Chapter - 5726

Elaine's heart sank as soon as she heard those words. It was hard for her to believe that Matilda was thriving so well. They were talking about billions of yuan in net worth, far surpassing her own by a significant margin. Bitterness welled up within her, mixed with a hint of fear. If she were to come face to face with Matilda and inquire about her current situation, how would she respond?

Matilda was unlike Hannah, where Elaine could find solace in her own superiority. Matilda surpassed her in every aspect. She was more beautiful, more refined, more knowledgeable, and even had a better physique. Comparing herself to Matilda was like comparing a chicken to a peacock—no advantage to be found.

Initially, Elaine consoled herself with the thought that she could at least steal Matilda's man. But now, upon closer examination, she realized that Jacob, whom she considered her trophy, was likely insignificant in the eyes of others.

At that moment, Charlie couldn't help but let out a sigh and said, "Oh, Mom, you have to understand Dad's good intentions. Just imagine, if you were to meet Matilda and she sincerely thanked you while clasping your hand adorned with million-dollar emerald bracelets, how would you react?"

Elaine instinctively asked, "Why would she thank me?"

Charlie earnestly replied, "Of course, she would thank you for taking Dad away from her. It's because you took Dad away from her that she was able to go to the United States alone and meet her first husband there, and together they built a multi-billion-dollar renowned company. If you hadn't taken Dad away from her back then, she might have ended up like you now, struggling at the bottom, tormented by the Wilson family. How could she have the elevated position she holds now? Don't you think she should be grateful to you for rescuing her from the depths of despair?"

Elaine's heart was completely defenseless after hearing this. In her mind, she cried out, "What in the world is this! Why is Matilda flourishing like this! She shouldn't have fled to the United States thirty years ago, enduring a lifetime of struggle due to her inability to adapt to the foreign environment. She's in her fifties now. She should have experienced unemployment, abandonment by men, and even suffered from serious illness. She should have been cast aside by capitalism and reduced to washing dishes in the back kitchen of a Chinatown restaurant! How could she create a globally renowned law firm with her husband and amass a fortune worth billions! I despise it!"

With this thought, much of her hatred towards Jacob dissipated.

At that moment, Charlie pressed on, determined to secure victory. "Mom, I understand you must have suspicions about Dad's exchange trip to South Korea. It's hard to believe my words alone. But if you take a moment to search for relevant news and check the list of exchange participants, you'll find a person named Mr. Riley. He's Matilda’s fiancé. They're both part of the exchange program, so Dad is simply accompanying them. With Matilda also involved, there shouldn't be any cause for concern."

Elaine reflexively revisited the webpage she had just looked at, and indeed, there was Mr. Riley's name.

Charlie's words swiftly assembled into a compelling chain of evidence.

Seeing her expression, Charlie continued to press on, saying, "Mom, I'll tell you the truth. Dad informed me about Matilda's upcoming marriage right away, even discussing with me whether or not to inform you. But you see, Matilda is doing so well now, and her future husband is quite remarkable. They chose the most exquisite venue for their wedding—the Sky Garden in Aurous Hill, with its exclusive aerial garden that's beyond the reach of ordinary people. She didn't just invite Dad, but our entire family. Dad thought it through and concluded that it's better not to tell you, as it would only cause you great distress. That's why he kept it a secret all this time. But unexpectedly, you stumbled upon the wedding invitation, leading to this scene."

With a sigh, Charlie spoke up, "Mom, if you're really considering it, then let's attend their wedding together as a family. It might help put your mind at ease. What do you say?"

Elaine instinctively blurted out, "No, no, no! I have no interest in going!"

Internally, she muttered in dismay, "Matilda is such a formidable woman, and her fiancé seems exceptional too. I can't measure up to her in any aspect, and Jacob can't measure up to her fiancé either. What were Jacob and I doing all these years? Are we both going to embarrass ourselves?"

Observing her refusal, Charlie tactfully mentioned, "Dad mentioned that you were contemplating attending. He also assured me that he wants to be completely transparent this time and won't keep any secrets. If you decide to go, he won't object and will accompany you."

"I've already decided not to go," Elaine replied awkwardly. "Your dad threw the invitation away on the roadside. What's the point of going now?"

Charlie chuckled, "Mom, have you been watching too many movies where heroes return and throw grand banquets, hiring hundreds to check invitations? Remember, you and Dad are old classmates and acquaintances of Matilda. Even without the invitation, on the wedding day, you'll stand at the entrance, and they'll warmly welcome you in."

Elaine waved her hands dismissively, "I truly have no intention of going. It's been decades since we last saw each other. What's the point? It's just unnecessary."

Charlie sighed, "No, Mom, I genuinely believe you should reconsider. There's a significant rift and misunderstanding between you and Dad. If it isn't resolved, our family's future might be affected. Dad just confided in me, expressing that he'll support whatever decision you make regarding attending."

Letting out a sigh, he glanced towards the door and said loudly, "Isn't that right, Dad?"

Jacob, with a flushed face, hurried in and looked at Elaine, stammering, "W-wife, I made a terrible mistake. I shouldn't have kept this from you. From now on, I swear I will never hide anything from you again, and I'll do everything in my power to make it up to you. So, I've decided that when they have their wedding, our whole family will attend. I'll be open and honest, facing your concerns head-on."

His voice choked up as he continued, "Oh, wife, you never had to doubt me. How could someone like me, a failure, ever be worthy of someone like Matilda? I... I'm not even fit to shine her shoes! In her presence, I'm nothing more than... I'm nothing more than a piece of dirt!"

As Jacob uttered these words, he lacked the courage to say the rest. However, he had reached a decisive moment, victory was within reach. He held back his tears and said in a trembling voice, "In her presence, I... I, Jacob Wilson, am... am just... am just a piece of dirt!"