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.

continued to make his way toward the backyard

he approached, the sound of shattering glass

housekeepers and bodyguards, and even the butler was present. All of them

things, while others were smashing glass containers or

scene unfolding before

in a corner. There were small glass vials, each holding remnants

he instinctively

butler, caught off guard by his actions, hurried over and swiftly took the vial from his grasp,

are nothing but rubbish. They are items Mr. Craig wishes to dispose of. Please refrain from touching them. Everyone is

carry on with your

replied with a respectful bow before resuming

the chaotic surroundings. When no one was paying attention to him, he discreetly picked up the glass vial he had examined earlier and swiftly hid it in his pocket. Soon after, he maintained

was surprised to find a new

evening, as everyone gathered around the dining table

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

“All right.”

meal. However, her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t resist stealing glances

lifted his gaze and made

guilty and quickly averted her gaze, too afraid to continue looking at

my

a chance to observe you up close like this before and upon closer

raised an eyebrow. “What

you

discover?”

looked at Jasmine

looked at both of them, feeling hesitant to speak

much deliberation, she cautiously said, “I can’t help but feel that you bear a striking resemblance

exchanged glances. “Who?” he

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

Cough! Cough!

her words reverberated through the relatively quiet dining hall, catching Cedrick off guard and causing him to almost

couldn’t help but

place in Fairlake were considered a dark chapter in

“So, between Mr. Jenson and the personal servant from Fairlake, who do you think