The Ex and Her Riches

Cedrick’s dark eyes glinted with the calm of victory assured.

He glanced at Nico, who was taking notes, and indicated at the latter to record everything meticulously.

Nico nodded tactfully.

Karl began speaking. “Mr. Craig did imprison Mrs. Newton and Ms. Jennifer. He bought a batch of medicine from the dark web, which are the two vials you’re currently holding. I don’t know what the medicine is called or how it works. All I know is that he imprisoned Mrs. Newton and drugged her to gain control of the Newton family. Because he has the backing of the mighty Smith Group, Mr. Craig managed to usurp the power. He once said that since Old Mr. Abraham brought Mr. Charles back, Mrs. Newton had insisted on being recorded in the family tree and had thus caused mental instability. With a medicinal regime, it would go unnoticed.”

Nico’s heart filled with rage at those words. He scoffed incredulously.

“He kept that well-hidden. Since he stepped into power, nobody noticed over the years. If not for his increasing insolence in trying to do the same thing to Jennifer, the secret of the top floor of the Newton residence might never have come to light.”

Cedrick’s expression turned dark. He rapped on the table. “Go on,” he said coldly. “How did Mrs. Newton’s death come about?”

Karl sighed sadly. “I don’t know about this. After the welcome party, Mr. Craig ordered me to lead some men to destroy everything suspicious on the top floor. Mrs. Newton had died at night from an accident.”

Cedrick appeared to be deep in thought. He tugged at the sleeve of his uniform and turned at Nico. “Carry on listening. Record the time and places carefully. Make sure the notes are organized. Get everybody’s testimony and place it on my desk.”

“Yes, sir.”

Nico assented. He rose to leave the office and summoned Neville.

“Search the Newton residence again, especially Craig’s bedroom. Do not miss anything suspicious,” Cedrick ordered.

As soon as Neville left him, his phone rang. The caller ID showed “Darling Wife.”

Seeing those two words, he picked up immediately without hesitation.

“What’s the matter, Gwenny?”

Gwendolyn sounded delighted on the other end. “Jennifer’s psychological evaluation is out, Hubby. There is strong evidence of her being hypnotized. I have put together the evaluator’s result, and I’m currently at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

Cedrick was surprised. “You’re hand delivering the evidence?”

the Federal Bureau of Investigation will not simply grant

door. “Stay where you

he sniffed his collar

the door, the familiar, slender

over and swept Gwendolyn into his

did plenty last night. Why don’t you sleep a little

over Jennifer’s drip at the lab, and there’s no point for me being there, so I

on hand, Craig is

held his cheeks with both hands and planted a sweet kiss on his lips. “Not bad,

not looking too

“Not bad? That’s it?”

raised her eyebrows. “What else? You might never let me hear the end of it if I gave you any

you’re not completely happy with me, Gwenny.

is made of.”

chuckled. Her

your first time here at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gwenny, let me show you around my office before sampling the cooking of

nodded and allowed him

building. Making their way to the deserted

his search of

he found something in

was looking over the evidence Nico had compiled when Neville placed a small item

to Mrs. Newton’s accident

papers in his hand and took the candy paper-wrapped item for a closer

and found a translucent item like a block of

seared with anger

unstable. Turns out he’s been dabbling in this

was similarly grave. The temperature in the

hour later, Cedrick headed for the secret