Chapter 6096

Early in the morning on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, Charlie and his family packed their bags and prepared to head to the airport for a rare vacation. Jacob initially suggested driving his Cullinan to the airport, but then he hesitated. After all, they would be gone for a total of 5 days and 4 nights, and upon returning, he would drive the Cullinan back home. In his words, the main advantage was that he wouldn’t have to take a taxi, especially since they were bringing a lot of luggage, making taxi rides quite inconvenient. Charlie understood that for his father-in-law, even a trip to buy a pack of cigarettes required driving. He always seized every chance to flaunt that he owned a Rolls-Royce. Charlie didn’t see any issue with it at all. His father-in-law had always been this way, so he was fine with going along with it. However, Claire felt a bit disheartened, thinking her father was just looking to show off the Cullinan. After all, it was a gift from Michaela, meant to benefit Charlie. Her father’s use of the car felt more like wielding someone else’s status. She suggested, “How about we take a taxi instead? It would be more convenient for four people to ride in a business car. Airport parking is quite expensive, nearly $200 for a day without a cap, which is much more costly than round trips. Plus, the airport parking spaces aren’t very large. Dad, if you park such an expensive car there for days, and someone scratches it, won’t you feel upset?” Jacob considered this and realized it was true. Leaving such an expensive car parked at the airport could attract the wrong kind of attention. Smiling, he remarked, “People say that if someone advises you to have enough food, then let’s heed your daughter’s words.” Claire took out her phone and called a six-seater business car through a ride-hailing app. When the car arrived, the family of four dragged their suitcases to the entrance of their community and boarded the vehicle for the airport. Not having to drive to the airport actually made things easier, especially eliminating the hassle of walking from the parking garage to the terminal. The driver parked directly at the international departure area and enthusiastically helped the family with their luggage. Jacob couldn’t tell if the driver was being sincere or trying to show off, but he sighed, “Oh, this is so much more convenient than driving the Cullinan ourselves. Otherwise, we’d have to trek from that parking garage over there.” The driver smiled but didn’t say anything further. After assisting everyone with their bags, he politely said, “Thank you for using Tutu Special Car.” After the driver left, as the family was about to enter the terminal, a yellow Bentley Bentayga slowly pulled up next to them. As the car came to a halt, a middle-aged man jumped from the driver’s seat and, with a respectful tone, opened both rear doors, saying, “Mr. Halbrook, Mrs. Halbrook, please exit the vehicle.” A middle-aged man in his forties and a young woman in her twenties emerged from the car. The middle-aged man had a prominent belly, while the young woman was dressed to the nines in designer attire, with every piece, including her down jacket, hat, pants, and shoes, from Chanel. She also carried a limited edition Hermès bag from the Himalayas. Once the middle-aged man stepped out, the driver retrieved two LV suitcases from the trunk and handed them to the couple, saying respectfully, “Mr. Halbrook, I wish you and your wife a wonderful honeymoon!”

With his hands in his pockets and his chest puffed out, the middle-aged man surveyed the area and noted that many onlookers, including Jacob and Elaine nearby, were watching him step out of the Bentley. With an arrogant air, he commanded, “Kelly, take my Bentley Bentayga to the 4S store for maintenance and make sure they use the best engine oil.” The driver nodded respectfully, reassured him, “Of course, Mr. Halbrook, I’ll make the arrangements.” The middle-aged man added, “When I return to pick us up, be sure to drive Alpha. My wife wants to go shopping in Dubai first when she returns from the Maldives, and we’ll definitely have a lot to carry.” “Absolutely, Mr. Halbrook, no problem!” The driver nodded vigorously. Pleased with himself, the middle-aged man relished the attention his loud voice had garnered, and turned to the young woman beside him, saying, “I used to take private jets. This time, the General Aviation Company’s plane went to the U.S. for maintenance, so I feel bad that you have to fly first class with me instead.” The young woman smiled sweetly and replied, “Oh, darling, it’s alright. Who cares about a little discomfort? What I truly regret is not knowing you during those tough early days. Otherwise, I would have loved to endure it all with you!” The middle-aged man grinned and said, “Oh, you truly are a wonderful wife! Just having you is enough!” Charlie and Claire dismissed the couple as unworthy of their attention, but Jacob glanced at them and, hearing the boastful conversation, murmured to Elaine, “Tsk, it’s embarrassing to show off a Bentley Bentayga like that.” Elaine asked, “Isn’t Bentley a well-known brand too?” Jacob scoffed, “That’s up for comparison. Next to Mercedes-Benz and BMW, that’s like comparing a father to his grandson with Rolls-Royce.” Unknowingly, Jacob’s voice was louder than intended, and the middle-aged man caught the comment. His expression shifted instantly as he glared at Jacob with a sneer, “You’ve got to be kidding—there are all kinds of birds in the forest. He’s out here flaunting a sorry little ride with Tutu, calling it embarrassing for others in a Bentley. You’d think his house drives a Cullinan.” Feeling provoked, Jacob dipped into the exchange further, pulling out his Cullinan car keys and twirling them in his fingers. “This guy is a real loser. If it’s hard for him to buy one, he assumes that no one else can either. I’ve always kept it low-key; otherwise, I would’ve driven the Cullinan here.” The middle-aged man recognized the Rolls-Royce key immediately, and his expression soured. He scrutinized Jacob, concluding that this old fellow didn’t look like someone who could afford a Cullinan. Though his companions didn’t appear wealthy either, he couldn’t dismiss the stunning young woman beside Jacob—she was far more attractive than his own wife. Turning to the young woman beside him, he laughed, “You see, buying a luxury car key has become trivial. With just a few dollars online, you can snag a lighter that looks just like a luxury car key, perfect for pretending in front of others and lighting your cigarette alone.” Jacob, fueled by frustration from their earlier exchange, called out, “Alright then, show me how you can light this thing up! Honestly, I’ve had this for ages and never knew it could work as a lighter.”