The Ex and Her Riches

As her soothing words reached his ears, Craig’s eyes glistened with tears that gradually spilled over.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I wish to stay alive, and I’m unwilling to relinquish the status and privileges I have attained. I refuse to be confined in a high–security prison, living a life worse than death like a mere walking corpse.”

He embraced the frail woman in his arms, holding her tighter as if seeking solace.

“Rest assured, Mom. That illegitimate child has caused your mental deterioration and the loss of Jennifer. I know how much you hate him. I’ll make him pay for his actions.”

As the evening drew near, Lucas made his way back home. His hand firmly pressed against his aching lower back.

For the past few days, he had been compelled to carry out errands for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and now his entire body felt as if it were on the brink of collapse.

Craig is so vicious. I can’t even pass the basic assessment with my mediocre skills. How can my feeble body withstand the intense missions of the bureau?

Lucas felt like crying, as he was constantly being exploited, living each day in what felt like a living hell.

He wondered when he could break free from the torture.

But as soon as the image of Charles being beaten with two canes flashed past his mind, Lucas grew terrified. He forcefully suppressed his urge to curse Craig.

He clung to the wall, his legs trembling as he slowly inched his way toward the garden.

When Lucas saw a male housekeeper rushing passed him, he called out, “Why are you running? Come over here and help me.”

The housekeeper hesitated for a moment before approaching and offering his support. “Apologies, Mr. Lucas. Mr. Craig is currently having the top floor cleared out. I’ve been preoccupied and forgot to greet you.”

“Why is he cleaning the top floor?”

Shaking his head, the housekeeper replied, “We’re not privy to Mr. Craig’s intentions. It’s already past six o’clock, and he’s insisted on having everything cleared out by tonight. Otherwise, we’ll be in trouble.”

Even though Lucas was perplexed, he did not want to get the housekeeper into trouble. “You can go about your tasks. There’s no need to assist me. I’ll manage on my own.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Lucas,” the servant replied, bowing deeply before hurrying off to the backyard.

As Lucas watched his retreating figure, his suspicions grew stronger.

red

What is Craig up to? My intuition tells me that something weird is going on.

make his way toward the

approached, the sound of shattering glass

and even the butler was

were smashing glass

before him, his mind filled with

noticed a partially destroyed container in a corner. There were small

he instinctively reached for

by his actions, hurried over and swiftly took the vial from

are nothing but rubbish. They are items Mr. Craig wishes to dispose of. Please refrain from touching them. Everyone is occupied, so we can’t attend to your needs at the moment. I suggest you go into the villa. Dinner will be

with your tasks. I’ll

Mr. Lucas,” the butler replied with a respectful

he discreetly picked up the glass vial he had examined earlier and swiftly

a long day of work, Cedrick returned to Harrick Villa and was surprised to find a new addition to the household–the mischievous and

gathered around the dining table for dinner, Jasmine couldn’t take her

and gently tapped Jasmine’s head. “What are you looking at? Focus

“All right.”

throbbing head, Jasmine redirected her attention to her meal. However, her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t resist stealing glances

gaze and made eye contact

Jasmine felt guilty and quickly averted her gaze, too afraid

on my face?”

I haven’t had a chance to observe you up close like this before and

raised an eyebrow. “What

you

discover?”

also looked at Jasmine

both of them, feeling hesitant

but feel that

and Cedrick exchanged glances. “Who?” he

her seat before leaning closer to Gwendolyn and whispered, “Don’t you

Cough! Cough!

speak in a hushed tone, her words reverberated through the relatively quiet dining hall, catching

but laugh

were considered a dark

between Mr. Jenson and the