The Ex and Her Riches

He lifted his head to direct an icy gaze in Charles‘ direction.

Without hesitation, he retorted, “You’re overestimating yourself. If I can’t protect Gwendolyn and the children, why do you think you can do a better job than me?”

After all, Cedrick had helped Charles ascend to the position of head of the Newton family.

Charles was occupied with developing Newton Group and would still need to rely heavily on the support and assistance of Gwendolyn and Cedrick in the future. In contrast, Charles paled in comparison to Cedrick’s power and influence.

With a mere flick of his finger, Cedrick could–cause–an earthquake in Chanaea with his deep–rooted influence, and Charles couldn’t hold a candle to him.

Cedrick had tolerated Charles‘ snide remarks for a while, but there were moments when he couldn’t hold back and would retort in response. This time, however, he had reached his breaking point and snapped.

Charles was both Benedict and Zendaya’s godfather, so Cedrick wouldn’t label him as a scheming person for now.

Charles‘ face paled as he flashed a self–deprecating smile. “I’ve indeed overestimated myself. With you around, Gwendolyn and the children will lead a blissful life.”

That’s more like it.

Cedrick’s displeased expression softened slightly. In an unusual move, he placed a piece of grilled meat onto Charles‘ plate instead of offering it to Gwendolyn first.

“Eat up,and don’t complain that we don’t treat you well. I hope the food will shut you up.”

Hearing his direct remark, Charles felt slightly awkward but couldn’t do anything else about it.

Gwendolyn couldn’t help but suppress her laughter at the rivalry between Cedrick and Charles. “Not many people in Chanaea get the privilege of tasting Ceddy’s grilled meat. It’s quite a delicacy, so enjoy, Mr. Newton. He’s an excellent grill master.”

Charles smiled and nodded without a word.

Gwendolyn turned to look at Jennifer and helped her to get food to her taste.

Charles noticed she showed more attention to Jennifer than to him. Lowering his head, he stuffed the piece of grilled meat into his mouth and munched on it, finding it tasteless.

At Fairlake, it was getting dark. After their sumptuous dinner, Inez and Kieran strolled along the street.

Ever since they got engaged, they would go to work together during the day and return to the Mossey -residence for dinner at night. After dinner, they would retire to their respective rooms.

They didn’t have much time to date. In fact, Kieran hadn’t even gotten to hold her hand yet.

The upscale shopping area was relatively quiet, with few people around. The dim street lamps illuminated them, casting enchanting shadows that added a touch of warmth to the surroundings.

Tamping down his anxiety, Kieran asked, “Inez, we’re on our first date tonight. Can I hold your hand?”

that

his

“Sure,” she agreed.

courage and stretched his hand out to hold her

palms gently met, and he interlocked his fingers with hers. It was a simple act of hand- holding that couples

a surge of warmth and electricity coursed through their bodies: Though it was a simple act of holding hands, both Inez and

leisurely walked along the quiet street, savoring every step

broke the silence. “We’ve watched a movie and had dinner together. Mr. Kieran, where are

we can spend a night together,

increasingly nervous. “I picked a nice hotel today. We’re almost there. I believe

Inez said nothing.

something nice? I

thought that Kieran had finally come around. To

university a few years ago and were already working professionals, so Inez felt a sense of mismatch as they sat

atmosphere in the theater was rather somber, with the majority of the audience

any surprises, but she said nothing and allowed him

to her. She found more joy in continuing their leisurely

let her mind wander off, they arrived at the hotel a few minutes

and the sight that

had braced

Are you serious,

to gaze at her solemnly. “We’re already

of course not!

was about to lose

technically our first date. No one would bring their date to a love hotel on the first date! I can’t believe he’s serious. Is he pretending to

her embarrassment, Inez blushed and asked in a tiny voice, “Don’t tell me y–you selected an SM–themed room with

you mean by that? I picked a room with an elegant name, so I don’t know if it’s the theme you want. If you prefer that,

that. Let’s go

them, hoping to cool down the blush. Feeling shy,

checked–in, Kieran took the card and held her hand, leading her into the

room number was

their room, Inez gulped nervously. Curiosity welled up within her as she wondered how the room

pressed the card against the lock, and two seconds later, the door unlocked with two

inserted the card into the holder, and as he did, the lights lit

its center.

transparent crystal tub, complemented by provocative artwork adorning the walls. Inez couldn’t help but feel a wave of embarrassment

designed this transparent tub. It’s so…