Claire asked in surprise, "Dad, why are you dressed so formally today?"
Jacob carefully adjusted his tie and grinned. "I'm someone who drives a Rolls-Royce Cullinan now, so I have to pay attention to what I wear. Otherwise, others may think of me as just the driver."
Claire was speechless. She said helplessly, "Dad, did you forget? Your Rolls-Royce is supposed to be a gift for Charlie! Why didn't you ask Charlie if he needed the car?"
Jacob rubbed his nose awkwardly and hurriedly asked Charlie, "Charlie, you... Do you need the car? If you need it, I’ll leave the car with you..."
He then added quickly, "Well, if you aren't using the car anytime soon, I'll drive the car for the time being. Let me know in advance when you need the car. I’ll leave the car for you and not be a hindrance!"
Charlie smiled and said calmly, "Dad, don't worry about it. I don’t plan to drive that car. If you don’t mind, you can bring your BMW 530 home for me to use occasionally."
Jacob was overjoyed to hear that. He said happily, " Then, I'll drive the car in your stead for now! Let me know when you feel like getting a ride in the Rolls-Royce. I’ll gladly be your driver!"
He then suggested, "My BMW 530 is still parked below the association's building. How about this? Once I arrive at work, I'll arrange for someone from the association to send the car back!"
"That'll be helpful," Charlie said with a smile. "I happen to have an appointment with someone for dinner tonight, so I'll need a car."
Claire asked Charlie, "Honey, are you eating out tonight?"
"Yup." Charlie nodded and explained, "I'm meeting a friend.”
"Okay." Claire knew that Charlie had a lot of friends, and didn't think much about it.
Charlie then asked Claire, "Claire, have you considered Ms. Jane’s renovation project yet?"
Claire quickly said, "It’s nothing. I'm just casually chatting with Charlie."
Elaine reminded her, "I have to remind you this. Don't be too nice to others when you’re out to do business, especially with your acquaintances! Even if you give them a good deal today, they may assume that you earn a big margin from his business. You should take a s much as you deserve! Remember, don't give them a discount no matter what!"
Charlie smiled and interjected calmly, "Mom, it's Claire's business. Let’s not interrupt her and let her make her own decisions."
Elaine wanted to say more, but hesitated and soon stopped speaking.
She knew very well in her heart. In their family, Charlie acted like the real head of the family. She must listen to Charlie, in order to avoid ending up as miserable as Hannah from next door...
With that in mind, she hurriedly changed her tune. She agreed with Charlie and said, "Charlie, you're right. Claire, you should decide for yourself. I’ll give you all my support!"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Man in Power After Being Married into Her Family