father's competency. If Charlie finds out that he is behind the Wilson's family, he will allow him to drain his wealth on them because they will keep demanding before Charlie strikes.

Alonzo03 · Jan 10, 2024

Charlie is swimming in wealth that surpassing the Weaver family like a mountain peak to it foot, He also have a 20 billion plus liquid cash. He has witnessed the Wilson Glory before so their glory been restored cannot move him. He will know that someone is behind their sudden Wealth and luxury Living.

Prodigy · Jan 10, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 916: The Great Bill Battle: Where Fates and Flowers Converge

It was like a scene from a comedy movie, where several people sat around a table, all trying to outdo each other in a race to pay the bill. It was a hilarious mix of eagerness and politeness, with no one wanting to be the inconsiderate one who didn't offer to foot the bill.

So, at the restaurant's bar, debates over who should take the financial hit were as common as spilled salt, with everyone persistently trying to outdo the others in offering to pay.

Charlie, having seen this spectacle many times before, had a deep appreciation for people like Paul – those who were perceptive, decisive, and refreshingly straightforward.

Paul, in his usual no-nonsense style, simply mentioned that he had some business to attend to and immediately offered to escort Charlie out, setting a perfect example of efficient communication between sharp minds.

Soon, Paul guided Charlie through the bustling company corridors to the elevator. With a courteous press of the elevator button, he took a step back. When the doors opened on their floor, Paul was quick to usher Charlie inside.

Just as he was about to say something, the elevator doors revealed an enchanting sight – a stunningly beautiful woman, tall and impeccably dressed in a sharp business suit and pencil skirt. She embodied both charm and sensuality, a vision that could melt the heart of any man.

Paul, caught off guard yet delighted, exclaimed, "Miss Walker, what brings you here?"

The woman, on the verge of answering, noticed Charlie's presence and her elegant demeanor transformed into one of pure joy, as she cried out, "Master Wade, what are you doing here?"

Charlie, equally surprised by the unexpected encounter, couldn't help but smile as he replied, "I came to assist a friend with some feng shui evaluation of this place."

Recalling Paul's recognition of the stunning woman, Charlie realized that they were acquainted.

Sarah explained, "It seems, Master Wade, that you also know Mr. Paul. I'm here on my grandfather's behalf to deliver these flower baskets, congratulating Mr. Paul on the grand opening of his company."

Realizing she hadn't greeted Paul yet, she added with a hint of embarrassment, "Mr. Paul, it's been quite a while."

Paul, the sharp and perceptive legal expert, was quick to read the expressions and gazes of people effectively, a skill he had honed during his studies in the United States. He had even delved into the intricacies of interpreting facial expressions, a valuable skill in the legal profession.

With his unique background, he could tell from Sarah's expressions and her gaze that she held a special fondness for Charlie.

Admiring Charlie for capturing the attention of such a remarkable beauty as Sarah, Paul couldn't help but marvel at Charlie's extraordinary allure. It was clear that Charlie had managed to captivate the heart of the Walker family's young mistress.

Most notably, the fact that Sarah, a member of a prestigious family, had developed feelings for a married man like Charlie was truly a sensation-worthy revelation!

Chapter 917: "When Fate Comes Knocking: Love, Feng Shui, and Business Bonds"

In this electrifying moment, the elegant Sarah glided out of the elevator with the grace of a swan.

Though her purpose was to deliver a flower basket to Paul, her eyes never strayed from Charlie. Every time her gaze met his, it was as if she had stumbled upon the fountain of youth, transported back to the tender age of 18 when love had first fluttered within her heart.

As a woman of her stature, she had matured and learned the ways of the world at an early age, including the art of wearing a protective mask. Yet, in Charlie's presence, her mask seemed powerless.

With eyes filled with admiration and affection, Sarah couldn't help but ask, "Master Wade, how did you come to know Mr. Paul? He must have just arrived in China, correct?"

Charlie's smile was like a glint of mischief in his eyes as he replied, "My father-in-law and Mr. Paul's mother were university classmates, so that's how our paths crossed."

Surprised, Sarah exclaimed, "What a twist of fate!"

Meanwhile, Paul, standing nearby, chuckled and added, "Indeed, fate has a funny way of bringing people together. I had no idea, Miss Walker, that you and Master Wade were acquainted."

Sarah gazed deeply at Charlie and confided in Paul, "Master Wade once saved my life. Remember when our exported goods faced a lawsuit in the United States as soon as they arrived, demanding a hefty compensation?"

Paul nodded vigorously, recalling the incident. "Of course, I remember. You urgently sent me from the East Coast to the West Coast to resolve the dispute, but by the time I got there, the issue had miraculously vanished."

Sarah, still affected by the memory, continued, "That was the time when I accidentally disrupted the feng shui of our home. It not only affected our business but also brought a series of personal misfortunes, including car troubles and accidents."

With a sentimental touch, she raised her wrist, revealing a bracelet given to her by her mother. "I lost this bracelet during that period. Without Master Wade, I would never have found it again."

Paul's eyes widened in realization. "So, the incredible feng shui master you mentioned back then was Master Wade!"

Sarah affirmed, "Yes, it was Master Wade."

Paul turned to Charlie, admiration evident in his gaze, and exclaimed, "Master Wade, I had no idea you were the feng shui master Miss Sarah held in such high regard!"

Charlie downplayed his skills with a modest smile. "It was a minor matter, really, nothing to make a fuss about."

Paul hurriedly expressed his gratitude. "Master Wade, you're too modest. Your guidance just now was invaluable in addressing the feng shui concerns here. I'm sincerely grateful."

Although Charlie remained humble, Paul's respect for him had deepened considerably. Seeing the high regard Sarah held for Charlie, Paul knew he had to show the utmost respect as well.

Charlie finally interjected, "I have some matters to attend to. You two go ahead and catch up; I'll take my leave now."

Sarah, eager to be of assistance, inquired, "Master Wade, are you driving? If not, allow me to give you a lift!"

Charlie smiled and asked playfully, "Don't you need to spend time catching up with Paul?"

Without hesitation, Sarah responded, "Paul and I go way back. He's planning to expand his business in Aurous Hill, so we'll have ample time to reconnect later. If you didn't drive here, please let me give you a ride!"

Paul observed this exchange and realized that Sarah's feelings for Charlie were more than just a passing fancy—they held a special place in her heart.

With grace, Paul thanked Sarah for the flower basket and conveyed his regards to Old Master Walker. "I'll definitely visit him when I get the chance. If you have matters to attend to, please go ahead. I have some business matters to handle myself."

Chapter 918

With a grateful glance, Sarah turned her attention to Paul, expressing her understanding, "Alright then, since you're occupied, I won't impose any longer. Let's plan to meet up again when the opportunity arises!"

Paul, possessing both high emotional intelligence and intellect, could sense that Sarah's thoughts were completely focused on Charlie. It was clear that she was offering to drive him out of her genuine concern for him. So, why not go along with the flow and give her a hand?

Turning towards Charlie, Sarah suggested with a smile, "Master Wade, how about I drive you?"

Charlie responded with a nod and a grateful smile, "That would be wonderful, thank you."

Sarah blushed and earnestly added, "Master Wade, please don't be so formal with me."

...

Leaving her bodyguard to assist Paul with the flower baskets, Sarah pressed the elevator button and, holding the door, courteously gestured to Charlie, "After you, Master Wade!"

Charlie acknowledged the gesture with a slight nod and entered the elevator first, with Sarah following him inside.

As the elevator doors closed, a delicate and sophisticated fragrance emanated from Sarah, gently tickling Charlie's senses.

It must be said, Sarah had impeccable taste. Her perfume's scent was subtle yet enduring, offering both comfort and freshness. It possessed an alluring sophistication without a hint of coarseness.

Standing beside her, Charlie felt a stirring in his heart.

There was no denying that Sarah was exceptionally beautiful and exuded a noble aura. More importantly, she displayed a remarkable gentleness in his presence, devoid of the usual haughtiness associated with young ladies.

Together, they left the Jindi Building. Sarah personally opened the door to her Rolls-Royce and invited Charlie to enter.

Once inside the car, Sarah respectfully inquired, "Master Wade, where would you like to go? I'll be your chauffeur."

Charlie smiled faintly, "Please take me back to Thomson Elite."

A look of surprise crossed Sarah's face as she asked, "Mr. Wade, weren't you planning to run some errands? Why the sudden change of heart to head home?"

Charlie replied with a smile, "The timing for my errands isn't quite right yet. I'll return home and wait for a while."

Though puzzled, Sarah nodded gracefully and ventured to ask with anticipation, "Master Wade, when will you be free? I'd like to invite you for a meal..."

After a moment of contemplation, Charlie responded, "Perhaps in a couple of days. I've been rather busy lately, especially today."

He had already informed Isaac that once it was time to release Elaine, the detention center would arrange for her to contact him.

At that point, he would personally go to pick up Elaine.

The primary reason for his personal involvement was to witness firsthand just how much she had suffered.

A woman who had dared to embezzle 21.9 billion needed to endure hardship and learn a lesson behind bars.

21.9 billion – if he hadn't been concerned about revealing his identity and had reported the theft to the police directly, such a massive sum involved in the case could have led to Elaine facing execution, or at the very least, a suspended death sentence.

Releasing her after just a few days of suffering was already a lenient approach!

Chapter 919: "Behind Bars, Behind Slaps: Elaine's Misfortune Multiplied"

When Elaine returned to the detention center after her visit to the police station, she was teetering on the edge of her seat, her heart racing with anxiety. The uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving her with no option but to engage in an endless internal prayer session.

During her harrowing two-day confinement, Elaine endured hardships she had never fathomed. The experience felt like a relentless assault on her spirit, pushing her to the brink of despair. She couldn't help but fear that if she wasn't released soon, she might not make it out alive.

Meanwhile, the wise old Mrs. Wilson couldn't help but fret when she learned about Elaine's morning trip to the police station for questioning. Her concerns were twofold: first, she worried that Elaine might spill the beans about the abuse and torment she and Verity had subjected her to. Second, she feared that Elaine might request a change of cell, a prospect that sent shivers down Mrs. Wilson's spine.

You see, Elaine's presence had injected a newfound thrill into Mrs. Wilson's otherwise gloomy life. Over the years, the Wilson family had been through more hardships than they could count, leaving Mrs. Wilson in a perpetual state of melancholy. But having Elaine locked up in the same cell had breathed life back into her world.

As Mrs. Wilson contemplated the possibility that Elaine could be looking at a hefty ten to twenty-year sentence, her excitement grew exponentially. She imagined herself strolling out of prison in just over ten days, while Elaine would be locked away for what seemed like an eternity.

Spotting Elaine curled up in a corner of the cell, Mrs. Wilson, in one of her mischievous moods, decided to have a little chat. With a sly grin, she quizzed, "So, the grapevine tells me you had a cozy chat with the police, eh?"

Elaine, trembling, responded, "Yes, Mom, they had some questions about the case."

Mrs. Wilson adopted a stern tone, "You didn't spill the beans, did you? You didn't snitch on us, right?"

Elaine hastily waved her hands and assured, "No worries, Mom. I didn't breathe a word about our 'cell secrets.' They were mostly interested in the case details."

Mrs. Wilson, visibly relieved, chuckled and teased, "Elaine, have you started consulting lawyers about your impending sentence? Ten years? Fifteen years? Is that what they told you?"

Elaine shook her head vigorously, muttering, "I haven't had a chance to talk to a lawyer yet, so I'm in the dark about the duration."

Elaine wasn't about to let on that her release might be imminent. She knew they were going to make her suffer as much as possible before they let her go. Her strategy was to endure the torment in silence until the police finally came to set her free.

Mrs. Wilson smirked triumphantly, "I've heard that you could be looking at a minimum of fifteen years!"

She sighed dramatically but with a certain glee, "Oh, Elaine, fifteen long years! I, an old lady, can't even stand fifteen days. How on earth will you survive it? Just the thought sends shivers down my spine!"

Elaine could only nod meekly, "I have no idea, Mom! Just contemplating over a decade behind bars sends a chill down my spine."

Just when things couldn't get worse, Verity approached Elaine and delivered a swift double-slap to her cheeks. She then leaned in and declared, "For a woman like you, who steals husbands and sends innocent souls like Merit off to the States, even a lifetime in prison wouldn't be enough. Every time I think of what you did to her, I feel the urge to exact revenge!"

With that, Verity grabbed Elaine's hair and administered several more stinging slaps. Blood soon dribbled from the corner of Elaine's mouth. Just as Verity stopped, Elaine had no inkling that Mrs. Wilson was eagerly waiting to join in on the punishment.

In an unexpected twist, as soon as Verity ceased her assault, Mrs. Wilson pounced on Elaine's ear, yanking it mercilessly. Elaine couldn't help but cry out in agony.

Wincing, Elaine questioned, "Mom, why are you pulling my ear? What did I do to deserve this?"

Chapter 920: "From Dreams to Despair: A Shocking Turn of Events"

Elder Madame Wilson didn't hold back her icy scorn as she rebuked, "You've got some nerve asking me what you did wrong, huh? Well, I'll spell it out for you: folks like you, simply by being alive and breathing, are nature's little oopsie-daisies. The best favor you can do the world is to make a swift exit and stop hogging all the air!"

Elaine's ears felt like they were on fire, the pain drilling into her very soul, but she dared not even flinch. She had to swallow her grievances, telling herself to hang in there just a bit longer, and then she'd be free at last!

Once she was out, in a mere couple of weeks, this miserable old hag would also be out on the streets, with no roof, no food, and no drink. That's when Elaine's moment for revenge would come!

Did this wretched woman really think she'd be stuck in this place for a decade?

Did she actually believe she could snatch the letter Elaine had written and waltz into her fancy Thomson Elite villa? What a laugh!

She had no clue that Elaine's incarceration wouldn't drag on for years. Soon enough, she'd be set free!

When the prison guard finally opened that cell door, Elaine imagined the old woman's jaw dropping to the floor, her eyes popping out, drowning in frustration, anger, and despair.

