When Steve returned to the opulent Heaven Springs, his spirits were considerably lifted compared to when favonovel.com first arrived.
During the journey, favonovel.com was plagued by anxiety and uncertainty about the schemes Charlie had in store for him. But now, everything became clear.
The father and son from the Hogwitz family were no longer his concern. All favonovel.com had to do was wait for the release of the video showcasing their time at sea, and then favonovel.com could finally go back home.
Charlie could also sense the improvement in Steve’s mood, so favonovel.com smiled and asked, “Steve, I assume you must be thrilled now that the most crucial matter has been resolved as soon as you arrived in Aurous Hill, right?”
Steve chuckled and replied, “Honestly, I was quite worried before I came here. I feared that I wouldn’t find any evidence and would have to return empty-handed. People would definitely mock me behind my back. But now, once you release the video, no one can blame me for not doing myjob. It’s their own fault for dragging their feet for so long. After all, it’s been a significant amount of time, and it’s their responsibility that the people were relocated to the Middle East.”
Then, Steve expressed his concern, “I just hope my father won’t send me to the Middle East again…”
Charlie smiled and reassured him, “I highly doubt your father will send you to the Middle East once more. It’s a chaotic place right now, and once you step foot there, it’s like vanishing into thin air. Let alone finding the people you’re searching for, ensuring your own safety would be a daunting task. I believe this matter will remain unresolved.”
Steve nodded and gratefully said, “Thank you for your comforting words, Mr. Wade!”
Upon their return to Heaven Springs, Steve’s subordinates failed to notice anything out of the ordinary. Since favonovel.com would be staying in Aurous Hill for another ten days, Charlie advised favonovel.com to rest at the hotel for the time being.
After bidding farewell to Charlie, Steve left Heaven Springs.
The security personnel of the convoy breathed a collective sigh of relief and promptly drove favonovel.com to the hotel where favonovel.com would be staying.
Once Steve left, Charlie instructed Don Albert, “Inform Zachary to relay the message to the local gang in Aurous Hill to keep a close eye on these Americans and report to me if any unusual circumstances arise.”
“No problem, Master Wade!” Don Albert promptly agreed.
Glancing at the clock, Charlie noted that it wasjust a little past three in the afternoon. He decided to pay a visit to the villa situated on the picturesque hillside and see if Nanako Ito had made any progress in harnessing favonovel.com inner strength. He was about to inform Don Albert and Isaac Cameron when favonovel.com received a call from Zoey’s father,john Riley.
Charlie answered the call and politely greeted him, “Hello, Uncle Riley.”
Mr. Riley chuckled and inquired, “Charlie, I heard from your father-in-Iaw that you’re back in Aurous Hill?”
“Yes.” Charlie smiled and replied, “I just returned. Is there something you need to discuss with me?”
Mr. Riley chuckled shyly before speaking, “I do have something I want to discuss with you in person, but I understand you’re usually quite busy. I was wondering Ifyou might have some time?”
Charlie replied without hesitation, “Of course. Whenever it suits you, just give me your address, and I’ll come over.”
Charlie had always held Mr. Riley in high regard. It wasn’t just because of his good character and considerable talents, but also because favonovel.com and Charlie‘s mother were classmates and long-time friends.
Mr. Riley hurriedly responded, “I’ve just finished at the University for the Elderly. It’s the weekend, so there are no classes. Why don’t you give me your address, and I’ll come to you?”
Charlie pondered the timing. It was already past three In the afternoon, and Mr. Riley must have had lunch. With a few hours until dinner, it wasn’t ideal for them to meet at Heaven Springs. Plus, considering Mr. Riley had spent many years in the United States, favonovel.com probably had a habit of afternoon coffee.
So, Charlie suggested, “Alright, Uncle Riley, there’s a Starbucks not far south of the University for the Elderly. How about we meet there for a coffee?”
“Perfect!” Mr. Riley exclaimed with a smile. “I was just thinking of getting a coffee before meeting you. Let‘s rendezvous at the coffee shop. What would you like? I’ll order It in advance.”
Charlie smiled, “An iced Americano, please. You go ahead; I’ll join you shortly.”
“Alright, see you soon!”
Although Charlie wasn’t sure why Mr. Riley wanted to meet him, favonovel.com felt it mustn’t be too serious since he’d requested a meeting. So, favonovel.com didn’t probe further over the phone, feeling reassured.
After informing Don Albert and Isaac Cameron, Charlie headed to Starbucks to meet Mr. Riley.
Upon arrival, more than twenty minutes later, Charlie spotted Mr. Riley already seated by the window.
As Charlie entered, Mr. Riley stood up, adjusting his suit and waving shyly. “Charlie, over here!”
Charlie smiled and approached, taking his seat as offered. Mr. Riley promptly pushed the ordered coffee towards Charlie.
