The Ex and Her Riches

Clocking Craig’s detached expression, Karl sighed. Without saying anything further, he obediently left to do as ordered.

During lunch at noon, the atmosphere at the dining table in the Newton residence was exceedingly somber.

Sensing that Craig was in a bad mood and seemed to be preoccupied with his thoughts, neither Jasmine nor Lucas dared make a peep. They both kept their heads lowered and stuffed food into their mouths.

Only the sounds of cutlery against crockery remained in the huge dining room.

Craig’s expression was as black as thunder. Unbidden, the other person imprisoned on the top floor of the house flashed across his mind.

Jennifer has already learned of the Newton family’s secret, so allowing her to stay by Cedrick’s side poses a tremendous risk at the end of the day. Argh! How I wish I could kill her right away!

A clang rang out as he slammed his fork onto the table with a grim look on his face.

The sudden sound had both Jasmine and Lucas jump in fright. They did not even dare chew the food in their mouths.

Lucas was inherently cowardly and had no mind of his own. When he saw that Craig was no longer eating, he put down his fork resolutely and swallowed the last bite of food in his mouth before sitting there quietly.

Likewise, Jasmine was too scared to continue eating. Following suit, she placed her fork down and turned to Craig.

“What’s the matter with you, Craig?” Her voice turned tentative, and she ventured, “Is this because… Jennifer had been taken away?”

Craig lifted his eyes and stared at her intently. All of a sudden, an idea occurred to him.

“Since Gwendolyn claimed that her crystal earrings went missing, go and return them to her. If you like them, I’ll gift you a similar set in the future.”

Not daring to demur, Jasmine could only relent in displeasure, “Got it.”

Subsequently, Craig continued, “She used you to take Jennifer away, so she probably harbors some guilt toward you. Visit the Jenson residence often these few days.”

At that, Jasmine was wholly bewildered.

“Huh? But didn’t you just instruct me to stay away from her last night?“,

“That was then. Jennifer is there now, and we can’t ascertain her safety. Use this excuse to go over often and look in on her. Can you do it?”

Words eluded Jasmine.

double agent? If he were to learn that I willingly helped to facilitate the matter of Jennifer being

her head low. In truth, she did not want

Craig. Besides, didn’t you say that Jennifer is gravely ill? Isn’t it perfect that Gwendolyn took her away for treatment? We can save ourselves

Crash!

loud, resounding noise split

porcelain bowl before him

Lucas and Jasmine

eyes brimmed with tears, and she bit her lower lip in aggrieve. Curling into herself, she apologized, “Don’t be angry,

expression eased slightly. “While you hold no affection for Jennifer, she’s still your biological sister. As her sister, shouldn’t

I’ll go and visit her in the

for two well–trained

she did not think much of

Craig’s expression softened

tableware over

face back to its usual casualness.

resume eating, keeping their heads lowered as they did so. Some time passed before Craig asked, “Are you busy

affirmative when Craig blithely continued, “If you aren’t busy, I’ll

“Craig, I…”

that I start panting after standing for half an hour in the military posture. How could I possibly

he griped incessantly, wondering whether his brother

spare him a single look. Instead, he added in a deep voice, “Try to handle things at the office remotely as much as possible henceforth. Make

pain written all over his face, Lucas weakly queried, “Can I

“Yeah.”

that you’re purposefully being lazy and unambitious. The cane meant for Jasmine last

all color. Expending much difficulty, he flashed his brother a smile. “Never mind, then. I’m not that strong, and that

food, his voice amicable. “There’s no need to force yourself. You can consider it further. I’m

okay. I’m very sure of my decision, Craig. I fervently hope to hone myself at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I’ll never disappoint you

had a determined look in his eyes, and he

his lips, and his gaze turned gentle once more.

Despite the tableful of food, he had no

to continue taking some food and eating a few bites in front of Craig. His hands were shaking overly much, and the fear within