Heck, she might even keel over from sheer fury!

Elder Madame Wilson had never even entertained the thought of Elaine walking out of that prison. She assumed Elaine's life would be spent behind bars.

That's why she held onto that letter from Elaine like it was the Holy Grail. With that, she'd stroll out in a few days, right into the lap of luxury at Thomson Elite.

Thomson Elite, for heaven's sake! She'd never dreamed of it!

Once she moved in there, she wouldn't budge, not even in the afterlife. She'd prefer to meet her maker in that opulent mansion.

A bit superstitious, she thought that dying there would guarantee a prosperous reincarnation.

But at that moment, a prison guard approached their cell.

Mrs. Wilson reluctantly released Elaine's ear, which she had nearly mangled into a swollen, bleeding mess.

Tears streamed down Elaine's face from the excruciating pain, but the sight of the guard nearly drove her to madness with joy.

The guard was here to set her free!

Finally, freedom was within her grasp!

She could return to her splendid Thomson Elite mansion, feast on a lavish meal, and sleep soundly!

For the past couple of days, she'd barely had a few spoonfuls of porridge off the filthy floor, and her sleep had been plagued by fever and torment.

So, Elaine was desperate to leave this place, to never return.

The guard approached the cell, swung the door open, and announced, "Time for some fresh air, folks! Line up for the yard!"

"Fresh air?!"

Elaine's heart, bursting with anticipation, crashed down like a lead balloon.

The guard was here for their daily yard time? Wasn't she going to be released? Hadn't the authorities made a decision yet?

Do you even deserve to breath in fresh air

Prodigy · Jan 10, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 921: A Storm Brews in the Playground

In the gloomy world of the detention center, Elaine reluctantly complied with the stern prison guards, trudging out of her cell along with the other inmates. The prison playground awaited them, an arena for both freedom and humiliation.

Once they reached the playground, a guard barked orders, "Three laps around, then thirty minutes of respite. Assemble at the entrance afterward!"

The prisoners swiftly formed a line, and Verity, their cell's unofficial leader, took control. Her eyes bore into Elaine as she issued her commands, "You, up front. Everyone, keep an eye on her. If she slacks, she'll pay for it!"

Addressing the rest, she added, "Be gentle with the elderly, help them if needed."

Elder Wilson chuckled, breaking the tension, "Verity, you're considerate. I may be old, but I can still hold my own. No need for help; I'll go at my own pace."

With Verity's approval, she announced, "Ready, set, go!"

At the head of the pack, Elaine began to run, her body aching and weakened from two days of inadequate food. Just a few steps in, her legs threatened to give way, nearly sending her tumbling.

A fellow inmate behind her delivered a swift kick to her side, jeering, "You, homewrecker, can't even run straight. What good are you?"

Another chimed in with cruel laughter, "She's an expert at sneaking into beds, even if she can't run!"

The group erupted in mockery, but Elaine, swallowing her pride, clenched her teeth and pressed on.

Then, she spotted three formidable women lurking at a corner of the track, their eyes fixed on her like hawks.

As she passed by them, one of the women reached out and seized her shoulder.

The entire group halted as Elaine was apprehended. Verity approached, demanding, "What's going on?"

The trio of women exuded an aura of danger. The one who had gripped Elaine sported a scar that slashed across her face from eye to jaw, a menacing sight.

Verity, despite her authority in the cell, was, at heart, a simple rural woman. She might dare to confront Elaine, but she wouldn't dare to challenge someone like this scarred stranger.

The scarred woman spoke, her voice dripping with intimidation, "I'm looking for someone named Elaine. Is she in your cell? Point her out."

Panicking, Elaine shook her head vehemently, stammering, "I don’t know any Elaine... I've never heard of her..."

But Elder Wilson, betraying her, pointed directly at Elaine, stating, "Don't listen to this shameless woman's lies. She's Elaine!"

Wendy chimed in, "That's right! She's Elaine, a swindler!"

Without a word, the scarred woman turned to Elaine and delivered a resounding slap to her face.

This woman was clearly no amateur; her body was muscular, and her slap packed a ferocious punch, far surpassing the force of Verity's blows.

The slap sent Elaine tumbling to the ground, hitting the cold, unforgiving pavement with a pitiful thud. A single molar was expelled from her mouth, marking a moment of true helplessness.

Chapter 922: The Unwelcome Reunion

In the dimly lit cell, tension hung heavy in the air as a scar-faced woman with a fierce demeanor struck fear into everyone present. But amidst the trepidation, there were a couple of hidden emotions brewing—glee and vindication.

Old Lady Wilson, sitting in the corner, couldn't help but smirk discreetly. She had a peculiar taste for watching Elaine receive her comeuppance, and this confrontation promised to be a delight.

Wendy, on the other hand, couldn't suppress a sense of satisfaction as Elaine tasted the sting of a powerful slap that sent her sprawling. It was a hit that packed more punch than a prizefighter's jab.

Elaine was visibly shaken, her confidence crumbling.

Being on the receiving end of a beating wasn't an alien concept to her, given her recent days in confinement. However, this time, the motive was unclear, and that made her anxious. Was this scar-faced woman somehow connected to the international fraud syndicate, here to settle old scores?

Fear began to clutch at Elaine's heart, and she nervously wondered about the true identity of her assailant.

Verity, adopting an outwardly submissive demeanor, chimed in, "Big sister, we have no ties to this woman. You're welcome to teach her a lesson. If things take a darker turn, and she meets her demise, it's no concern of ours. But, we still have our daily exercise to complete. Can we proceed?"

The scar-faced woman issued a disdainful snort, "All irrelevant parties, scram! Or you'll find out just how rude I can be!"

Verity urgently signaled to the others, and they chanted "121" in unison as they made their exit, leaving only the trio and Elaine behind.

A trembling Elaine couldn't help but blurt out, "Big sister, what have I done to wrong you? Please, at least tell me..."

The scar-faced woman's response was swift and brutal—a vicious kick to Elaine's abdomen, sending her writhing in agony on the grimy floor.

Next, she produced a black bank card, ominously demanding, "Elaine, look closely. Does this card jog your memory?"

Elaine's heart raced as she recognized the card instantly—it was the very one she had stolen from Charlie!

Could it be? Were these three women her accomplices from the fraudulent ring?

Her mind raced with confusion. Earlier that morning, the police had assured her they had no leads. How had these women been apprehended?

Could it be that they were seeking revenge because she had unwittingly landed them in prison?

The situation was growing dire. Were they here to exact retribution, possibly even taking her life in anger? Her impending release was tantalizingly close, and the thought of dying now seemed tragically ironic.

Desperation welled up as she sobbed, "I truly don't recognize this bank card. There must be a mistake..."

"Mistake? You've got to be kidding me!"

The scar-faced woman seized Elaine's hair, delivering another punishing slap across her face. She spat out her words with rage, "Do you comprehend why we're all locked up? It's because of you! You brought the heat and got us nabbed. We're staring at potential life sentences, all thanks to you!"

Elaine's cries of pain echoed in the cold cell, as the scar-faced woman commanded her comrades, "Damn it, beat her soundly! Let's give her a taste of near-death. She's looking at a decade or two behind bars anyway. We'll make sure she suffers twice a day until she meets her maker!"

Chapter 923: A Brutal Ballet of Justice

Upon hearing those fateful words, two other ladies sprung into action without skipping a beat, joining the "Elaine Bop"—a dance of fists and kicks raining down on none other than Elaine herself.

Their limbs swung like pendulums, as if they were auditioning for a martial arts film, all the while Elaine played the tragic star, wailing her heart out under the spotlight of their relentless performance.

In reality, this trio had been dispatched by none other than Isaac himself, sent on a mission to ensure that Elaine grasped the gravity of her situation. They aimed to engrave the lesson so deep that it would echo through her nightmares.

Their hope? That once released, Elaine would be too traumatized to brag to Charlie ever again.

As the merciless blows continued to fall, Elaine tumbled across the ground like a poorly executed somersault, her screams composing a sorrowful symphony that seemed destined never to reach its final note.

Meanwhile, onlookers who had initially been strolling by came to an abrupt halt, eyes wide, jaws dropping in disbelief at the spectacle unfolding before them.

Verity, who had previously dished out her own version of justice to Elaine, looked on in astonishment. She might have had a beef with Elaine, but this trio was serving up a buffet of brutality that even she couldn't stomach.

"This is beyond dreadful, beyond dreadful indeed!" Verity muttered, shaking her head. "Elaine is truly getting a taste of everyone's fists... I'm almost starting to pity her..."

Old Lady Wilson, witnessing Elaine's misery, couldn't contain her glee, bellowing with laughter, "Bravo! Beat that shrew black and blue! Make her face a masterpiece of misery!"

Even Wendy chimed in, applauding vigorously, her laughter echoing, "Hit her harder! Harder! Slap her face silly! Paint her face with the colors of regret!"

Finally, the scar-faced woman, satisfied that Elaine had suffered enough, declared, "Alright, leave her a semblance of life. If she kicks the bucket now, what will we do for the next two decades when we crave some good old-fashioned venting?"

With that, they ceased their barrage.

Elaine lay on the floor, her face resembling a grotesque Picasso painting, whimpering like a wounded animal, wondering if she was on the brink of the great beyond.

The scar-faced woman strolled over and delivered an icy ultimatum, "Listen closely, your suffering has only just begun. This is the price of meddling. Brace yourself, because I promise you'll wish you were pushing up daisies!"

Terrified out of her wits, Elaine erupted into a fresh chorus of sobbing.

The torment inflicted upon her by Charlie's black card was shaping up to be an epic tragedy, rivaling the arduous journey of Tang Sanzang to the West, complete with its eighty-one tribulations.

Ever since she had filched that ill-fated card, her life had spiraled into a never-ending loop of thrashings, hunger, bone-chilling cold, cold water dousings, and the luxurious privilege of sleeping in the restroom...

A true Shakespearean tragedy, indeed.

Upon seeing Elaine's ceaseless tears, the scar-faced woman delivered a final, chilling warning, "One more whimper, and I'll turn your dental history into an epic saga!"

Elaine clamped her mouth shut, unwilling to risk the fate of her remaining teeth. Having already lost two front teeth and a molar, she couldn't fathom enduring life as a toothless wonder.

With Elaine silenced, the scar-faced woman issued her parting decree, "Now, scurry off."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Elaine, though unable to stand, crawled away with the speed of a startled centipede, eager to put distance between herself and her merciless tormentors.

As the three enforcers departed, two prison guards appeared on the scene, summoning Verity to escort Elaine back to her cell.

Despite her disdain for Elaine, witnessing her pitiful state, Verity couldn't help but be touched by a twinge of compassion.

And so, the robust Verity extended a helping hand, raising Elaine from the floor, while the others followed in tow, each carrying their own heavy thoughts.

Chapter 924: Elaine's Melodrama

In the wake of Elaine's latest dramatic escapade, the public reaction was as varied as a box of assorted chocolates. Some folks felt sympathy for her, some savored the juicy drama like it was prime-time television, and others were left with a lingering sense of dread.

Back in her cold cell, as Elaine contemplated her misfortune, Charlie's phone rang, and it was none other than Isaac Craven, his trusted aide.

Isaac's voice crackled over the line, "Young Master, I've taken care of Elaine as you instructed. She won't dare cross you again once she's out."

Charlie responded nonchalantly, "You did well, Isaac."

But Isaac couldn't help but voice his concerns, "Young Master, if I may be so bold, isn't it time to let the law handle your mother-in-law? She's swindled so much of your wealth; she could get a suspended death sentence. Why bother setting her free?"

Charlie chuckled dryly, "You see, Isaac, my mother-in-law is like a golden ticket."

Perplexed, Isaac probed further, "A ticket? Young Master, what exactly do you mean?"

Charlie couldn't exactly reveal that Elaine was his gateway to his wife's affections. So, he offered a cryptic response, "Enough questions, Isaac. Just make sure she's released."

"Of course!" Isaac nodded briskly. "I'll take care of it."

...

Meanwhile, in her dreary cell, Elaine lay on her bunk, sobbing uncontrollably. This was the first semblance of comfort she had experienced since her incarceration, thanks to a momentary lapse of compassion from a fellow inmate.

Verity, feeling a twinge of pity for Elaine's battered state, had helped her back to her cell and allowed her to rest on her bunk.

Suddenly, Wendy, Wilson's grandmother's granddaughter, entered the room, eyeing Elaine with a hint of malice. "Elaine," she sneered, "you've certainly made quite a few enemies. It seems like everyone wants a piece of you. Your future doesn't look too rosy, does it?"

Elaine teetered on the edge of despair. She wondered if the police had decided to keep her locked up indefinitely, subjecting her to a life of misery.

In jail, out of jail, and being beaten both inside and outside—how much more could she endure in a single day?

Wendy chimed in, "Grandma, I don't think this despicable woman will last another ten or twenty years. With the way she's getting thrashed, she might not see the next few months."

Wilson's grandmother laughed heartily, "Exactly! She's getting what she deserves!"

Taking a seat in front of Elaine, she gloated, "Oh, Elaine, you never imagined your fate would come to this, did you? Now you can rot in prison while Wendy and I enjoy the luxuries of Thomson Elite!"

Elaine pleaded desperately, "Even if you're moving to Thomson Elite, you don't have to wish for my death. After all, I'm still the daughter-in-law of the Wilson family, your son's wife, and your granddaughter's mother. How can you be so heartless?"

Wilson's grandmother sneered, "Heartless? Of course, I can be heartless toward you! I never considered you a true daughter-in-law of the Wilson family. Someone like you could never be worthy of our name. Once I move to Thomson Elite, my son will find a new daughter-in-law, and our family will finally know happiness. You can rot in prison for all I care!"

Elaine seethed with rage upon hearing these words. What? Noah finding a new wife and experiencing family bliss? That delusional old woman! Just you wait! I'll get out of here, and then we'll see who gets the last laugh!

As Elaine simmered with fury, a prison guard swung open the cell door and announced, "Elaine, you're being released. Gather your belongings and complete the necessary procedures; your family is coming to pick you up."

