In that moment, the cheerful Jacob eximed, “Oh yes, dear! Please give me twenty grand. I want to host a get-together tomorrow!”


    ine responded with a hint of anxiety, “A get-together? Why on earth do you need twenty grand for that? Did you invite the president?”


    With excitement, Jacob replied, “I joined the Aurous Calligraphy and Painting Association, remember? Now there’s an opening for the executive director position, and I want it! I need to invite the chairman and other directors for dinner to strengthen our connections.”


    With a smug expression, he added, “If I get elected as an executive director, I’ll be quite popr in the city’s antique social circle!”


    ine, now furious, shouted, “Are you out of your mind? Twenty grand for dinner? Do you really think we have a money tree at home? No way, I won’t allow it!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Jacob quickly defended himself, “Oh, darling, I’m just trying to rise through the ranks! Once I’m a director, I’ll have better ess to rare antiques and the chance to snag some treasures at great prices! You’ve seen how well I’ve done before—I made hundreds of thousands using the same approach!”


    Despite feeling guilty about the money, ine maintained her angry facade. “But still, you can’t possibly spend twenty grand on a dinner! Do you think our money just grows?”


    Jacob felt irritated. “Every penny I spend wille back to me in the future! Or you could think of it as a loan, how about that?”


    ine scoffed, “Oh please, do you think I don’t see through your nonsense? So what if you be a director? You still won’t earn much! You’re starting to act just like Charlie—lying and deceiving everyone!”


    “Why do you always look down on me?” Jacob eximed, frustration creeping into his voice.


    “Yes, I do look down on you! You want money, right? Look at my lips—no!” she dered, turning and storming into her room, feigning anger.


    Jacob stood there, utterly baffled and irritated. What was wrong with her? Why wouldn’t she give him the money? Part of it belonged to him!


    As he contemted going to her room for another argument, Charlie stepped in with a smile, “Dad, if Mom doesn’t want to give you the money, there’s nothing you can do.”<fn6176> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel</fn6176>


    Annoyed, Jacob huffed, “But I already told them I wanted to host a get-together! I only have a little over a thousand in my pocket—it’s not enough!”


    He continued, “The president mentioned there’s a good chance I’ll be appointed as director, and it all hinges on my performance!”


    Charlie let out a quiet sigh. He knew all too well how poorly his father-inw fared in authenticating antiques. Jacob had been scammed repeatedly, losing a significant amount of money. The only time he had made a profit from antiques was through Zachary.


    Unfortunately, Zachary was now avoiding Jacobpletely, ignoring his calls and even fleeing his shop whenever he spotted Jacob on Antique Street.


    Jacob’s true reason for joining the association was just to fill a seat, but he wouldn’t voice that. Instead, he said, “Dad, I’ve got some spare cash; I’ll transfer you twenty grand right away.”


    Jacob’s face lit up with joy. “Oh, my wonderful son-inw, you’re the best! Thank you! You’ve done me a huge favor!”


    Charlie sighed again as he processed the transfer. “Alright, ire will be back soon. I need to start making dinner.”


    Jacob beamed as he received the money and said in a yful tone, “Let me help you, dear son-inw!”<h3 ss="has-text-align-center" id="chapter-list"><strong></strong>