Chapter - 5718

Investigating the true identity of the fake nun was a thought deeply buried within Maria's heart. She kept it to herself, not even confiding in Charlie. Instead, she smiled and sighed, "Miss Ito is truly fortunate. It's not just her luck, but also the Young Master's. The Young Master has never had anyone by his side who could understand and control reiki. Now that Miss Ito has successfully comprehended it, with time, she will undoubtedly be a great asset to the Young Master."

Charlie smiled and calmly replied, "I don't expect her to do anything for me. It's just that after she comprehended it, I couldn't help but feel excited to have a companion in the dark forest when I'm walking alone."

Maria nodded in understanding and whispered, "I have lived for so many years, and it wasn't until I opened my heart to the Young Master that I experienced the feelings he described."

A hint of desolation flickered across her face as she spoke.

Before meeting Charlie, she had never anticipated enlightenment. In her earlier years, she still harbored hopes of avenging her father. But as time went on, she no longer expected to be able to kill Morgana. She simply wished to live out her five hundred years of life and not disappoint her father's expectations.

But after meeting Charlie, a faint hope and expectation of enlightenment began to grow secretly within her.

Yet, she was well aware that she lacked the talent for enlightenment. Even the Eternal Green Pill had failed to help her make any progress. She realized that enlightenment in this lifetime was a hopeless dream.

And it was precisely because of this realization that she felt desolate in her heart.

To prevent Charlie from noticing her inner turmoil, she deliberately changed the subject and asked, "Young Master, how is the progress with the AI model in Northern Europe?"

Charlie responded, "Howard has resolved the issues with the graphics card and data center. Helena is currently in talks with him regarding the latest generation of NVIDIA chips. If they can reach an agreement, this AI model may be the first to adopt NVIDIA's most powerful chips on a large scale."

Maria nodded lightly and smiled, "Once this model is implemented, I would like to request permission from the Young Master to use AI for some calculations."

Charlie replied without hesitation, "No problem, as soon as it's implemented, I will grant you permission."

Maria smiled softly, "Then I thank the Young Master in advance!"

After enjoying a lavish hotpot meal with Maria in the courtyard, Charlie received a WeChat message from Claire on the plane. She informed him that the plane would land about an hour and a half earlier than scheduled, around three o'clock in the afternoon.

So, Charlie bid farewell to Maria at Zilian Mountain Villa and hailed a taxi to the airport.

As he sat in the taxi, Charlie sent a message to Jacob, informing him that Claire's plane would land around three o'clock and asking him and Elaine to be ready to leave by one o'clock.

Jacob swiftly replied with a voice message, "Alright, good son-in-law. We'll leave home at two o'clock."

As per the arrangement made between Jacob and Elaine, they agreed to drive the Cullinan from home to the airport. Once there, the three of them would wait together for Claire's arrival, pick her up, and return to the city for dinner.

Although he was uncertain if Jacob and Elaine were still quarreling, Charlie believed that they shouldn't delay picking up Claire, so he didn't inquire further about their current state.

Meanwhile, Jacob and Elaine were seated at separate tables in the restaurant, finishing their respective takeout meals.

Thankfully, their quarrel had remained at a stable level of mutual sarcasm and hadn't escalated any further. Overall, Elaine had a slight advantage, but it fell within Jacob's tolerance.

After finishing his lunch, Jacob set down his chopsticks and packed up the lunch box. Without lifting his head, he mentioned, "My son-in-law sent a message, saying that my daughter's plane will land at three o'clock, so we'll leave at two."

Elaine grumbled, "Why are we leaving so early? Our daughter is returning from abroad. Customs clearance might take a while after she disembarks. It'll be lucky if she's out by 3,30. I'll go upstairs for a nap. Let's reconvene at half past two."

With that, Elaine walked out of the restaurant without a backward glance, adding, "Take away my leftovers and dispose of them together."

Despite harboring numerous complaints, Jacob remained silent. He lowered his head and discarded Elaine's unfinished meal into the trash can.

With Elaine gone, Jacob sat alone on the sofa. The hangover was gradually fading, and his mood worsened as the effects of the alcohol wore off.

He couldn't help but reminisce about the time when Matilda first returned to the country. During that period, Elaine seemed to vanish, and Jacob not only went to the airport to pick up Matilda but also shared meals, attended class reunions, and revisited their alma mater together. He even invited her to have a meal at their home.

Back then, Jacob and Matilda were quite close, and if it weren't for their children being present, the kitchen might have turned into a fierce battleground.

Thinking of this, Jacob spread his hands and repeatedly patted his knees with the back of his hand. His expression twisted, resembling that of someone who had bitten into a lemon, his features contorted with sadness.