Chapter 925: Unveiling the Shocking Twist

The prison cell echoed with disbelief at the bombshell dropped.

Madam Wilson and Wendy couldn't trust their own ears!

What in the world was happening here?

Weren't they all convinced that Elaine was going to rot in jail for a decade or two? Why the sudden twist?

And what would become of their grand plans to move into Thomson Elite once they were free?

Madam Wilson felt a wave of panic wash over her.

In that very moment, Elaine, who had appeared beaten down just moments ago, sprang to life with sheer excitement upon hearing the news.

The pain from her recent thrashing vanished as if it had been whisked away by magic.

"Thank the heavens, I'm finally getting out!" Elaine exclaimed, her joy contagious. "Haha, this is fantastic! I'm headed back to my Thomson Elite!"

Without skipping a beat, she turned to Madam Wilson and delivered a biting taunt. "Hahaha, you old hag! Did you ever imagine I'd be walking out of here? Hahaha!"

"And you, Wendy," she sneered, "you poor thing, just get comfortable in your prison cell! Enjoy your time here because once you're out, you won't even have a cardboard box to call home!"

"Thomson Elite is nothing but a distant dream for you penniless fools! In fact, when you're out, I might just go dig up your ancestors' graves to see if they were worthy of a place there, let alone you two!"

Madam Wilson quivered with anger, wishing she could tear Elaine apart.

She even regretted not persuading Verity to deal with Elaine sooner. The sudden release of this wicked woman felt like an affront to the heavens!

Furious, Wendy fired back, "Don't be too smug, you wretch. Maybe the court is preparing to sentence you to life imprisonment! You might never see the light of day again!"

Elaine didn't hold back, shouting, "Shut your mouth! I've been cleared of these false accusations, and my freedom is in sight. You two homeless vagabonds better start praying for yourselves!"

Then, she turned her venomous gaze on Verity. "Verity, you ugly, country bumpkin pig! How dare you lay a finger on me and make me lick porridge off the ground! Just wait, once you're out, I'll have someone teach you a lesson you won't forget. You claim to be filial, right? Well, just wait until I find out where your mother is buried. I'll dig up her grave and scatter her ashes!"

Verity trembled with fury, ready to take on the world.

Just as she was about to retaliate, a stern voice came from behind, "Elaine, are you leaving or not?"

Elaine quickly responded, "Yes, yes, I'm leaving. I don't want to spend another second in this dump."

The guard interjected, "Then pack your things and let's go."

In the presence of the guard, the others held back their impulses to attack Elaine, leaving them seething with frustration.

Verity harbored the deepest of grudges; she loathed anyone who dared to insult her mother. Elaine's threat to desecrate her mother's memory was beyond forgiveness!

Despite the barrage of beating she still has the vigor to run her mouth ceaselessly

Prodigy · Jan 10, 2024

I

Junlee said:
Chapter 926: The Showdown in the Restroom

In this gripping moment, Elaine stood her ground without a hint of fear. As she neatly packed her belongings, she shot an icy glare at those surrounding her, her words slicing through the tension like a cold breeze on a hot summer day. "And as for those who thought they could lay a hand on me, don't imagine you can just slip away! Let me inform you, I've got connections beyond these walls. From this day forth, I'll be watching each and every one of you. Whoever dares to cross my path will taste the wrath they deserve!"

Elaine's scolding reverberated through the cell, painting faces with shades of anger and humiliation.

Once she'd had her say, Elaine felt an overwhelming sense of relief. But just as she was about to leave in the company of a prison guard, an unexpected urge struck her. Grumbling under her breath, she muttered, "Why now, of all times, do I need to pee..."

Then, with a wicked smirk, she added, "But no way! This cell has 'bad vibes' written all over it, and I won't carry bad luck with me. I must relieve myself before I go!"

Turning to Old Lady Wilson and Verity, she sneered, "Well, ladies, I've got a spare pee for you two poor souls!"

With that, she jauntily hummed a tune, swaying her hips as she made her way to the restroom.

Outside, the crowd fell into a tense silence, their anger at Elaine's provocations simmering beneath the surface.

Old Lady Wilson clutched her chest, overcome by frustration. She exclaimed, "This is unbearable, truly unbearable! It must be my spineless son who bailed her out!"

Verity chimed in, "Your son bails her out, but not you? What a scoundrel!"

Old Lady Wilson lamented, "My son is a feeble-minded fool, entirely under the thumb of that shrew. They're just out to torment me, an old woman..."

And with a sly twist of fate, she sowed the seeds of discord, whispering to Verity, "Verity, that woman is pure malice. She threatened to desecrate your mother's resting place. I believe she'd stoop to such lows. You must be prepared!"

Verity, her anger reaching a boiling point, trembled with fury. Grinding her teeth, she sprang to her feet and charged into the restroom!

This was her golden opportunity to teach Elaine a lesson, one she couldn't afford to miss. If she did, the wily woman would be gone for good.

Witnessing Verity's furious dash, Old Lady Wilson followed suit, albeit more unsteadily.

Wendy and a handful of others, who had all tasted Elaine's sharp tongue, didn't hesitate. They swiftly joined the fray!

Inside the restroom, Elaine was caught off guard as the door swung open with a resounding kick. Verity's foot connected with her, sending her crashing onto the toilet seat. Her legs dangled helplessly over the edge, causing intense pain that made standing up impossible.

Recalling Elaine's vile threat about her mother's grave, Verity's rage boiled over. Baring her teeth, she urged the others, "Beat her mercilessly! Teach this wicked woman a lesson she won't forget!"

Without missing a beat, the crowd unleashed a flurry of blows upon Elaine's helpless figure. She cried out in pain, her futile attempts to shield herself met with fists and feet raining down.

Meanwhile, Wendy's eyes glittered with icy determination. She'd been itching to confront Elaine for a long time, and now, her moment had arrived. As the others focused on Elaine's upper body, her legs protruding awkwardly, Wendy seized her opportunity. With swift precision, she grabbed one of Elaine's legs and signaled Old Lady Wilson, declaring, "Grandma, let's break this vile woman's leg! This chance might not come again!"

Old Lady Wilson nodded in fierce agreement, ready to deliver their ultimate message to Elaine.

Chapter 927: The Bittersweet Tango of Revenge

Old Madam Wilson's dreams of a luxurious life at the Thomson Elite Mansion had just crumbled like a stack of delicate china. Blame it on Elaine, the nemesis of her golden years. Her heart simmered with a bubbling cauldron of loathing towards her.

To make matters worse, Elaine had been flaunting her audacity lately, and her cheeky remarks had become the old lady's daily dose of irritation.

The thought of Elaine escaping her clutches was nothing short of infuriating for Old Madam Wilson. Could this really be happening? Was Elaine about to walk free, leaving her fuming in frustration?

This was her last shot at giving Elaine a dose of her own medicine. Miss it, and it might as well be lost forever!

In a bold move, Old Madam Wilson, disregarding her frail and aged frame, decided to give Elaine's knee a firm stomp. There it was, a crisp crack, followed by Elaine's agonizing shriek.

Her leg was clearly broken!

Old Madam Wilson had a moment of triumphant exhilaration, but her victory was short-lived. Her unsteady balance led her to an undignified tumble right on her tailbone, causing her to cry out in pain.

But Elaine's plight was far worse. She witnessed her right leg's knee bending in a most unnatural direction, inflicting unbearable torment. Her screams of "Ah... my leg! My leg is broken!" echoed through the room.

Outside, a vigilant prison guard, drawn by the commotion, demanded answers, "What's going on in there? What are you people up to?"

Everyone froze, and Old Madam Wilson had to think on her feet, summoning a cunning grin. "Would you believe it, this wretched Elaine was moments away from leaving us, but she attempted to kick me. Alas, it backfired, and her leg took the hit!"

Verity chimed in, suppressing a chuckle. "Witnessed it with my own eyes, sir. The old lady here just wanted to use the restroom, and Elaine decided to launch a kick that sent her sprawling."

Old Madam Wilson, fighting through the pain, added her two cents. "This beast tried to kick me, dear guard, and now my tailbone is in ruins. The agony is unbearable…"

But Elaine wasn't going down without a fight. She wailed loudly, "Guard, please, save me! My leg is broken!"

The guard, now inside the restroom, surveyed the chaotic scene and couldn't help but knit his brows. He turned to the others, seeking an explanation. "What in the world happened here?"

Verity stepped forward, adopting an innocent expression. "Honestly, sir, we're just as baffled. The old lady came in for a restroom break, and Elaine, well, she aimed to kick her but ended up in this mess."

Old Madam Wilson, enduring her pain, played her part to perfection. "Indeed, it was this beast who initiated the attack. My tailbone feels like it's been run over by a herd of elephants."

Elaine, amidst her sobs, pointed an accusing finger. "You're all lying! These cowards ganged up on me and broke my leg!"

Verity sneered, "Proof, Elaine? We all saw you attempting to kick the old lady. Denying it won't change the facts."

The guard, sensing that this was no ordinary bathroom mishap, sighed. "Alright, Elaine, if you keep this up, you won't be leaving today. Investigating this will take time, and you might just regret making it drag on."

And so, in the prison's twisted tango of revenge, the music played on, and the dancers waltzed deeper into the web of intrigue and deceit. ️

Chapter 928: The Escape Plan and Ominous Warnings

Tears streamed down Elaine's face as she sobbed, "But can they really just get away with breaking my leg like that?"

The prison guard, with a heart as cold as ice, replied with a nonchalant shrug, "You can report them if you want. I'll follow the standard procedure and call the police for an interrogation. However, you might have to visit the police station too, to give your statement. But, honestly, it's your word against theirs – you're just one person, and they number over twenty. If they decide to accuse you in return, alleging that you harmed the old lady, well, you'd only be digging your own grave."

Elaine's heart sank like a stone.

She knew these female inmates were a tough crowd, and under the unyielding leadership of Verity, they were a force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, by provoking their anger earlier, taking this matter to the police might lead to them uniting against her.

In that case, her situation would go from bad to worse.

The only way out was to make a hasty retreat!

With that in mind, Elaine reluctantly nodded and uttered, "I want to leave, right now!"

The prison guard nodded, assisting Elaine out of the restroom, guiding her away from the cell.

As she exited the cell, Elaine couldn't resist one last spiteful jab at Old Lady Wilson, "You old hag, just wait, I'll break your legs someday!"

Old Lady Wilson's retort was icy, "You wicked woman, your reckoning will come."

Ignoring the old lady's words, Elaine turned her gaze towards Verity and hollered, "Verity, mark my words, your mother's grave won't remain untouched!"

Verity seethed with fury, "You dare say that, and I'll make you pay!"

Supported by the prison guard, Elaine hobbled away, not looking back, but shouting over her shoulder, "Just wait and watch if I dare. When you're out, go visit your mother's grave and check if her ashes are still resting there!"

With those final words, she left the detention center's cell behind without glancing back.

Elaine arrived at the detention center's administrative area, where the prison guard ushered her into an office. Inside, two police officers responsible for her case awaited her.

The officers were taken aback, seeing Elaine limping in, leaning on the guard for support.

The prison guard explained, "She had a little run-in with her cellmates in the restroom, and it resulted in a leg injury."

Elaine, still fuming, interjected, "Leg injury? It's broken, can't you see?"

The prison guard shot back, her tone unwavering, "Didn't you hear what I said earlier? Do you want me to summon everyone and have us all head to the police station for a thorough investigation? Don't even think about getting out without a three to five-day ordeal!"

One of the officers chimed in, "Enough, Elaine. Consider yourself fortunate to be going home today. Your leg can be treated in a hospital after your release. It'll mend in three to five months."

Reluctantly, Elaine nodded, beseeching, "Officer, when can I leave?"

The officer asked, "Do you remember everything we discussed earlier?"

Elaine replied, a sense of urgency in her voice, "Of course, I remember everything clearly. I won't breathe a word about this matter to anyone after I'm out!"

Content with her response, the officer returned her phone, remarking, "Alright, call your son-in-law now and have him come pick you up."

That afternoon, after enduring the merciless beatings and threats from those formidable women, Elaine was trembling with fear, acutely aware of the impending danger that lurked behind this incident.

All she wanted now was to escape. She couldn't fathom the thought of reopening this Pandora's box.

Satisfied with her commitment to silence, the officer handed back her phone, saying, "Fine, call your son-in-law and get him to fetch you."

Chapter 929: Texts, Troubles, and Taxis

With a mix of anticipation and apprehension, Elaine finally regained possession of her long-lost smartphone. Two days in the twilight zone of her secret mission had kept her estranged from her cherished device, and her yearning to connect with her husband and daughter was undeniable.

As she powered up her phone, a deluge of messages inundated her screen, most notably from her daughter, the ever-concerned Claire. Reading through her daughter's frantic texts provided solace to her weary heart. Yet, there was a nagging thought that gnawed at her mind like an unshakable earworm.

Why hadn't her husband sent a single message? Was he genuinely oblivious to her plight?

This vexing question lingered, brewing a sense of discontent within her. Elaine resolved to address this with her husband, Jacob, and demand an explanation for his apparent indifference.

Just as she was engrossed in this internal debate, a police officer interjected, his stern tone disrupting her contemplation. "Enough with WeChat, ma'am. Call your son-in-law."

Elaine, grappling with a maelstrom of emotions, pleaded, "Officer, could my daughter pick me up instead? The mere thought of dealing with him is enough to drive me bonkers."

The officer's patience wore thin, and he slammed his palm onto the table, delivering a sobering warning. "We need you to contact your son-in-law because we need to ensure his safety. Releasing you without taking precautions could put you in grave danger. Remember, don't blame us if things take a turn for the worse tonight!"

Frightened by the prospect of peril, Elaine reluctantly agreed to call her son-in-law, fervently hoping that he wouldn't be the target of any malicious intent.

The officer nodded, his expression grave, and Elaine vowed to follow their directives diligently. She assured them that she knew how to handle the conversation with her son-in-law, intending to reveal her innocence in the pyramid scheme debacle.

