With a warm smile, Graham addressed Mr. Wade respectfully, saying, “Mr. Wade, we will always remember your generosity toward the Quinton family. I apologize for the short notice, but I would like to invite you to the Quinton family mansion for dinner tomorrow. It would be my honor to host a banquet in your honor as a personal thank you for your kindness.”

Charlie shook his head, responding indifferently, “I appreciate the invitation, but I have plans for tomorrow.” He added, “The only reason I helped you today is that I recognize the good you’ve done for others. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have intervened. Do you understand?”

Graham was momentarily taken aback but then laughed and nodded. “I understand! Mr. Wade, should you ever need assistance in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The Quinton family will always welcome you.”

Promptly, Graham pulled out a gold-plated business card, inscribed with his personal contact details.

Without glancing at the card, Charlie took it and turned to lead his father-in-law out of the venue.

Graham watched them depart, then turned to Adam with a stern look. “From now on, if you encounter Mr. Wade in Aurous Hill, you must bow and greet him respectfully. I don’t want any more trouble!”

Adam replied defensively, “I didn’t realize I’d offend someone like him on this street…”

Aurora’s expression was icy as she watched Charlie leave, her teeth clenched. Despite her respect for his skills and knowledge, she couldn’t shake off the humiliation of being kicked. For someone as proud as she was, such an affront was simply unforgivable.

Graham sighed, attempting to reassure her. “Aurora, please don’t seek revenge on Mr. Wade. Our family needs his help to navigate this difficult situation…”

“Do you really think it will work?” Adam muttered quietly.

Graham shot him a disapproving glare. “If you keep talking like that, I swear I’ll break your legs!”

Adam fell silent, not wanting to provoke his father further. Aurora, too, stomped her foot in frustration, saying, “I know, Dad… I won’t provoke him…”

But the more she thought about it, the angrier and more uneasy she felt.

“What a pity…” Graham sighed, shaking his head.

Aurora turned to him, curious. “What do you think is a pity?”

Graham glanced at her and replied, “It’s a shame that Mr. Wade is already married. Otherwise, I think you two would make a wonderful couple…”

Aurora’s face flushed with embarrassment and annoyance. “Dad, what are you saying?!”

***

On their way home, Jacob was still in shock. He couldn’t believe the head of the Quinton family had treated his son-in-law, who seemed like a nobody, with such respect.

“Charlie, was anything you told Mr. Quinton true?” Jacob couldn’t help but ask, feeling confused. It seemed his son-in-law was becoming more duplicitous by the day.

Charlie chuckled, responding, “Well, half of it was true, and the other half might be a stretch. Isn’t it more intriguing to keep some mystery?”

Jacob was taken aback by Charlie’s response and scolded him immediately. “Oh my God, what have you done? I can’t believe you would lie to the Quinton family. You even accepted that lavish jade bracelet! Do you have any idea what they could do to us if they found out?”

Charlie shrugged, replying, “What’s the worst that could happen? I can always return the bracelet. What can they do, kill me?”

Jacob sighed, feeling helpless. Although he was worried, he realized the Quinton family probably wouldn’t take extreme action against them. Perhaps Charlie’s gamble would indeed help the family. They had no choice but to take that risk.

Once home, Charlie retreated to his bedroom and took out the ‘Peace and Wealth’ pebble he had acquired from Zachary.

Suddenly, he felt a wave of energy coursing through him, bringing warmth, but also a strong discomfort in his chest and stomach.

Before long, he began to sweat profusely, expelling dark impurities from his body. Once that passed, Charlie felt his body gradually relaxing.