Finally, after enduring until half past two, Elaine changed her clothes and emerged from the elevator. She spotted Jacob still sitting on the sofa, looking disheveled. She immediately exclaimed, "Jacob, why haven't you freshened up and changed your clothes? We're going to pick up our daughter!"

Jacob came back to his senses, his tone defeated. "Why fuss so much about picking up our daughter? Just leave it."

Elaine cursed under her breath, "What's gotten into you these past days? You act like you've lost your mind. Are you wasting your time outside doing something useless?"

Jacob immediately retorted, "What nonsense are you talking about? I have nothing going on that I don't need."

Muttering to herself, Elaine added, "I don't think you have the guts."

With a glance at the time, she urged, "Alright, let's go quickly. We don't want to be late picking up our daughter!"

Jacob stood up, grabbed the car keys, and followed Elaine out.

Upon reaching the Cullinan, Elaine automatically took the passenger seat. After Jacob entered the car, he activated the navigation system and selected the fastest route to the airport.

As they drove out of the community and onto the expressway, traffic was relatively smooth since it wasn't yet rush hour. Elaine, seated in the passenger seat, found herself unusually content. With Claire absent from home, she often felt lonely. Charlie's long hours at work and Jacob's indifference made little difference whether she was there or not.

Jacob, however, was preoccupied with thoughts of Matilda's impending marriage, lost in a daze.

Suddenly, his phone rang, connected to the car's Bluetooth system. Glancing at the dashboard, he saw the caller ID displayed as Stanley Finch from the Painting and Calligraphy Association.

Having overindulged the previous night and now struggling to recall the events, Jacob had completely forgotten about Stanley Finch delivering Matilda's wedding invitation to him. Without much thought, he pressed the answer button on the steering wheel.

On the other end, Stanley Finch's obsequious voice greeted him, "Vice President Wilson, it's Stanley Finch. Why didn't you show up today? Did you have a rough night?"

Jacob grumbled, "I had a lot to drink last night, and I still have a headache. What's the matter? Is there something urgent at the meeting?"

"No, everything's fine," Stanley Finch reassured quickly. "I just wanted to check on you in case you were feeling unwell after drinking. If you're having trouble driving today and need me to take the wheel, just say the word!"

Before Jacob could respond, Stanley Finch continued eagerly, "Oh, and Vice President Wilson, my wife has some homemade herbal remedies for sobering up and liver nourishment, similar to what you mentioned. Regular drinkers like us need to take care of our livers. If you don't mind, I'll ask her to prepare the decoction and deliver it to your place later!"

Although Stanley Finch hadn't attended the dinner the previous night, he had driven Chairman Price and Jacob home and overheard their conversation. The two, inebriated and lacking companionship, confided in each other during the ride.

From their conversation, Stanley Finch learned that Chairman Price sought promotion and that Executive Vice President Jacob was a prime candidate for the next presidency. Backed by Chairman Price, Jacob's chances were high.

Moreover, Stanley Finch had dropped Jacob off at the luxurious Thompson first-class villa, offering a glimpse into Jacob's financial status.

Qualifications and expertise weren't crucial for the presidency of the Painting and Calligraphy Association. Social connections and financial strength held more weight. Considering the association's limited funds, having a wealthy president could alleviate financial strain.

In Stanley Finch's view, Jacob's presidency was inevitable. He seized the opportunity to curry favor, anticipating benefits once Jacob assumed office.

Jacob, not oblivious to Stanley Finch's transparent flattery, played along. To relish the praise, he said without hesitation, "Stanley, I appreciate your concern. I'm about to head out to pick up my daughter. We'll be dining out as a family tonight. How about bringing the remedies to my place after ten?"

Knowing Chairman Price's manipulative tactics well, Jacob intentionally gave Stanley Finch an opportunity to serve and delayed the delivery time to test Stanley Finch's loyalty.

Delighted, Stanley Finch responded, "Of course, Vice President. I'll be there. You go ahead and take care of your business. I'll contact you after ten at Thompson."

Elaine, overhearing the conversation, was both shocked and outraged. Her eyes nearly rolled to the back of her head as she thought, "This Jacob is rising in the ranks of the calligraphy and painting association and licking boots! If he becomes president, why won't he look down on me?"

Savoring Stanley Finch's flattery, Jacob noticed Elaine's reaction and decided to play up the act. With a dismissive hum, he remarked, "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll hang up now."

Respectfully, Stanley Finch replied, "Of course, President Wilson. Goodbye."

As Jacob moved to end the call, Stanley Finch remembered something and blurted out, "Wait, President Wilson, one more thing!"

Casually, Jacob prompted, "Go ahead."

Hastily, Stanley Finch continued, "You were quite intoxicated when I dropped you off last night. I placed Professor Matilda invitation in the armrest compartment. Don't forget it!"