Meanwhile, Charlie was patiently biding his time at home, anxiously awaiting Elaine's call. His heart raced as his phone suddenly chimed with her name, and he hurriedly answered, relief washing over him at the sound of her voice. "Mom? Where are you? We've been searching for you like crazy for the past two days!"

Elaine, brimming with pent-up resentment yet unable to let it spill, replied icily, "I'm at the city detention center. Get over here and pick me up, pronto!"

Charlie, eager to make amends, inquired, "Mom, all the cars are gone. Should I grab a taxi to reach you?"

Seething with frustration, Elaine snapped, "Both cars?!"

Charlie confirmed, explaining, "Claire went to the company, and dad is out at a get-together."

Chapter 930: A Rollercoaster of Drama

"Get-Together?" Elaine fumed, her temper bubbling like a pot of hot stew. "Is that Jacob still in the mood for socializing? And who on earth is he meeting with?"

Charlie, trying to keep his cool amidst the storm, calmly replied, "Perhaps it's just some old classmates, Mom. I'm not entirely certain. Shall I give him a call?"

Annoyed to the core, Elaine snapped, "First things first, come and pick me up! I'm injured, and I need to get to the hospital!"

Charlie, concern flooding his voice, inquired, "Mom, what happened? Is it serious?"

Her patience running thin, Elaine barked back, "My leg is broken, Charlie! Enough with the questions, just hurry up and come!"

Without wasting a second, Charlie hung up and rushed out of the house, hailing a taxi to make a beeline for the Aurous Hill Detention Center.

En route to the detention center, he decided to give his wife, Claire, a ring. "Honey," he said, "Mom just called me, and I'm on my way to pick her up."

An eager and worried Claire responded, "Really? She called you? Where is she, and is she okay?"

Charlie explained, "Mom mentioned she's at the Aurous Hill Detention Center. When I asked her why, she told me she got ensnared in a pyramid scheme a few days back, got arrested by the police, and has just been released after clearing the air."

Claire's eyes widened in realization.

She had suspected that her mother had fallen prey to a pyramid scheme, but the police arresting her? That was unexpected!

She silently vowed that once her mother returned home, she'd have a serious chat about avoiding those get-rich-quick traps.

Determined, she said, "Alright, I'm coming too. Let's meet at the detention center."

Charlie, however, swiftly intervened, "No need, love. Mom mentioned she's hurt, so I'm taking her straight to the hospital. You can meet us there!"

Claire, her heart pounding, asked with anxiety, "What happened? Where is Mom hurt? Is it bad?"

Charlie replied, concern lacing his voice, "On the phone, Mom said her leg is broken. I don't know the extent of it yet. We'll have to wait for the doctor's assessment."

Tears welled up in Claire's eyes, and she choked out, "In that case, after picking up Mom, head straight to the People's Hospital's emergency department. I'm on my way there now!"

...

When Charlie arrived at the detention center and laid eyes on Elaine, he was met with a sight that would haunt his dreams.

Her once-comely face was now a tapestry of torment, battered and bruised. Her missing front teeth and tattered hair spoke of brutal violence.

Over the two days she'd spent in custody, she had hardly eaten or drunk anything, transforming her from plump to haggard.

Worst of all, her right leg jutted out at a grotesque angle, the unmistakable result of savage torture.

Charlie, feigning surprise, gasped, "Mom, what on earth happened to you? How did you end up like this?"

Elaine, gritting her teeth in anger and pain, snapped back, "Enough chit-chat! Just get me to the hospital!"

A stern police officer cast a cold gaze at Elaine and admonished, "Elaine! I warned you just now. If you keep this up, you might as well stay right here!"

Terrified, Elaine quickly turned to Charlie, her tone now honey-sweet. "My dear son-in-law, I was terribly wrong to raise my voice earlier..."

The officer's warning echoed in her ears, a constant reminder of the precarious tightrope she now walked.

I wish she could just die in pieces
I don't know Why she gave birth to a precious daughter
Their characters are vast in comparison

Prodigy · Jan 10, 2024

Junlee said:
I'm boiling mad at Elaine! I wished the taxi driver had thrown her out the door while driving 100kph.

You just hit the nail on the head Immortal Junlee

Prodigy · Jan 11, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 941: The Noodle Standoff

Two BMWs rolled up one after the other, pulling up to the lavish villa at Thomson Elite.

Jacob, the unwilling passenger of Elaine's verbal tirade during the entire ride, felt his irritation growing by the minute.

When Elaine's call first interrupted his love song serenade with his first crush, he felt guilty as charged. Her anger propelled him to the hospital in a frenzied panic. But as the dust of his emotions settled, he was increasingly convinced that Elaine was a lost cause.

So, Jacob's resolve to divorce her grew even firmer.

Stepping out of the car, he handed over the crutches he had fetched from the hospital to Elaine, as if passing a torch in a relay race.

Elaine, anticipating his assistance to get into the house, or perhaps even a heroic piggyback ride, was utterly bewildered when she was handed a pair of crutches instead.

Gripping the crutches, she erupted in anger, "Jacob, you old rascal! My leg is broken, and all you bring me are these crutches?"

Jacob, with a stoic expression, responded, "You're going to have to get used to them sooner or later, or else how are you going to handle necessities like going to the bathroom?"

"How dare you!" Elaine retorted indignantly. "Does this mean I can't rely on you anymore?"

With a stern visage, Jacob shot back, "Don't forget, we're already living separate lives!"

Elaine was about to unleash a torrent of choice words when, fortuitously, Charlie arrived, parking his car nearby.

The moment Claire emerged from the car, Elaine seized the opportunity to vent her frustrations to her. Claire, in damage control mode, quickly supported her and tried to soothe her, saying, "Oh mom, don't be angry with dad. Your health isn't great, and getting upset won't help."

Elaine was all set to continue her rant when a wave of dizziness washed over her. She soon realized that her hunger had pushed her to the brink of fainting from low blood sugar.

Weakly, she pleaded, "Ah, I can't take it anymore, I'm starving! Where's Charlie? Get him to whip up something for me! I'm craving braised pork and beef stew."

Charlie replied, his expression unchanged, "I didn't have time to do groceries today, so we've only got noodles at home. How about I make you a bowl of noodles?"

Elaine blurted out, "I've been starving for two whole days and nights! What good are noodles?"

Charlie nonchalantly responded, "Well, I can head out to buy groceries right now."

Elaine anxiously replied, "By the time you return, I'll have passed out from hunger!"

Charlie inquired, "How about I order some takeout for you?"

Elaine blurted out, "Takeout will take at least half an hour, maybe even forty minutes. Just make me some noodles and throw in a couple of eggs!"

Charlie casually noted, "We're fresh out of eggs; I haven't had the chance to buy any yet."

Elaine pleaded, "Could you at least add some broth? Toss in some greens too, I haven't had a veggie in days, and my mouth feels like it's been through a desert."

Charlie shrugged, "All we've got at home is noodles. If you want to eat, I can only whip up a plain noodle soup."

Elaine, fuming, stomped her foot and pointed accusingly at Charlie, turning to Claire, "Clay, is this good-for-nothing trying to spite me on purpose? Why is our kitchen barren?"

Claire appeared mortified.

In that moment, Charlie interjected, "I've been tirelessly searching for you these past few days, so I haven't had a chance to cook at home, let alone buy groceries."

Elaine seethed with anger, but her strength was rapidly fading, leaving her unable to spar any longer. Thus, she implored Charlie, "Fine, just hurry up and make me those noodles!"

Chapter 942: Aunt Lena's Return

With a nonchalant response to Elaine, Charlie ambled toward the kitchen, his mind occupied with more pressing matters. In the fridge, a batch of eggs awaited him, but he had no intention of sharing them with Elaine. So, without much hesitation, he cracked every last one and sent them swirling down the drain. A tad extravagant, perhaps, but far less wasteful than seeing those eggs land in Elaine's stomach.

Soon, a pot of water bubbled to life, and Charlie tossed in a handful of noodles with an air of indifference. His culinary skills weren't at the forefront of his mind at the moment.

Just as he half-heartedly played the role of a home cook, a WeChat message on his phone announced its presence with a cheerful chime.

Charlie tapped the screen to discover a message from the "Aurous Hill Orphanage Friends" chat group. This group consisted of around twenty to thirty members, all once orphans lovingly raised by Aunt Lena. Over the years, they'd scattered far and wide, making their interactions rather sporadic.

His curiosity piqued, Charlie opened the group chat, and there it was—a message @everyone. The sender, a familiar face named Natasha from the Orphanage, delivered the news: "I have some exciting news to share with everyone in secret – Aunt Lena is back in Aurous Hill!"

Natasha was a little girl Charlie had known from their time in the orphanage. Abandoned by her parents shortly after birth, Aunt Lena had taken her under her wing. She was a couple of years younger than Charlie and felt like a younger sister to him.

Since Aunt Lena didn't know her actual surname, she had chosen to bear Aunt Lena's last name and become Natasha Gil.

Growing up, Natasha had chosen to work at the Orphanage alongside Aunt Lena. She was the only one among their group of friends who had stayed behind.

Upon reading Natasha's message about Aunt Lena's return, Charlie promptly inquired in the group chat, "Why didn't Aunt Lena inform us she was coming back? We would've loved to give her a warm welcome."

Natasha replied, "Brother Charlie, Aunt Lena didn't want to impose on anyone, so she kept it a secret. I only found out when she arrived back this afternoon."

Concerned for Aunt Lena's well-being, Charlie pressed further, "How's Aunt Lena's health? Does she look like she's fully recovered? She shouldn't be back to work at the Orphanage just yet, right?"

Natasha replied with enthusiasm, "You know Aunt Lena better than anyone, Brother Charlie. How could she sit around idly? She's been fretting about the children at the institute and nearly going bonkers."

She added, "But seriously, looking at Aunt Lena, you wouldn't think she was ever seriously ill. She must have made a remarkable recovery!"

Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. After all, Stephen Thompson had seen to it that Aunt Lena received top-notch medical care in Eastcliff and had even footed a two-million-dollar bill for her treatment, which included top-tier post-operative care.

The group chat soon became a chorus of joy:

"Ah, Aunt Lena's been discharged? That's fantastic news!"

"I had a feeling it would turn out this way. Good people like Aunt Lena always find a way to bounce back!"

Just then, a group member named Nestor @everyone and proposed, "Now that Aunt Lena has made a full recovery and been discharged, why don't those of us in Aurous Hill visit the Orphanage to see her and then go out to a nice restaurant to welcome her back? What do you all think?"

"Absolutely, Nestor, you're onto something there! I'm just wrapping up work and can head over anytime!"

"Definitely, Aunt Lena's recovery is a cause for celebration. We must visit her!"

Natasha couldn't help but sprinkle a cheerful emoji into the conversation and chimed in, "That's exactly why I sent the message. We haven't seen Aunt Lena in such a long time, and it's been ages since we've all been together. Let's seize this opportunity to reunite and treat Aunt Lena to a special meal. I'm sure it would mean the world to her!"

"Aw, can't you folks in Aurous Hill wait a day or two? Let those of us who are out of town return first. I'm buying a ticket right now, and I'll be back tomorrow!"

Nestor countered, "A welcoming committee like this should happen on the day of her return, for the full ceremonial experience!"

Chapter 943: The Aunt Lena Reunion

"Absolutely!" Gian, one of our buddies, chimed in, "Aunt Lena's back on her feet after that major health scare. We can't let her down now, can we?"

Nestor, always the one with big ideas, suggested, "Let's go all out and book a swanky five-star hotel to welcome Aunt Lena back in style."

Natasha, however, had a different take on it. "Hold on, Nestor," she interjected, "Let's not get too extravagant. Aunt Lena's never been one for luxury. She'd feel more at home in that cozy homestyle restaurant near the Orphanage. It's been around for ages."

Charlie, overcome by a wave of nostalgia, couldn't help but think of that humble eatery that had stood the test of time.

He remembered his 18th birthday when Aunt Lena had taken him and a few friends there, dipping into her meager savings. She even bought him a cake. That birthday celebration marked the end of his time at the Orphanage, and he embarked on his journey into the world alone.

Now, looking back, that simple meal had been the warmest and most heartfelt celebration he'd ever experienced.

So, he spoke up enthusiastically, "I can't believe that restaurant is still open! Tash's idea is perfect. Let's meet there!"

Nestor, always ready to spend a dime, countered, "Charlie, we've all been working for years now and have some savings. There's no need to be so tightfisted, especially when it's for Aunt Lena."

Charlie, ever the pragmatist, replied, "It's not about being stingy. It's about respecting Aunt Lena's preferences. Taking her to a five-star hotel might not make her happy; she might even find it excessive."

Nestor didn't hold back, saying, "Come on, Charlie. We all know your situation, being a live-in son-in-law and all. It's no surprise you're low on cash. But Aunt Lena raised you, and for that immense favor, even if it pinches your wallet a bit, what's wrong with treating her to a fancy meal?"

Charlie's brows furrowed.

He and Nestor had never seen eye to eye during their time at the Orphanage. Nestor, bigger and stronger than most, had a knack for forming cliques and bullying the other kids.

Charlie had been a target as well, but his martial arts training from the Eastcliff Wade family made him a formidable opponent. When Nestor and his gang tried to pick on him, they invariably ended up nursing their wounds on the ground.

Since that time, Nestor, never one to let grudges die, had harbored resentment towards Charlie and continually opposed and harassed him.

Furthermore, Nestor had always been a troublemaker, causing headaches for the Orphanage during their childhood.

He had a knack for getting caught stealing, and it was Aunt Lena who repeatedly had to pay fines and apologize to bail him out.

Years had passed, but Charlie suspected Nestor hadn't changed a bit.

Yet, Charlie had no intention of sinking to his level. He simply said, "Think what you want, but I still think Tash's restaurant suggestion is the most fitting."

Natasha swiftly added her support, "I agree with Charlie, too. Aunt Lena has lived modestly her whole life. She wouldn't be comfortable in a fancy hotel."

