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?”

ask that question as they were

his consideration and respect for

“Sure,” she agreed.

his courage and stretched his hand out to hold her tiny

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

of holding hands, both Inez and Kieran couldn’t help but blush at the intimate

the quiet street, savoring every step and cherishing the moments

“We’ve watched a movie and had dinner

the hotel so we can spend a night

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

Inez said nothing.

something nice? I don’t

were going to watch a romance movie tonight, she thought that Kieran had finally come around. To her surprise, it

already working professionals, so Inez felt a

atmosphere in the theater was rather somber, with the majority of the audience consisting of students who had come to

that he would have prepared any surprises, but she said nothing and allowed him to lead

their leisurely

wander off, they arrived

and the sight that greeted

she had braced

love hotel? Are you serious, Mr. Kieran?” she blurted

gaze at her solemnly. “We’re already engaged. Isn’t it

course

was about to lose her

on the first date! I can’t

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

mean by that? I picked a room with an elegant name, so I don’t know if it’s

like that. Let’s go

instinctively placed her hands on them, hoping to cool down the blush. Feeling shy,

Kieran took the card and held her hand, leading her

room number was

their room, Inez gulped nervously. Curiosity welled up within her as

two seconds later, the door unlocked with two crisp

inserted the card into the holder, and as he

elegant decor, featuring a large round bed at its center. Surrounding the bed were delicate

adorning the walls. Inez couldn’t help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over her as

this transparent tub. It’s so… Anyway, I