After deciding to set off for Australia, Charlie wade began pondering how to fabricate a lie for Claire Wilson.
The moment this issue crossed his mind, he instinctively thought of the excuse about inspecting feng shui.
After all, he had used this trick for so long that not only had he gained experience, but he had also become adept at it.
Thus, he specifically instructed Don Albert to call him in a little while, but the call should come only after he had first booked the flight back to Aurous Hill with Claire Wilson. This way, he could temporarily change his itinerary, but he could still see Claire Wilson off at the airport first, putting his mind at ease.
Then, he casually exited WeChat, opened the ticketing app, and asked Claire Wilson, “Darling, when do you want to head back to Aurous Hill? Let me check the flights.”
Claire Wilson was somewhat surprised. She had assumed that upon learning of Stephen Thompson’s mishap, Charlie wade would immediately tell her he had business to attend to and would be away for a while.
Yet, unexpectedly, Charlie wade was suggesting they book tickets back to Aurous Hill.
She wanted to ask if it was just her returning alone or both of them together, but on second thought, she realised she could not say that, as it would give the game away.
So, she casually replied, “I’m fine with whenever. You wanted to go back today, right? We can check out at noon and head to the airport. Book whatever flight you like; there’s plenty of time anyway.”
Charlie wade scrolled through the flight information and said nonchalantly, “Darling, how about the three o’clock one?”
The flight to Melbourne did not depart until half past five in the afternoon, so Charlie wade could first drop his wife off at the airport. Once he confirmed she had boarded the flight back to Aurous Hill, he could then go through security, clear customs, and board his own flight to Melbourne.
Claire Wilson had no idea what scheme Charlie wade was hatching, but she knew his character well. With Stephen Thompson in trouble, Charlie wade could not possibly stand idly by, so he must be seeking an opportunity, the right opportunity, to head to Melbourne.
Thus, she told Charlie wade, “Three o’clock is fine. We’ll get home without missing dinner. Book that flight, dear.”
“Alright!” Charlie wade breathed a sigh of relief and booked the tickets first.
At noon, the couple had lunch early at the hotel and then took a taxi to the airport.
They printed their boarding passes, cleared security, and arrived at the airline’s VIP lounge to wait for boarding.
It was at this moment that Don Albert fulfilled his role.
He called Charlie wade and, upon connecting, eagerly asked, “Master Wade, where are you right now?”
Charlie wade replied offhandedly, “I’m here in Eastcliff with my wife for a concert, and we’re about to board the flight back. What’s up?”
Don Albert quickly said, “Master Wade, a friend of mine has an issue with his house in the southwest. His family has not had smooth sailing over the New Year, and he wants a master to come and check the feng shui. Would you do him the honour of taking a look?”
Charlie wade pretended to hesitate, “Ah, to be honest, my schedule is quite full lately, and I have no plans to travel for feng shui consultations at the moment.”
Don Albert pleaded, “Master Wade, this is a close brother of mine from years back; our bond is truly strong. Please help him out…”
Claire Wilson was right there beside him, and seeing Charlie wade still putting on this act at such a time, she felt no anger in her heart, only a touch of heartache for him.
She could imagine how tiring it must be for Charlie wade, having to keep so many things from her all these years, always minding her feelings and ensuring she harboured no suspicions.
Thus, she spoke softly, “Dear, is that Mr Albert asking for your help?”
Charlie wade nodded. He had the speaker on loud enough for Claire Wilson to hear clearly.
Claire Wilson then chimed in persuasively, “Just agree to Mr Albert’s request. He’s always been good to our family and shows you great respect. It’s just a small matter; no need to turn him down and lose face.”
Charlie wade had not expected Claire Wilson to be so understanding, so he feigned reluctance and said, “Don Albert’s matter is urgent; I’d have to leave today. If I agree, I won’t be able to go back to Aurous Hill with you.”
“That’s fine,” Claire Wilson smiled faintly and said, “I’ll go back on my own. It’s only two hours anyway. Once I’m there, I can take a taxi or have Dad pick me up. You go and handle your business; don’t worry about me.”
