The Ex and Her Riches

Startled by Cedrick’s claim, the police officer instinctively looked toward Neal.

Isn’t that Neal’s esteemed guest? Is he suspecting a fellow guest? The count of Ospea?

The officer dared not voice his doubt and quietly wrote down Cedrick’s words.

Neal remained expressionless, as though he had predicted Cedrick’s words after Gwendolyn’s persistent questions about Paul earlier.

“We will definitely investigate the suspect you’ve just mentioned, but could you share your reasons for suspecting his involvement?” asked the police officer.

Cedrick replied frostily, “We’ve never been on good terms, and we happened to run into him and Annie while we were out shopping yesterday. He immediately questioned my wife’s collaboration project with Dovil Group and wanted her to surrender her rights to the project to him. I refused his request and put him in his place. He might’ve thought of killing us in the heat of the moment.”

The officer carefully recorded his statement before declaring. “All right. I will share your suspicions with my chief and launch an investigation.”

Neal, who had quietly listened to their exchange, spoke up after the officer left the lounge. “I somewhat understand Paul’s character, and I don’t believe he’s malicious enough to organize an assassination over a small argument. Could there be some misunderstanding?”

“Maybe not, but someone could manipulate him. You said it yourself. He’s infatuated with his current girlfriend, and it’s possible that someone is using this fact to sway his actions. Of course, I admit that these are my hypotheses, and we need a proper investigation and solid evidence before accusing anyone,” said Cedrick.

Neal nodded, agreeing with the latter half of Cedrick’s words. He proposed, “Why don’t you and Ms. Harris stay here for the next two days? At least until the investigation is complete to prevent the perpetrator from striking again. I’ll arrange for more security around your hotel. They’ll move discreetly

“Sure.”

Cedrick had no reason to refuse Neal’s invitation. It was true that the situation had their return to Chanaea more complicated.

Still, they needed to return soon so that Joshua could examine the extent of Gwendolyn’s injury.

With that thought in mind, Cedrick added, “Settle the investigation as soon as possible. I can’t afford any delays.”

Neal vowed, “Don’t worry. It’s all hands on deck for this investigation. I will personally monitor the police.

Cedrick carefully lifted Gwendolyn, planning to return to their hotel.

Right before he left, he turned and reminded Neal, “Do not publicize the ambush on Gwenny and me. The diplomatic relations between our countries could crumble if any international media caught wind of this. You know better than anyone else that there’ll be hell to pay if that happens.”

“Of course. I was already planning to keep the news under wraps.”

and left the police

into further danger, Neal had them driven back to the hotel in an armored police car.

also escorted them, making up a

was foolish enough to attempt to ram

presidential suite. The police officers carried their luggage to

dark uniforms, expressionless faces, and statue-like stillness struck

tucked Gwendolyn into bed, he said to the officers, “We don’t need guards outside the door. You’re too eye-catching here, and your presence will frighten the other hotel guests. Scatter your men across the hotel grounds, and give me the phone number of your

“Sure.”

forward and left his phone number with Cedrick. Then, he led the

its former peace.

He approached the bed and

and the bruise on her head as guilt swelled in his

the edge of the bed and watched her quietly for nearly two hours.

some grilled vegetables from the five-star kitchen of the hotel and had them. delivered to their

once as the hotel staff arrived

of waking up even after Cedrick had laid the table for

time to eat, Darling. You must be tired

out her name twice more, but Gwendolyn did

bad feeling washed over Cedrick, and he placed

breath remained steady.

up.

his hands through her hair and under her head, planning to help her sticky

foreboding intensified, and he carefully swept away the hair from the back of Gwendolyn’s

looked down and saw blood

It was no minor injury like

officers who were in the hotel. “Gwenny’s situation worsened.

carried Gwendolyn and

wife unconscious. His tears streamed down his face

way to the hospital, Cedrick pleaded, “You have to be