Childhood friend Gian joined in, saying, "I'm with Charlie on this one!"

The others followed suit, expressing their agreement, prompting Natasha to conclude, "Alright, it's settled then. There'll be ten of us tonight, and nine of us are in favor of the old restaurant. Majority rules. I'll go ahead and book a private room there. Hurry over, everyone!"

"Sounds good!" Everyone chimed in with cheerful agreement.

Chapter 944: Meeting Aunt Lena

Charlie was buzzing with anticipation at the thought of reuniting with Aunt Lena. Since that infamous incident at Elder Mrs. Wilson's birthday bash where he got a tongue-lashing for borrowing money, he hadn't had a chance to see Aunt Lena. She had been whisked away to Eastcliff by Stephen.

Aunt Lena held a special place in Charlie's heart, almost like a second mother to him. When she had fallen ill, Charlie had gone to great lengths to gather funds for her treatment. He'd even gone so far as to discreetly sell his blood and borrow a significant sum from Claire to ensure Aunt Lena's recovery.

His determination to raise money had quite literally saved her life. Without his efforts, she might not have made it until Stephen intervened.

Yet, Charlie viewed his actions as nothing more than fulfilling his duty and repaying a fraction of the kindness Aunt Lena had shown him. His father had instilled in him the values of gratitude and reciprocation, adhering to the ancient adage, "A small favor should be returned with a spring-like generosity." Charlie lived by these principles.

So, without a second thought, he abandoned the pot of noodles simmering for Elaine and swiftly shed his apron, announcing to Claire, who was keeping her mother company, "Wife, I've got an urgent matter to attend to at the Orphanage!"

Elaine was quick to question him, her voice dripping with irritation, "Did you even finish cooking my noodles? I haven't taken a single bite, and you're already running off?"

Charlie shot her a disdainful glance, his impatience clear. "The noodles are boiling away in the pot. Help yourself when you're ready. Aunt Lena is back, and I need to be there to welcome her."

This provoked a fiery retort from Elaine. "Wade, you ungrateful brat! How dare you speak to me like this? It's just some old lady from a Orphanage. Have you forgotten your role as a son-in-law? Do you even remember who provides for you?"

She added with a hint of sarcasm, "What does it matter to you if that old lady lives or dies?"

Charlie had endured Elaine's antics for quite some time, hoping that her brief stint in jail might bring about a change. But she remained unchanged, even daring to insult Aunt Lena, who had been his benefactor.

He glared at Elaine with fury in his eyes. "I'm self-sufficient now. Don't forget, this house was a gift to me, and everything in it was purchased with the money I earned from my Feng Shui consultations. I have every right to speak my mind. If you're not happy, you can pack up and go back to our old house."

Elaine was left speechless by his words.

She wanted to unleash her anger at Charlie, but upon reflection, she realized he had a point.

Times had changed. In the past, Charlie had lived under her roof, unable to earn his own income, allowing her to scold him at will.

But now, he had come into his own, receiving a valuable villa as a gift and earning millions through his Feng Shui consultations.

In the meantime, she was financially strained. If Charlie decided to cut ties and refuse her residency, what options would she have?

Confronted with this unsettling reality, Elaine grew anxious. Seeing the anger in Charlie's eyes, she felt a mix of nerves and fear.

Still, she attempted to salvage the situation and turned to Claire with a sorrowful tone, her voice quivering, "Clay, your husband has crossed a line. Is there any son-in-law in the world who talks to his mother-in-law like this? Aren't you going to do something? If this keeps up, he'll turn everything upside down!"

Unexpectedly, Claire responded earnestly, "Mom, I think Charlie is right. We're living in a villa that he received as a gift. Without him, we wouldn't have the chance to live in such a lovely place. So, we can't treat him the same way as before; it wouldn't be fair."

Chapter 945: "Drama in the Household"

When Elaine returned home after just a short two-day absence, it felt like she'd walked into an alternate dimension. The family dynamics had shifted like tectonic plates.

Her husband, once the stoic figure of the house, had become utterly indifferent and had even lost his temper. Her son-in-law, formerly easygoing, now had a spine and demanded she return to her old house with an air of righteous anger.

Even her beloved daughter, her rock of support, had jumped ship, siding with Charlie of all people.

Elaine, always ready for some theatrics, sensed her influence in the family slipping away, and she unleashed her emotional arsenal.

With quivering lips and melodramatic sobs, she declared, "I'm officially obsolete in this family. Your father pays me no mind, your husband wants to kick me out, and even you, my own flesh and blood, are not on my side..."

Her eyes flooded with tears, and she let them flow, a performance worthy of an Oscar nomination.

Claire, her heart heavy, sighed and replied, "Mom, you were in the wrong earlier, and I can't always take your side."

While she sympathized with her mother's past hardships, it was no justification for mistreating Charlie or insulting Aunt Lena. Claire knew how important Aunt Lena was to her husband, given his difficult childhood and the scarcity of genuine family in his life.

Apart from herself, Aunt Lena was perhaps the only one.

Charlie had gone to great lengths to gather money for Aunt Lena's treatment not long ago, highlighting his deep love and gratitude.

Claire admired Charlie's unwavering loyalty, which was why she had contributed her own savings to help Aunt Lena receive medical care. She simply couldn't side with her mother at this moment.

Meanwhile, Elaine continued her sobbing act, lamenting, "My life is filled with misery. Do I even have a place left in this house?"

Charlie, unwilling to tolerate any more drama, decided to ignore her and turned to Claire, stating matter-of-factly, "Wife, I need to make a trip to the welfare home. I won't be back for dinner."

Claire promptly stood up and volunteered, "I'll come with you. It's been a while since I last saw Aunt Lena. I miss her dearly."

Indeed, Claire had been a supportive and devoted wife. She not only contributed to Aunt Lena's medical expenses but also frequently accompanied Charlie to the hospital, showing her the same respect as Charlie did.

Aunt Lena had grown fond of her, almost treating her as a daughter-in-law.

Seeing Claire insist on accompanying him to visit Aunt Lena, Charlie nodded with gratitude, "Alright, let's go together. Aunt Lena mentioned you during her last call; she must miss you as well."

Claire agreed, "Then we should head out now."

Upon hearing that Claire was leaving with Charlie, Elaine resorted to playing the sympathy card once more, "My dearest daughter, are you angry with your own mother? Are you planning to forsake me too?"

Claire fixed her gaze on her mother and delivered a sincere message, "Mom, I truly hope you can reflect on your actions and change your ways. Otherwise, you're destined for more suffering down the road."

This time, Claire resisted her mother's dramatics, recognizing that indulging her would only perpetuate this behavior, leading to more hardships in the future.

You should have given her this dose of advice earlier and not now
I even doubt if she would listen irrespective of the time

Prodigy · Jan 11, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 951: "Reunion Rendezvous!"

As our fearless trio, Charlie, Natasha, and their trusty sidekick, Borgie the stuffed bear, strolled out of the orphanage, they were about to embark on a daring culinary adventure at a nearby restaurant. But lo and behold, out of the blue, a voice filled with surprise suddenly echoed through the air, practically making Borgie's fluff stand on end!

With a dramatic spin, they turned to see a merry band of familiar faces drawing closer. These were none other than the pals who had shared in the joys and tribulations of orphanage life with Charlie.

For Charlie, though, many of these folks were like rare Pokémon cards - he hadn't caught sight of them since leaving the orphanage! The one exception was his lifelong compadre, Gian, the Kingpin of Fun during their orphanage days.

In the early days, right after Charlie's parents tragically bid adieu to this world, our hero became the Sherlock Holmes of solitude, rarely uttering a peep to anyone. His mysterious aura led to him being cast as the lone wolf by the other kiddos.

Yet, whenever Charlie found himself in the undesirable position of a social outcast, the gallant Gian, who was a smidge older, would dash in like a caped crusader and extend an invitation to join in the fun and games.

Through the years, their friendship solidified like a concrete wall. Gian and Charlie were two peas in a pod, the Mario and Luigi of the orphanage. They left those hallowed halls in succession and decided to tackle the grueling world of construction work together, like true brothers in arms.

But unlike Charlie, who funneled his earnings back into the orphanage, Gian squirreled away a tidy sum and eventually decided to take a leap of faith into the entrepreneurial jungle of Sea City.

Charlie, ever the understanding comrade, held no grudges against Gian for his choices. After all, they were both orphans, and most fresh out of the orphanage found themselves like ships without anchors.

Everyone yearned to stack some coins to build their own foundation because, let's face it, orphans didn't have the luxury of parents, relatives, or cozy family hearths to lean on. Without moolah, they might as well have been stuck in a desert without a canteen.

Charlie's benevolent heart post-orphanage was largely influenced by his dear old dad's teachings and his classical Confucian upbringing, making him an old soul in a young body. This moral compass set him apart from the rest of the orphanage squad.

Now, fast forward to the present! As Gian bounded over with excitement, he exclaimed, "Charlie, my main man, it's been a dog's age!"

These two had fought side by side in the trenches, sleeping in the same concrete bunker on construction sites, lifting more bricks than you can shake a stick at.

Years had passed, and Gian had amassed a small fortune, found himself a special someone at the construction site, and followed her heart all the way to Sea City.

After years apart, Charlie couldn't help but get a little misty-eyed. He inquired with genuine curiosity, "Gian, it's been what, three or four trips around the sun? How's life been treating you in Sea City?"

Gian, with a hearty chuckle, responded, "Not too shabby, managing to keep my head above water!"

Charlie, ever the detective, dug deeper. "And what about that sweetheart you met on the construction site? Did you two tie the knot?"

Gian's face momentarily clouded with melancholy, but he quickly brushed it aside and replied, "Tying the knot? We dated for a good two or three years, but alas, the wedding bells never rang. I couldn't rustle up enough gold coins for a lavish dowry or a fancy house. Her folks looked down on me, constantly whispering in her ear, and eventually, she lost interest in our love quest, and we parted ways."

"When did this epic love story end?" Charlie inquired, his brows furrowing like a confused emoji.

Gian let out a wistful sigh and replied, "Just last month."

With a nod of understanding, Charlie consoled his friend, "Her loss for not picking you, my amigo!"

Chapter 952: "The Marvelous Reunion and a Restaurant Rescue"

After serving his sentence, he chimed in, "Hey, by the way, I haven't asked you yet. Weren't you in Sea City? How did you manage to zip over to Aurous Hill in a flash?"

Gian chuckled heartily, exclaiming, "Talk about coincidence! My workplace tossed me on a business rollercoaster to this very place. I literally landed here this afternoon. Soon as I hopped off that bus, I spotted you all chatting away in the group, so I dashed over like a superhero in a hurry!"

Charlie, filled with curiosity, queried, "Aren't you the boss of your own show? What's with the office grind?"

Gian gave a wry emoji-laden smile and lamented, "My business dreams took a nosedive. Running a business these days? It's like trying to paddle upstream in a stormy sea for the past couple of years!"

After sharing that sobering reality, he glanced at Claire with heart-eyes and grinned like the Cheshire Cat, remarking, "Charlie, is this our sister-in-law?"

Charlie gave an enthusiastic nod, saying, "Indeed, this is my partner-in-crime, my ride-or-die, my partner in the grand adventure of life, Claire!"

With grand gestures, he introduced her to Claire, declaring, "Clay, meet Gian, my partner-in-crime from the good ol' orphanage days."

Gian couldn't help but gush, "Charlie, you've hit the jackpot, my friend! Our sister-in-law is a stunner!"

Claire responded with a sweet, "Thank you," and a blush on her cheeks.

Gian then donned his playful cap and chided Charlie, "Charlie, you're really not playing fair! You've been ghosting us for years. I heard from Aunt Lena that you were all heart when it came to visiting her after she got sick. But you kept avoiding us, your brothers and sisters. What's the deal?"

Charlie chuckled, but underneath that joviality, a hint of nostalgia seeped through as he confessed, "These years have been quite the rollercoaster for me, and I didn't want to be the dark cloud on your sunny day."

Charlie had his pride, you see. Ever since he tied the knot with Claire, he had been called every name in the book, from 'Mr. Underachiever' to 'King of the Henpecked Husbands.' He couldn't care less about the haters, but he didn't want his childhood crew to witness his journey through the storm.

Gian, with a twinkle in his eye, responded, "Buddy, we've shared a rickety construction site shack, split a measly steamed bun, and weathered life's typhoons together. What's there to be bashful about in front of me? Besides, these last few years haven't exactly been a cakewalk for me either. Look at me, still cheesin' every day."

Charlie gave a subtle nod, feeling the camaraderie in his heart.

Just then, Natasha turned her gaze toward Gian with a gleeful grin and teased, "Brother Gi, ain't you gonna say hi to me?"

Gian, caught off guard, locked eyes with Natasha, and then, like a surprise twist in a thrilling plot, he exclaimed, "You... You're Tash?!"

Just like Charlie, Gian had been MIA from the orphanage since he turned eighteen.

Back in the day, Natasha was just a sprightly teenager, a far cry from her current elegant, dazzling self.

Natasha playfully confirmed, "It's me! What's with the jaw drop?"

Gian couldn't help but crack a grin, admitting, "Gosh, it's like magic! Back then, you were this twiggy tomboy, always rough and tumble. Who could've guessed you'd blossom into this stunning swan?"

Natasha blushed and downplayed the praise, jesting, "Brother Gi, don't lay it on so thick. With sister-in-law here, I'm just background scenery."

With an affectionate glance at Claire, Natasha couldn't help but show her admiration on her face.

Gian laughed and praised, "Don't sell yourself short, kid! You're a real gem."

But just as Natasha was blushing her way through the conversation, a phone call sent her emotions plummeting. Her face shifted from gleeful to anxious as she announced, "The restaurant owner rang. Turns out, the electrical wiring in the restaurant is as old as a dinosaur and caused a power outage. They won't be open for business today..."

Gian reacted with a gasp, exclaiming, "Oh no! We need to find another ride, pronto!"

Natasha, her brows furrowed with worry, added, "It's dinner rush hour right now. Snagging a last-minute private booth might be as tricky as finding a needle in a haystack..."

