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.

his way toward

sound of shattering glass grew more

even the butler was present. All

were smashing glass containers

at the scene unfolding before him, his mind filled with

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

instinctively

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

absentmindedly. “Very well, carry on with

replied with a respectful bow

of the bustling scene, he took a moment to survey 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 composed and calmly left the

of work, Cedrick returned to Harrick Villa and was

dining table for dinner, Jasmine couldn’t take her eyes off

noticed and gently tapped Jasmine’s head. “What are you looking

“All right.”

her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t

lifted his gaze and made eye contact

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

on my face?” he asked,

just that I find you really handsome. I haven’t had a chance to observe you

raised an

you

discover?”

looked at

the latter looked at both of them, feeling hesitant

feel that you bear a striking resemblance to

and Cedrick exchanged glances. “Who?”

“Don’t you think Mr. Jenson looks a lot like that personal servant

Cough! Cough!

to speak in a hushed tone, her words reverberated through the relatively quiet dining hall, catching Cedrick off guard and causing him

but laugh

in Fairlake were considered a

play along and asked Jasmine, “So, between Mr. Jenson and