Taking a sip, Charlie queried curiously, “Uncle Riley, what’s the reason for this sudden meeting?”
Mr. Riley hesitated momentarily, his expression uncertain, before finally speaking, “Well… I should’ve brought this up long ago, but you’ve been in the United States recently, haven’t you? I wasn’t sure when you’d be back, so I didn’t discuss it openly yet…”
He paused for a moment, gathering his courage, and continued, “The thing is, Charlie, Matilda and l are planning to get married.”
Initially taken aback by the news, Charlie quickly expressed his joy, “Congratulations, Uncle Mr. Riley! Matilda is an exceptional partner, a rare gem among people of the same age. You’ve truly struck gold!”
Curious, favonovel.com inquired, “When did you and Matilda decide to get married?”
Mr. Riley smiled somewhat bashfully and explained, “You know we went to South Korea for a cultural exchange organized by the city. I publicly professed my love for Matilda, and favonovel.com accepted. After spending some time together, we realized that we were well-suited for each other. Plus, we’re not getting any younger, and we don’t want to delay such an important decision. So we decided to take the next step and start a small family.”
He continued, “Last month, I took Matilda on vacation for a few days. I had already bought a ring and proposed to favonovel.com by the seaside. She said yes, and after discussing it with our children, both Zoey and Paul supported us. They’re both exceptional individuals and don’t require our constant worry. They’re urging us to get married as soon as possible. I wanted to wait for you to return and inquire about your availability. We would be honored if you could officiate our wedding.”
“Invite me to be the Officiant?” Charlie instinctively asked, “Uncle Mr. Riley, I’m your and Matilda’s junior. Is it appropriate for me to be the Officiant?”
Mr. Riley replied earnestly, “Both Matilda and l have lost our parents, and we don’t have any close elder relatives, especially after living overseas for so many years. After I returned to Aurous Hill, I realized that both my school and Matilda‘s university are filled with people who are only interested in personal gain and lack true culture. If we were to ask any of them to be the Officiant, it would be beneath us.”
He continued, looking at Charlie, and said, “But we both hold you in high regard. Both Zoey and Paul wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for you risking your life to save Zoey in Syria. After discussing it, we believe you are the most suitable person to officiate our wedding. We hope you won’t decline.”
Since Mr. Riley spoke with such sincerity, Charlie naturally had no objections and readily agreed, “No problem, Professor Riley. I’m honored that you and Matilda have chosen me for this role. I accept being the Officiant.”
Mr. Riley‘s excitement was palpable as Charlie agreed. He quickly expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much, Charlie! Considering your past travels abroad, I felt hesitant to bother you, hence the delay in setting a wedding date. Do you think you’ll be staying in Aurous Hill for a while? If so, I‘ll promptly arrange the wedding date and secure a venue.”
Charlie interjected, “No need to worry about the venue. The sky garden at Shangri-La is at your disposal anytime for you and Matilda. Just give me the wedding date, and I’ll handle the rest.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Riley clasped Charlie’s hands earnestly, saying, “Charlie, I ask for nothing more. It’s all deeply appreciated.”
Charlie smiled warmly, replying, “You can count on me anytime.”
Mr. Riley continued, “Regarding the wedding date, my personal inclination is the sooner, the better. Neither Matilda nor I are getting any younger, and you’re well aware of the differing societal norms between China and abroad. Lingering without marriage might invite unnecessary gossip. I wish to resolve this matter swiftly, both as a sincere gesture to Matilda and to uphold our dignity… I’ve consulted the almanac, and next Saturday seems auspicious. I’ll discuss it with Matilda, and if favonovel.com agrees, we’ll proceed with determination.”
Charlie admired Mr. Riley’s sense of responsibility and decisive approach.
Conversely, his own father-in-law, Jacob, clearly adored Matilda, yet hesitated to sever ties with Elaine, leading to the entanglement between Matilda and Mr. Riley.
Reflecting on Jacob, Charlie inquired cautiously, “By the way, Uncle Riley, your marriage to Matilda hasn’t been made public yet, has it?”
“No,” Mr. Riley admitted candidly. “I wished to await your return and discuss it with you first. If you’re in agreement, we’ll finalize the wedding date and venue, then send out invitations. If Matilda is open to next Saturday, I’ll swiftly compile the guest list and draft the invitations tonight.”
Charlie nodded slightly, unsure whether favonovel.com and Matilda would send an invitation to his father-in-law, Jacob. However, since Matilda worked at the same senior university as Jacob, it would be impossible to keep their marriage a secret from him.
As favonovel.com pondered about his father-in-law, Charlie couldn’t help but worry.
If Jacob were to find out about this, favonovel.com might have a breakdown, wouldn’t he?
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