Just as Charlie was about to speed-dial Orvel to check if Chef Legenda Mansion still had some secret hideaway, a sleek black Mercedes-Benz pulled up alongside them, reviving their hopes.

Chapter 953: The Flashy Mercedes Showdown

The window of the Mercedes-Benz rolled down, and Charlie took a peek. Lo and behold, it was none other than Nestor, the mastermind behind today's shindig. But Charlie and Nestor? Well, they weren't exactly BFFs.

Nestor, looking all dapper in his suit and carrying a tad more weight than the last time they met, pulled the car to a stop and leaned out, oozing apologies. "Hey, folks, sorry for the delay! Got caught up in a bit of traffic."

With a dash of smugness, he couldn't resist adding, "You see, I just got this beauty a few days ago."

Someone in the group chimed in, eyebrows raised, "Nestor, is that a Mercedes-Benz? When did you hit the jackpot?"

Nestor chuckled, enjoying his moment in the spotlight, "Oh, just a little ride I picked up, the Mercedes-Benz E300L. Nothing too flashy, it only set me back about 500,000 dollars."

Gasps of amazement filled the air.

One guy quipped, "Nestor, you're something else! You've only been out in the real world for a few years, and you're cruising in a luxury car!"

"Yeah, we're still riding buses, and you're on cloud nine with your fancy wheels. It's like comparing apples to oranges!"

"That's more like 'comparing people makes you despair, comparing goods makes you throw them away'!"

"Same difference!"

Speaking of roots, most kids who grew up in an orphanage started life with a pretty tough hand. Their starting point? Way below average. If others began at zero, these guys began in the negative.

To this day, most of the gang who left the orphanage together were still grappling to make ends meet. They didn't have high-paying gigs or golden opportunities. Life was a bit of a struggle.

Except for Charlie and Nestor, no one else was rolling in a car. So, needless to say, everyone was seeing green with envy and admiration for Nestor and his Mercedes-Benz.

Nestor beamed with pride, waving off their compliments. "Ah, don't mention it, guys, just some loose change for me!"

But just as he uttered those words, he spotted Charlie standing amidst the crowd, and his demeanor shifted a tad.

He never imagined that his long-standing rival, Charlie, would show up even before him.

Back at the orphanage, he had looked down on Charlie, tried to teach him some lessons, and got his own butt handed to him repeatedly. Charlie had proven to be a formidable foe.

After a string of those incidents, Charlie had become a mental scar for Nestor, one he couldn't shake off.

He had always thought that once they entered the real world, tough guys like Charlie would crumble. But as he eyed Charlie's attire, he couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Charlie wasn't exactly decked out in designer duds, that was clear.

However, when Nestor laid eyes on Claire, his expression morphed entirely. He was utterly entranced. Never had he seen such a stunning beauty in the flesh before.

Chapter 954: The Reunion Rumble

Deep within the recesses of Nestor's mind, a thought flickered like a distant memory—could this stunning beauty be one of his childhood comrades from the orphanage?

Despite his best efforts, no recollection surfaced to connect him with this enchanting stranger.

With these musings, Nestor sported a perpetual smile, audaciously greeting Charlie, "Hey there, isn't this Charlie? It's been a dog's age!"

Charlie replied with a grin, "Big Fart Pocket?"

Ah, yes, "Big Fart Pocket" – that moniker was a relic of their orphanage days, bestowed upon Nestor for his rotund frame and the cacophonous flatulence he was infamous for.

You see, Nestor had a peculiar knack for emitting gas at the most inopportune moments—during lessons, while gaming, at meals, and yes, even in his slumber.

His youthful cohorts had been so beleaguered by his untimely toots that they had no recourse but to christen him with this unforgettable nickname.

Nestor hadn't quite anticipated Charlie's immediate revival of this long-lost moniker, which left him feeling somewhat chagrined.

Before he could react, a young man behind him, sporting a hint of annoyance, chimed in, "Hey, Charlie, isn't it a tad disrespectful to address Nestor, the manager of a listed company, by his old moniker? Show some decorum!"

Charlie cast a glance at the speaker, dimly recalling him as Joss, one of Nestor's allies from the bygone days, still tagging along with him after all these years.

Charlie raised an eyebrow and responded coolly, "My apologies, but I've been calling him Big Fart Pocket since we were knee-high to a grasshopper. Old habits die hard."

Nestor caught a glimpse of Claire, who was trying to stifle her laughter at his childhood nickname. He felt a twinge of irritation and retorted, "Charlie, it seems like you've been doing rather well for yourself. What kind of wheels did you roll in on?"

Joss couldn't resist adding with a chuckle, "Manager Nestor, you're being too direct! I've heard Charlie's now a live-in son-in-law, fully dependent on his wife. As long as he gets a warm meal, that's a win for him. Asking about his ride is just rubbing salt in the wound."

Nestor quickly slapped his forehead in mock contrition, saying, "My bad, Charlie, I sometimes speak without thinking. Hope you can forgive me."

Although he made the apology, inwardly he was gloating. Charlie, Charlie, let's see you wriggle out of this one!

However, Charlie countered with a grin, "Big Fart Pocket, I always thought your penchant for flatulence was due to your straightforward intestines. Little did I know, your way with words is just as straight, much like your intestines. Both pipes run pretty darn straight!"

Laughter erupted all around at Charlie's witty rejoinder.

Nestor's face soured considerably.

He hadn't expected his own words about being straightforward to be turned against him in such a biting fashion by Charlie.

Nestor's displeasure deepened.

Now, he was less concerned about being infuriated and more worried that Claire might develop a negative opinion of him due to Charlie's cutting remarks.

Hastily, he turned to Claire, his smile forced and inquired, "You look oddly familiar. It's probably because I haven't been back to the orphanage in years. I can't quite place you. Would you mind sharing your name?"

Natasha, standing nearby, interjected with a touch of irritation, "Nestor, seriously? Don't you know who she is? She's my sister-in-law, Charlie's wife!"

"What?!"

Nestor was struck dumb, as if hit by a bolt of lightning. He couldn't fathom that this exquisite woman, who had captured his immediate attention, was indeed married to Charlie, the man he perceived as a failure.

His gaze shifted to Charlie, noting that his attire paled in comparison to his own designer Armani jacket. The cost of his jacket alone could likely cover Charlie's entire ensemble with change to spare!

Then, he beheld the alluring and graceful Claire by Charlie's side, and a surge of bitterness welled up within him.

Blast it all!

Claire was the epitome of beauty, a vision of elegance that outshone any woman he had ever encountered.

And yet, she was wed to Charlie, the hapless underachiever. It was as if destiny had turned a blind eye to him!

Chapter 955: The Battle of Wits and Words

Nestor couldn't help but marvel at Charlie's incredible luck in landing such a stunning wife. It made him feel like he was on a rollercoaster ride of envy and resentment. With a grin as sly as a fox , he couldn't resist taking a shot at Charlie.

"Charlie, my oh my, what a transformation you've undergone in just a few years! You've become quite the dashing young man, with a charm that could rival a Hollywood heartthrob! Are you living the dream, sponging off your wife's riches now?"

Nestor's words were laced with sarcasm, and he couldn't resist a little self-deprecation. "If I had known that marrying into a wealthy family was this easy, I wouldn't have toiled away for years. Look at me, working myself to the bone to become a director. Compared to you, the master of the freeloader art, I'm feeling rather inadequate!"

Nestor aimed to flaunt his own status and achievements while subtly poking fun at Charlie. His eyes, however, betrayed his ulterior motive as they drifted toward the young and alluring Natasha.

Since he had no chance with the ethereal beauty that was Claire, he figured Natasha, a tender young lady, might be more within his reach. He hadn't realized her true beauty back in the orphanage.

Oh, how he regretted not pursuing her sooner!

Those behind him chuckled in agreement with Nestor's taunts. Even those who remained silent conveyed their contempt and disdain through their expressions.

Meanwhile, Charlie maintained his composure, not a hint of anger on his face. Claire, however, couldn't contain her indignation and retorted icily, "Sir, my husband has neither provoked nor offended you. Why are you being so disrespectful and mocking? Besides, whether he's a freeloader or not, what concern is it of yours? Has he ever eaten a single grain of rice from your table?"

Nestor was taken aback by Claire's staunch defense of her husband. He felt even more disheartened. Why couldn't he, with all his excellence and hard work, have a wife who supported him like that? Was it true what they said, "A good man never finds a good wife, and vice versa"?

His bitterness deepened, and he sneered, "My dear lady, I'm not mocking your husband. I'm merely stating a fact. A beauty like you, marrying a guy like him, is like a delicate flower blooming in a pile of dung!"

Claire shot back with a cold retort, "Our relationship is none of your concern. Focus on your own life!"

Nestor was left momentarily speechless by her response. Claire's beauty was matched only by her loyalty to her husband, intensifying Nestor's envy.

But Natasha had had enough. She couldn't hold back her anger any longer and confronted Nestor head-on. "Nestor, what's gotten into you? Did my brother Charlie offend you? Why are you here, being sarcastic and disrespectful to him? You haven't changed a bit!"

Nestor was growing increasingly irritated. Why was Natasha also defending Charlie? What was so special about this "loser" that all these beautiful women were taking his side?

Furthermore, the more Nestor gazed at Natasha, the more captivated he became. In her early twenties, she possessed a tall and curvaceous figure, as alluring as a siren . Her pout of anger only added to her allure, making him yearn to hold her and steal a kiss.

If he could have such a young beauty, it would be nothing short of exhilarating!

In your dream Nestor,you will forever be dreaming

Prodigy · Jan 11, 2024

Junlee said:
Chapter 966: The Crash Chronicles

In the bustling city of Aurous Hill, the Four Heavenly Kings were the undisputed champions of their respective domains, and the most illustrious among them was none other than Marion, fondly known as Brother Mar in martial arts circles.

Little did Nestor ever imagine that while trying to dodge a Porsche Cayenne, he'd end up colliding with Marion's prized Phaeton. Regret coursed through him like a lightning bolt , and he wished he could rewind time. If he'd known this would happen, he'd have smashed into that Porsche instead!

But let's not forget, it was all Charlie's fault – that devious trickster. BMW 520 had some serious horsepower under the hood, obviously a souped-up ride. If Charlie hadn't lured him into this ridiculous race, he wouldn't have been in this mess in the first place!

With righteous indignation bubbling inside him, Nestor shot Charlie a withering glare . That scoundrel had some nerve!

Seeing Nestor's ashen face, Marion let out an icy snort and commanded, "Get your driver's license, vehicle license, and ID card – now!"

Nestor didn't dare defy him and rushed back to his car to retrieve the requested documents. He presented them to Marion with all the reverence of a humble servant.

After scrutinizing the documents, Marion pocketed them with an air of finality. Then, he fixed Nestor with a steely gaze and declared, "Nestor, huh? I've been around the block in the underworld for quite some time, and I don't have the patience for squabbles with a kid like you. I just got this car less than a month ago, and now you've turned it into a wreck. Even if you repair it, it won't be the same."

Marion's tone grew graver as he continued, "So here's my proposition: you can have this Phaeton. But you better buy me a brand-new one, exactly the same, down to every last detail. If you do that, I won't pursue this any further. Consider yourself lucky I'm feeling merciful today. Otherwise, for ruining my car, I would've broken your legs right here and now!"

Nestor stood there, stunned and utterly baffled by Marion's offer. Give him the Phaeton? Impossible, right?

Marion pressed on, his expression unyielding. "You take this car and fork out the cash for a new one. It has to be identical, down to the last bolt. If you can't deliver within a week, well, let's just say I have creative ways to make you regret it."

Nestor felt his world crumbling around him. How could he possibly come up with over 2 million dollars for a new car? And what good was this damaged vehicle to him? Repairs would cost a small fortune, and selling it would only mean a hefty loss. In total, he was looking at a loss of over a million dollars – and that didn't even account for the damage to his own car!

His insurance would only cover half a million dollars, leaving him with a financial abyss too deep to climb out of. Nestor had purchased his Mercedes on a hefty loan, with monthly installments north of ten thousand dollars, and three long years of payments still ahead. His savings had gone into the down payment, and his monthly salary barely scraped twenty thousand dollars. The thought of losing over a million dollars was a nightmare he couldn't wake up from.

In a voice choked with tears, Nestor implored Marion, "Brother Mar, I take full responsibility for today's mess, but I honestly can't afford such an expensive car to compensate you. I don't have that kind of money!"

"I don't care," Marion growled, anger seething beneath his facade. "You smashed my car, so you better find a way to make it right. You're broke? Figure it out. You've got one week. If I don't see my new Phaeton in a week, I'll have someone pay you a visit."

And then, with a chilling undertone, Marion added, "I've got other fish to fry. Consider this car yours for now. But remember, one week. If you think of running away, think again – I'll make sure you never get far!"

Chapter 967: The Mysterious Collision Caper

Nestor found himself in quite the pickle, trembling like a leaf and scratching his head in utter bewilderment.

Marion, not one for small talk, strolled back to his Phaeton car, fetched his personal items, and casually tossed the car keys over to Nestor.

"Here's a spare key for ya," he nonchalantly declared. "When you return the car, I'll hand over the other one. You can bet your bottom dollar, even though I'm a man of the underworld, I ain't into squeezing folks dry. What's mine is mine, and what ain't ain't. We Aurous Hill folks live by a simple code: principles!"

"But remember, pal, if you play fast and loose with me, don't go crying foul when I show my ruthless side!"

With those cryptic words, Marion hailed a taxi and vanished into the cityscape.

Nestor's pals were flabbergasted.

Each one secretly marveled at Marion's swagger – a true underworld big shot with a flair for the dramatic. Abandoning a car worth over 2 million right there and walking away, now that was some next-level coolness.

Meanwhile, Nestor, still kneeling on the ground, sobbed uncontrollably.

How on earth could he ever afford a new Phaeton, let alone two? Even if he sold both the banged-up cars, he'd still be miles away from covering the cost!

