Chapter 5526

Jacob's cheeks blazed with embarrassment at her words. He hesitated, then shot back, "Who ever said I was about to ask for money from my son-in-law? Did I even hint at such a thing? There's a world of difference between finding a suitable son-in-law." Elaine gave him a withering look. "Save me your lecture," she retorted. She didn't bother arguing further with him. Instead, she turned to Charlie, resolute in her stance. "Listen up, dear son-in-law. No matter what nonsense he's spouting, you mustn't give him a single cent!" Abruptly, Jacob's temper flared. He straightened up and spat, "Elaine, why must you persist in this? It's always about money for you, isn't it?" Elaine playfully shook her head, mischief dancing in her eyes. "What's the matter? Since you're not asking your dear son-in-law for money, I'm simply advising him not to offer you any. What's so bothersome about that?" "You... you..." Jacob hadn't expected Elaine's defense to be so vigorous, quashing his own arguments. He'd said his piece, so why did she have the audacity to approach Charlie for money? Jacob, defeated by his own hesitation and lacking a counter, fumed, "I... I never meant to request money from my good son-in-law... I just wanted to remind him to be cautious out there!" Elaine feigned nonchalance, took a deep breath, and placed her hands soothingly on her chest, as if greatly relieved. "Oh, Jacob, you nearly gave me a heart attack. I thought you had the nerve to ask your dear son-in-law for money! He works hard for his earnings. You're a capable man, so you shouldn't be spending other people's money." Jacob snapped, "Elaine, what's gotten into you? I've already told you, I have no intention of seeking money. Why are you endlessly fixated on money?" Watching Jacob's frustration while he remained reluctant to express his true thoughts, Charlie couldn't help but think that the ancient adage might hold some truth, this poor man must indeed be despised. Jacob, with a feeble disposition and a penchant for secrecy, perpetually lived in the shadow of imagined challenges, sabotaging his own opportunities time and time again. When Matilda first returned to China, it was clear to everyone that Jacob had a desire to reunite with her. Matilda herself had been contemplating the same. They were like star-crossed lovers. If only Jacob could muster the courage to divorce Elaine, they could mend decades of regrets and secure a contented old age. Yet, he remained too timid to shatter the fragile veil of indecision, causing Matilda to lose patience. And to make matters worse, Mr. Riley, a man far above Jacob's league, suddenly entered the picture, stealing away the love of his life. Even such a profound lesson from Matilda failed to trigger any meaningful self-reflection or a shift in his timid, obstinate nature. This left Charlie both frustrated and empathetic. Turning to Jacob, he inquired, "Dad, do you need money? If so, just say the word, and I'll transfer some to you." A spark of hope flickered in Jacob, only to be extinguished by Elaine's mockery and the whole money debacle. He was too ashamed to ask Charlie for help. Thus, Jacob found himself at a loss for words. At that moment, Elaine saw Charlie's inclination to offer money and grew frantic. She hurriedly interjected, "Dear son-in-law, your father just declared he has all his faculties and limbs intact and doesn't need your money. He's a respected figure in the arts community, vice president of the Painting and Calligraphy Association. To be blunt, he's quite the big shot with a stellar reputation. If you were to give him money now, it might just wound his pride."

Jacob felt even more ill at ease. Though he wanted to stride up and give Elaine a piece of his mind, he recognized that her words had him cornered. Should he actually go along with Charlie's offer, he'd be utterly humiliated. Seeing his prolonged silence, Charlie, exasperated, let the matter rest. He echoed Jacob's words, "Dad, I appreciate your concern. I'll be careful. Nothing else to worry about. I need to finish packing and head to the airport." They might have approached Jacob like someone riding a donkey downhill, but he always slipped down like a donkey from higher ground. Elaine's few words blocked his escape, leaving him to slide down her slope. This was Jacob's Achilles' heel and the linchpin of Elaine's control. Charlie understood Jacob's stubborn nature, unlikely to change. He didn't offer any further openings. Having spoken his piece, he turned and headed for the elevator. Seeing Charlie ascend, Jacob felt a pit of discomfort form within him. Gazing at Elaine's triumphant smile, he felt worse than wretched. Upstairs, Charlie couldn't help but sigh inwardly. When would his father-in-law, Jacob, muster the courage to break free from his inner turmoil and live as he truly desired? With everything packed, Charlie left home under the cover of night, bound for the airport. Stepping into the elevator, he spotted his father-in-law, Jacob, cigarette perched in his mouth, rising from the sofa. Jacob greeted with a smile, "Good son-in-law, you're off, then?" Charlie nodded, "Yes, Dad. I am on my way to the airport." Jacob rubbed his hands, ready to speak, when Elaine suddenly descended the stairs, feigning a limp and exclaimed, "Oh, my dear son-in-law, Mom's here to see you off!" Having pocketed a million, Elaine and Jacob, who missed out on the sum, both sought to bid Charlie farewell. Jacob intended to find an opening, a subtle way to allude to his tight finances, hoping Charlie might effortlessly offer a helping hand. Jacob was the type to never ask for what he needed directly, rather, he'd downplay or feign indifference, secretly hoping someone else would step in. Elaine understood Jacob's disposition and how to manipulate it. She was worried that Jacob might feign neediness in front of Charlie to siphon money, so she was poised to disrupt his plan. As Jacob's pretense of plaintive words hovered on his lips, he swallowed them back. Elaine, at that moment, glanced at Jacob and turned to Charlie, a sycophantic smile in place. "Dear son-in-law, off you go. Leave the household concerns to us!" With that, she swiftly moved forward, taking up Charlie's luggage with exaggerated vigor. She urged, "Dear son-in-law, it's getting late. You mustn't dawdle. Don't miss your flight and jeopardize your business." Jacob watched, crestfallen, as Elaine herded Charlie out. He followed, simmering with frustration. Charlie refused to give Jacob any opportunities. He stowed the luggage in the BMW's trunk, waved to them and stated, "Mom, Dad, I'm off." With that, he got into the car and drove off. Half an hour later, Charlie arrived at the airport. The plane awaited, and Hogan touched down at Aurous Hill Airport punctually. The two met and boarded a private plane bound for the United States. The night swallowed them up as they soared towards New York, ten thousand kilometers away.