But the other party was influential, and without settling this, Nestor might find himself swimming with the fishes within a week.

Nestor was drowning in despair, clueless about his next move. With both cars staring him down, he wished the ground would swallow him whole.

His loyal friends, who had always looked up to him, stepped closer, concern etched on their faces. "Brother Nestor, what's the plan now?"

Nestor, tugging at his hair in desperation, muttered, "Do I look like I have a plan? Who could've known that driving would lead to wrecking a Phaeton? And why in the world would someone blow 2 million on a car that looks like a Passat?"

His words dissolved into tears.

Meanwhile, the orphanage's WeChat group was ablaze.

Ever since Nestor posted that video, inquiries about his safety and wellbeing flooded in. Despite the spectacle, their genuine worry for Nestor's accident shone through.

But Charlie, keenly aware of the game afoot, knew this was all part of the opponent's strategy.

His BMW 760 had left the rival's Mercedes in the dust with a mere tap of the gas pedal. Everyone understood that Nestor stood no chance in this race.

Nestor himself likely realized this, too.

He didn't want to hand his Mercedes over to the orphanage, so he used this accident as a convenient excuse to bow out.

By the terms of their agreement, regardless of what happened on the drive, if Nestor arrived after Charlie, he'd be the loser.

And losers had to face the consequences of their bets.

But Charlie grasped that now, after the accident, he couldn't push too hard.

Continuing to press Nestor after this incident would make him look heartless in front of their friends.

Inside the BMW, Aunt Lena anxiously urged, "Quick, call Nestor and check if he's okay. His safety is our top priority."

Natasha, however, wore a skeptical grin. "Aunt Lena, I've got a hunch Nestor staged that rear-end collision on purpose! He knew his car couldn't beat Brother Charlie's, and he didn't want to give up his ride as per the bet, so he cooked up this scheme!"

Aunt Lena chimed in with a measured tone, "Tash, let's not jump to conclusions about others' intentions. What if it's all just a misunderstanding? Besides, a traffic accident is a grave matter; nothing trumps human safety."

Chapter 968: The Accidental Collision Caper

"Alrighty then," Natasha said, giving a reluctant nod, her curiosity piqued .

So, Natasha punched in the digits of her friend, who was chilling in the passenger seat of Nestor's ride.

Once the call connected, Natasha inquired, "Hey, why'd Nestor go all drama queen in our group chat, claiming you folks had a rendezvous with a car accident? Spill the beans, is everyone in one piece? Aunt Lena's practically rocking in anxiety!"

The voice on the other end stammered awkwardly, "Well... Nestor-bro here bumped into a... a Phae..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Nestor suddenly sprang to life, swiped the phone, and blurted out, "Tash, don't fret, I'm A-OK. Just had a little bumper-to-bumper with a Passat. I'm smoothing things out with the car owner and should wrap it up pronto. No need to worry, I'll hustle over ASAP."

Natasha responded with a nonchalant "Mm-hmm," quipping, "Cool beans, we'll be twiddling our thumbs at the hotel gate. Been here since forever."

Nestor chimed back in, "Great, do me a solid, let Charlie know I'm majorly sorry for bailing on the race. Here's the scoop: I'll challenge him again in a few days when I'm free!"

Natasha agreed and hung up the horn .

Meanwhile, the friend who first picked up the call from Natasha couldn't help but grill Nestor, "Brother Nestor, after this fender-bender fiasco, you still going for dinner tonight?"

"Absolutely, gotta keep my promise!" Nestor declared without hesitation. "Tonight, I'm taking Aunt Lena out for dinner, no backing out on that. It's the least I can do."

Little did anyone know, Nestor was secretly plotting how to dig himself out of his one-million-dollar debt . This dinner was his golden ticket, the key to at least halving his debt. If he ordered a truckload of dishes, he could jack up the bill to a whopping forty or fifty grand, easily pocketing over twenty grand in the process. That wasn't chump change, and he'd figure out the rest of his financial woes later.

With these thoughts brewing in his mind, Nestor whispered to his buddies, "Shhh, don't spill the beans about what went down, got it?"

They all nodded, urgency in their eyes.

Nestor, sporting a somber facade, continued, "My car's got all its airbags puffing out, so it's toast. Let's push it to the roadside and leave it be. We'll hop in this Phaeton, which only had a slight run-in, and should still be purring like a kitten."

"Sounds like a plan!"

......

Nestor, now behind the wheel of the Phaeton, rolled up to the Hyatt Hotel. His pals gawked at the plush interior, touching and ogling every inch of it.

One chap in the backseat couldn't help but exclaim, "Dang, this is a Phaeton, classy yet understated. Sitting here is like bathing in luxury, like we're suddenly worth millions!"

Nestor felt even worse at that comment. What a situation he'd landed himself in...

A few minutes later, Nestor, sporting a gloomy disposition, arrived at the Hyatt Hotel in Marion's swanky Phaeton.

He didn't dare park it at the hotel entrance, opting for a secluded spot in the parking lot. Then, he and his crew sauntered over to the gathering.

At that moment, Charlie and their pals, anticipation in their eyes, awaited at the Hyatt Hotel entrance.

As they saw Nestor approaching, a horde of concerned friends rushed over to inquire about the car crash.

Nestor, though bubbling with inner frustration, played it cool, waving his hand dismissively, "No biggie, just a little tail-kiss. Insurance will handle it."

Everyone heaved a collective sigh of relief.

Charlie, wearing an amused grin, quipped to Nestor, "Nestor, you sure picked the perfect moment for a rear-end rendezvous. We were a mere two or three kilometers from victory! How on earth did you manage to stage this accidental act of drama?"

Chapter 969: The Grand Dining Deception

Nestor, with a faux scowl on his face, shot a sideways glance at Charlie and slyly quipped, "You think I'm trembling in my boots because of you? If my car hadn't been tailing yours, I would've outpaced you effortlessly!"

Natasha, playfully sticking her tongue out, countered, "Oh, quit the boasting, Nestor! The instant Charlie hit the gas pedal, you were just a dot in the rearview mirror. Tailing or not, you were destined for defeat."

Chuckling, Nestor quickly backtracked, "Just kidding, folks! The reason Charlie zoomed ahead at the start was that I forgot to switch my car to sports mode."

In an attempt to divert the conversation, he added, "Ah, there's no point discussing cars with someone who's not a gearhead like me. Let's move on, shall we? I've already snagged us a spot."

Charlie, not one to bicker, followed the group into the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The Grand Hyatt Hotel, a one-stop destination for dining, entertainment, and relaxation, might have been a tad out of the way and not as ritzy as the Shangri-La or Splendid Club, but it had its charm.

Nestor led the procession into the hotel, where a courteous waiter approached them and asked, "Good day, sir. Do you have a reservation?"

Suppressing his inner bitterness, Nestor proudly declared, "I'm Mr. Nestor Charton. I've reserved table number 03 in the lobby."

He turned to the group and explained, "Sorry, folks, we booked a bit late, so they could only accommodate us in the lobby today."

Everyone nodded understandingly, most of them dining in a five-star hotel for the first time and already feeling quite content with the arrangement.

With the reservation confirmed, the waiter beamed and said, "Certainly, Mr. Nestor, your table is ready. Please follow me."

As the waiter led them to their dining spot, Nestor couldn't resist taking a playful jab at Charlie, "Charlie, this must be your first time in such an upscale joint, right? You're fortunate to have me as your guide today. Otherwise, with your, well, average appearance, you might never get a taste of this luxury in your lifetime."

Hearing this, Charlie couldn't help but chuckle on the inside.

The top-tier Shangri-La Hotel in Aurous Hill belonged to him, and he could probably purchase the entire Grand Hyatt Hotel with the change in his pocket. There was no need for him to engage in a war of words with someone like Nestor.

Seeing Charlie's nonchalant demeanor, Nestor's frustration only grew.

Charlie had never taken him seriously, then or now!

And here he was, just a son-in-law who had married into a family, daring to underestimate Nestor!

Nestor was determined to find a way to put Charlie in his place today.

He concocted a plan that would serve two purposes: embarrass Charlie and gain admiration from his pals. He intended to leverage their connections to resolve his own issue with the car accident involving Marion's Phaeton sedan.

The more he thought about it, the more brilliant his plan seemed.

With renewed confidence, Nestor forged ahead.

Upon reaching their reserved table, Nestor courteously invited Aunt Lena to sit at the head.

Once Aunt Lena was seated, Nestor claimed the seat to her left, while Joss and the others, who had been showering Nestor with praise, took their seats in sequence, eager to curry favor.

Chapter 970: The Reunion Rumble

Charlie and Claire, following Aunt Lena's polite summons, gracefully plopped themselves beside her. The rest of the gang, with a certain youthful flair, took their designated seats, forming a ring around the table.

Aunt Lena beamed at these grown-up kids, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. She chimed in, "You lovely rascals, bless your hearts for dropping by and making this old lady's day!"

The gang quickly retorted, "Aunt Lena, you've got it all wrong! It's our pleasure to be here, and we wouldn't miss it for the world!"

Aunt Lena, curious and concerned, probed further, "How's life been treating you all these years?"

In unison, they replied with grins, "You've always had us in your thoughts, Aunt Lena. We're doing just fine."

Though they had departed from the orphanage eons ago, life had shuffled them down diverse avenues. To put it plainly, most of them had settled into the groove of everyday life. Despite their grand aspirations in their youth, the stark realities of adulthood had left their mark, and not all of it was sunshine and rainbows.

Everyone had their stories to share, stories tainted with the muted hues of realism. The silence that followed each tale spoke volumes, revealing that many had fallen short of their dreams.

In the midst of the conversation, one of them quizzed Nestor, "Hey, Nestor, they say you're a big shot director at a listed company in Aurous Hill now?"

Nestor's chest swelled with pride as he declared, "You heard right! I've held that director's seat for almost six months!"

This proclamation prompted a collective gasp. "Good gracious! A director at a listed company must rake in a small fortune! Nestor, you're the real deal. No wonder you're cruising in a Mercedes!"

Nestor waved it off with feigned modesty, "Ah, it's no biggie. A few hundred thousand a year is pocket change."

He paused dramatically before sighing, "But the real moolah comes from those sweet commissions and bonuses."

Nestor, not one to hold back, continued, "Listen up, folks. I'm currently heading up a major project for the company. Once that baby's wrapped up, I'm looking at a bonus north of a million!"

The gang sat agog, their eyes as wide as saucers. Eagerly, they chimed in, "Nestor, or should we say Director Nestor, which company is this? A million-dollar bonuses sound like a fantasy!"

Nestor, feeling on top of the world, spilled the beans, "Prepare to be dazzled—it's none other than the renowned White Group in Aurous Hill. Elevate Group? That's just a cog in White's colossal wheel. We're talking tens of millions in profits from a single project, and I'm just scraping the surface!"

Charlie couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. The White Group? Wasn't that the empire of the George White clan?

This was getting interesting.

Seeing Charlie maintain his silence, Nestor decided to take another jab, "Hey, Charlie, what's your gig these days? You haven't transformed into a househusband, have you?"

His posse erupted into laughter, reveling in the banter.

Even Charlie, known for his unflinching composure, felt the prick of irritation at Nestor's relentless taunts. He responded coolly, "Indeed, I've been mastering the culinary arts, conquering the laundry, and reigning supreme over household chores. Life's pretty cushy. I simply can't squeeze in the time for a job."

While Charlie spoke the truth, to Nestor, it sounded like a colossal jest.

He guffawed with mock sincerity, "Come on, Charlie, we're old pals. No need to put on an act. You really find joy in being a househusband?"

He then dished out another juicy tidbit, "By the way, since we go way back, here's a little insider scoop. I'm currently hunting for an assistant. How about joining forces with Joss and me?"

This guy is so funny
He ha load of debts to pay and here he is mocking somebody

Junlee (aka 'Jungal2000') · Jan 11, 2024

Chapter 1081: "Grandma's Ten-Year Villa Quest: Wheeling and Dealing in the Lap of Luxury"

Thomson Elite villa, valued at over a 100 million dollars, is the most expensive villa in the entire Aurous Hill City.

For an average family, it's an unattainable dream in their lifetime;

For a moderately wealthy family, with a lot of effort, there might be a slight possibility;

For a wealthy family, it takes ten years of effort to have a chance to live in such a villa.

But for the Weaver family, this kind of villa is just a drop in the bucket.

Even though the Weaver family is currently facing significant difficulties, they have a net worth in the hundreds of billions. They won't be concerned about a villa worth just over a hundred million.

Furthermore, Donald had a clear idea. If the Weaver family buys this villa for the Wilson family, it doesn't mean it's a gift. It means that the Weaver family is acquiring another piece of real estate. In a couple of years, this villa might appreciate in value, and the Weaver family could even make a profit from it. So, why not do it?

So, Donald nodded and said, "Since we are planning something big together, I can fulfill this small request. How about this: I'll arrange for my people to find out if Unit 04 or Unit 06 is available for sale. Even if it's already sold, it's not a problem. I can buy it at a high price from the current owner. Once it's purchased, you can move in!"

The five members of the Wilson family were instantly excited!

Especially Noah, who looked at his mother with admiration in his eyes.

He used to think that his mother might not be of much use due to her age, but as the saying goes, "Old ginger is hotter than young ginger!"

If it were him, he would have already been bowing and thanking the Weaver family fervently upon hearing that the Weaver family wanted to invest in the Wilson family and help the Wilson Group regain its former glory.

But his mother was different. The elderly lady calmly analyzed Donald's intentions and immediately secured a villa for the Wilson family.

Although it wasn't certain how long they could stay there, it was still a gift.

However, Madam Wilson was also clear in her mind that since they had allied with the Weaver family, they needed to find a way to secure more benefits for themselves.

They could temporarily do without the villa, but they needed a minimum commitment in terms of the duration of their stay.

So, she looked at Donald with a smile and said, "Mr. Weaver, you're indeed very generous. However, there's one more thing I'd like to ask of you."

Donald nodded and said, "Go ahead, what is it?"

Madam Wilson said with a sly smile, "Mr. Weaver, as you can see, I'm getting on in years, and I may not have many years left. My old body can't withstand much upheaval. So, if you let me move into Thomson Elite now, and tomorrow, you decide to eliminate that scoundrel Charlie, I might have to move out the next day. After all, for a big shot like you, getting rid of someone like Charlie should be as easy as pie."

This flattery made Donald feel pleased. He looked at the elderly lady and asked, "Are you asking for a commitment from me, ensuring that you can live in Thomson Elite villa for a certain period?"

Madam Wilson immediately raised her thumb, flatteringly saying, "Indeed, nothing escapes your keen insight, Mr. Weaver. I'm not someone who craves wealth and glory; it's just that my old body can't take much. So, could you make an agreement with us? At least promise us that the Wilson family can live in Thomson Elite villa for ten years. After ten years, regardless of whether I'm still alive, the Wilson family will move out as agreed."

In Madam Wilson's view, ten years was already a long time, especially since the ownership of a house was generally valid for seventy years. Ten years amounted to nearly one-seventh of that time. Moreover, this villa was worth at least a hundred million dollars, which meant that one-seventh of its value was close to twenty million. And considering her age, she couldn't be sure she'd even live for ten more years.

Chapter 1082: "The Weaver Family's Grand Gesture and a Reunion's Secret Embrace"

Donald initially didn't pay much attention to a villa, and giving it to the Wilson family was certainly unlikely, after all, he wasn't that kind of sucker. However, allowing them to stay for 10 years wasn't a big problem for him.

So, Donald calmly said, "10 years it is, but you must focus on helping me deal with Charlie as soon as possible. I will reward you generously."

Madam Wilson hastily gathered her family and bowed to Donald, their excitement evident.

The other members of the Wilson family were equally thrilled, as this opportunity meant a complete turnaround for them.

Not only would the Wilson Group be saved, but they would also get to live in Thomson Elite's villas, even better than their best times before.

Furthermore, Donald promised to support the Wilson Group, and with his help, they might achieve a breakthrough.

Donald then added, "I'll arrange for someone to check the condition of the houses in Thomson Elite right away. We'll purchase either a04 or a06 as soon as possible. For now, you can stay in the guest rooms, and once everything is ready, I'll send you back to Aurous Hill. I'll also transfer the investment for the Wilson Group directly to your company's account."

The Wilson family was overwhelmed with gratitude and readily agreed.

Later, they were escorted to the guest room area in the Weaver family's villa.

The Weaver family's villa was sprawling, divided into three sections: one for the Weaver family's residence, another for the servants, and one exclusively for guests.

The Weaver family had bought a large piece of land and built the villa themselves. It was several times the size of Thomson Elite's villas, boasting over a dozen guest rooms, more than enough to accommodate the family of five.

The Weaver family's staff led them to their four rooms.

Madam Wilson, Harold, and Wendy each had their own room, while Noah and Zoraida, a married couple, naturally stayed together.

As soon as they reached their respective rooms, Noah couldn't wait any longer and embraced Zoraida, eagerly saying, "Darling, you've endured so much during this time apart. I've missed you so much, my love."

While speaking, he moved to undress Zoraida.

Zoraida's heart was filled with emotion too. After such a long separation from her husband, their sudden reunion brought immense joy.

Moreover, they were both in the prime of their lives, and this kind of reunion was akin to a honeymoon for them.

But deep down, Zoraida had some worries.

She naturally believed that her husband wouldn't have had any affairs during their time apart, especially given the lack of opportunity while he was in jail for an extended period.

However, she couldn't say the same for herself.

Back when she worked in the coal mine, she had been subjected to the overseer's lewd advances and had been his mistress for a long time, betraying her husband almost daily.

She was deeply concerned that one day her husband might find out about everything, resent her, or even get angry.

So, in the depths of her heart, she was determined to take this secret to her grave, ensuring that no one would ever find out!

Chapter 1083: "Villa Dreams and Bedroom Disappointments: A Secret Burden to Bear"

It was still early evening when Noah and Zoraida found themselves in their guest room, and the sound of waves crashing continued outside.

Noah had indeed been feeling quite stifled lately, especially since he had been separated from his wife for a long time, which made him particularly anxious.

Zoraida naturally loved her husband very much, and she had never expected to see him again in her lifetime. But now that she had the opportunity to be back in his arms, she was naturally thrilled and eager to please him.

However, what should have been a harmonious moment left Zoraida feeling a sudden sense of disappointment.

The reason for her disappointment was that she felt her husband's prowess in a certain department seemed to be inferior to that dirty overseer...

This was truly frustrating.

One was her beloved, the other was someone she despised, but if she looked solely at that aspect, her beloved husband and his abilities couldn't compare to that loathsome overseer.

After all, the overseer came from a background of physical labor, and although he was not young, his physical fitness was beyond doubt. He was strong and powerful.

In contrast, Noah had gained some weight and never exercised. Even after a few days in prison, he had lost a bit of weight, or else his previously paunchy belly would have been even more obvious.

So, when compared to the overseer, Noah was at most half as capable in that department.

This made Zoraida feel that there was a significant disparity.

What should have been a passionate encounter now felt like a drizzle on a valuable piece of land. The rain had passed, leaving nothing but wet ground.

But she could only sigh silently in her heart. After all, she wouldn't even want to return to that dark and miserable place, let alone serve that overseer who was foul in every sense.

In the evening, the Weaver family's servants invited them to the guest room dining hall.

Neither Donald nor Dominic came to join them.

They now regarded the Wilson family as their own servants, so there was no chance they would come to dine with their subordinates.

Halfway through the meal, the Weaver family's steward approached Madam Wilson and said, "Our boss, Mr. Weaver, wanted me to inform you that he has already purchased Villa A04 in the Thomson Elite complex. You're lucky because the villa is fully furnished with luxurious decorations and complete appliances. Mr. Weaver spent an extra 30 million to buy it, so you can move in tomorrow!"

The Wilson family was overwhelmed with excitement upon hearing this news. Madam Wilson's trembling hands couldn't even control her chopsticks, and she sent them flying.

After thanking the steward profusely, Madam Wilson turned to her family and said, "We've all seen the A-type villa in Thomson Elite. There are plenty of rooms, enough for our whole family. Since I'm getting older, I prefer a more spacious room, so I'll take the largest one on the third floor. The rest of you can choose."

Noah immediately said, "Then Zoraida and I will take the largest room on the second floor."

Harold said, "I'll take the guest room on the third floor."

Wendy said, "I'll go with the second floor."

"Good!" Madam Wilson nodded in satisfaction and said with a smirk, "They thought we were finished, didn't they? I can't wait to see their reaction when they find out we've moved next door!"

Noah gritted his teeth and said, "That damn Elaine and Charlie, teaming up to harm my wife and make her suffer so much. I must settle the score with them!"

Zoraida hurriedly said, "Are you crazy? You mustn't reveal this to them."

"Why?" Noah furrowed his brow.

Zoraida immediately responded, "It was me and Jinny who conspired to trap Elaine, but it backfired and we fell victim to Charlie's scheme. So, if this comes out, I'll be the one who broke the law first. If the police get involved, they'll definitely arrest me, not them!"

As she spoke, Zoraida remembered the incident from last night when Jinny was shot dead while trying to attack her. She grew increasingly nervous and added, "Last night, Jinny wanted to harm me, but the Weaver family's people shot her dead. Her family is still in that dark coal mine. If this matter comes to light, and the police get her family out, they will definitely come after me for revenge!"

Chapter 1084: "Return to Thomson Elite: A Surprise Encounter with the Wretched Woman"

Noah furrowed his brow and said, "Are we just going to let those Elaine and Charlie off the hook like this?"

Zoraida replied, "I can cause trouble for them elsewhere, and besides, the Weaver family is preparing to take them down from behind. We can still seek revenge, but we must never mention that incident from the past."

In truth, deep down, Zoraida had another worry. What if she brought up the matter of the illegal coal mine and dragged herself into that past with the supervisor? How could she continue to stand in the Wilson family?

Noah nodded in agreement as he listened to her reasoning and said, "Alright, let's just keep this matter to ourselves."

...

The next day, the Wilson family of five, along with the Weaver family's car, returned to Aurous Hill.

On this return journey, the Weaver family didn't arrange for a private plane or even a Rolls-Royce, instead, they sent a Buick GL8.

Madam Wilson was quite dissatisfied with the Buick GL8.

When they arrived, they had a Rolls-Royce to the airport, a private plane to Su Hang, and then another Rolls-Royce to the Weaver family villa. The level of luxury and extravagance left a deep impression and was truly enjoyable.

Now, they were sent off with a car worth just a couple hundred thousand, a world of difference from the Rolls-Royce they were accustomed to.

However, because the driver of the car was from the Weaver family, she didn't dare to voice her displeasure.

The drive from Su Hang to Aurous Hill would take around four to five hours, so by the time they arrived in Aurous Hill, it was already past noon.

The driver dropped them off at the entrance of the Thomson Elite residential complex and handed them several access cards and keys, saying, "Mr. Weaver's intention is for you to move in today. He will send someone to handle the investment matters for your Wilson Group tomorrow."

"That's fantastic!" Madam Wilson was extremely excited and nodded, saying, "Please thank Mr. Weaver for us, and tell him that we will not disappoint his expectations!"

The driver nodded and drove away.

The Wilson family of five swiped their access cards and entered the Thomson Elite villa area.

Returning to Thomson Elite once again, each of them felt a mixture of emotions.

The first few times they came to Thomson Elite, they were filled with envy and jealousy.

Now, thirty years had passed, and they had their own villa in Thomson Elite.

The most excited among them was Madam Wilson. She had been looking forward to moving into Thomson Elite for a long time!

So Madam Wilson walked in the middle, her grandson Harold and granddaughter Wendy on either side, supporting her. Noah and Zoraida were also holding hands, looking like a loving couple.

Madam Wilson felt like the Empress Dowager Cixi of the past as she walked through this ultra-luxurious villa complex, radiating an air of grandeur and satisfaction.

Amidst her excitement, she couldn't help but sigh, "If only we could run into that wretched woman, Elaine! I would make her suffer!"

Wendy chuckled and said, "Grandmother, don't forget that you broke her leg. She's probably lying in bed at home crying right now!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

At that moment, Harold suddenly pointed to the green belt on the side of the road and exclaimed, "Damn, isn't that Elaine, that wretched woman?"

Chapter 1085: "Farming Frenzy: Unexpected Plans for Fruits and Vegetables"

At this very moment, Elaine had just finished lunch and was directing Charlie. She was carrying an iron bucket and a shovel, digging soil in the villa's green area.

These past few days, Elaine had nothing to do, and even with her broken leg, she couldn't go out and have fun. She was bored at home, scrolling through her social media feed when she noticed a female friend she hadn't been close to before had bought a villa in the suburbs.

Her friend had planted a variety of fruits and vegetables in the villa's yard and shared pictures of them on her social media. Many people praised her for her skill and understanding of a good life.

Elaine felt a pang of jealousy, so she impulsively decided to try her hand at growing fruits and vegetables in her villa's yard. However, with her broken leg, she couldn't do the digging herself, so she had to enlist Charlie's help.

Initially, Charlie didn't want to bother with her. After all, he had already had a serious talk with her the last time and expected her to be more respectful in his villa. He even considered telling her not to bother him further.

However, when his wife, Claire, heard that Elaine wanted to grow some fruits and vegetables, she thought it was a good opportunity for her mother to develop a new hobby and keep her occupied at home. So, she persuaded Charlie to help.

In Charlie's opinion, if helping Elaine with gardening could keep her from causing trouble all day long, then it might not be a bad idea.

Therefore, after lunch, he decided to assist her by digging the soil in the villa and designating a plot for her vegetable garden.

Elaine, using crutches, was currently instructing Charlie, "After digging this yellow soil, don't forget about the black soil. It's quite pungent."

Charlie nodded without saying a word and continued to dig.

After a moment of hesitation, Elaine approached him with a conciliatory tone and cautiously asked, "Charlie, can I discuss something with you?"

Seeing her better attitude, Charlie replied indifferently, "Go ahead, I'm listening."

With a smile, Elaine said, "You see, whenever you have time, could you drive to the countryside and buy some vegetables and fruits from local farmers, and make sure to get them with their roots intact, the whole plants?"

Charlie retorted, "Isn't that unnecessary? If you want vegetables and fruits, you can just buy them at the supermarket or use a delivery app, and they'll bring them right to our doorstep."

Elaine was displeased with Charlie's attitude and unaccustomed to it, but she had no choice but to plead, "I want you to buy the whole plants because I don't intend to eat them right away. I want to plant them directly in our villa's yard. This way, we can have a beautiful vegetable garden immediately, rather than waiting for seeds to grow. Who knows how long that would take!"

Charlie gave in. It seemed that his mother-in-law was eager to take pictures and share them on social media.

About to reject this unreasonable request, Elaine hurriedly added, "My dear son-in-law, let me tell you the truth. Clay has loved planting vegetables and fruits since she was little. When she was a child, she used to drag me and her father to pick them together in the countryside. She wouldn't want to leave once she entered someone else's vegetable garden."

Charlie, wearing a puzzled expression, asked, "When did this happen? Why haven't I heard about it?"

Elaine quickly explained, "Well, she grew up, started school, and got a job, so she didn't have time to go to vegetable gardens anymore. I swear to God, she really loved these things when she was young. In primary school, she even wanted to plant some in the backyard of the old Xiaolai family villa, but that stubborn old lady just wouldn't allow it."

Now Charlie was thinking that if his wife truly enjoyed it, he might consider accommodating her wishes.

So, he took out his phone and called Claire, asking, "Darling, it's almost the weekend. How about we go fruit and vegetable picking tomorrow?"

"Sure!" Claire responded without hesitation. "That's a great idea! Where should we go? How did you know I love picking fruits and vegetables?"

"Dragon Son-in-law" a.k.a. Millionaire Son-in-law, Charlie Wade Story. Translated by Junlee (aka Jungal2000)

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