The Ex and Her Riches

Gwendolyn said, “Don’t make a big deal out of it. Regardless of what tricks Annie and Paul have up their sleeves, we’re in Chanacan territory now. They won’t be too brazen on foreign soil.”

Cedrick remained unconvinced. He offered, “I’ll ask Nico to stand guard with some men along the coast. They can immediately travel to Summerbank Island and help you if something happens.”

Gwendolyn thought the proposed arrangement was more appropriate and nodded in agreement. She turned around and cupped his face, brushing his lips with a gentle kiss.

“That’s a good plan, Hubby.”

Cedrick used the chance to wrap his arm around her waist. His tone deepened as he asked, “Will you give me a reward for that, Darling?”

“What do you have in mind?”

He replied by poking her waist with his fingers. The implications were clear.

Gwendolyn was immediately disgruntled. They had already spent a passionate night together yesterday after several days apart.

Her muscles were still aching from their intense session last night, and she did not wish to torment herself further.

She jabbed his head with a finger and chided, “Stop playing around. Wasn’t last night enough for you? You’re seldom home, so you should use this time to check on the babies. Spend some time with Benny and Zendy. Don’t forget that Grandpa’s sick too. You’ve got plenty of people to visit.”

Cedrick hid his disappointment. He could not argue against visiting Valentino or his children.

The fridge at Harrick Villa was looking relatively empty after a few days of vacancy.

Gwendolyn found it too troublesome to stock up on fresh ingredients and decided to visit Valentino’s villa for a free meal instead.

Benedict and Zendaya had visibly grown taller in just a few days.

Cedrick lifted his daughter and felt as though she had grown heavier. They were clearly well taken care of in Valentino’s household.

Alas, Zendaya appeared to have forgotten him after a few days. She scrunched her brows in confusion and cried, looking distressed.

Cedrick frowned and struggled to coax her into calming down.

Eventually, Gwendolyn stepped in and lifted Zendaya from his arms. She clucked her tongue at him and teased, “See. Zendaya doesn’t want to acknowledge you as her dad because you hardly visit the children. You better step up; your position as their father is hanging by a thread.”

Stubbornly, Cedrick picked up Benedict from the other cradle as if to prove Gwendolyn wrong.

a second ago. When he turned to stare at Cedrick, something flitted through his bright gaze, and he soon followed his sister’s example, letting rip an even louder

the children’s display. Maybe I should just leave if they’re

less patient toward his son than his daughter, and he said sternly to Benedict, “Stop crying! How could you not recognize your own father? Once you’re older,

cries grew louder as if he had understood his father’s threats. His tears flowed freely as his anguished wails went on and

or I’ll spank you!” Cedrick growled.

was getting angrier by the second. She carefully returned Zendaya to her cradle and took

more patient? Your son isn’t your enemy, you know. He’s still a baby. Threatening him with military training

whipped me viciously during two of your manic episodes. I can still remember how painful

had pulled out the

felt a lump in her throat. She was caught in a

course, she could never bear to hit him; she merely wanted to scare him with

her out of her misery and extended an olive branch

in pain. It’s the same for me. Benny’s still a baby. I was

he’s older, will you really send him to the

earnestly and explained. “Boys shouldn’t be spoiled. It’s good for them to face some hardships. Besides, he’s lucky to receive training

If he had carefully thought things over, she

that age–old adage, which was why she knew where

Alas, Cedrick was summoned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to solve a serial murder case, which had

with the day they planned to travel to Summerbank Island to seize Annie. Thus, Cedrick failed to make time to accompany

gravity of the case and his position as the leader of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he needed to join the investigation efforts and

comforted him, “It’s okay. Your work is important. Going to the island to detain Annie

worried because I can’t be with you,” replied Cedrick somberly.

Even if you overlook my background in jiu–jitsu, Annie’s stick–like limbs are no match for me. You’re even sending Nico and some backup to stand guard along the coast. Nothing will happen to me.”

play hooky on official business, Cedrick could only encourage himself to be more optimistic about the situation.

shoulder everything yourself, Gwenny. Call me if anything happens, or ask Nico to help

Gwendolyn nodded reassuringly.

conversation, they fell asleep in each other’s

a manic episode, Gwendolyn had pre–emptively received an intravenous infusion at the lab to improve

she had also received a visit from lady luck herself, for Gwendolyn did not relapse that night, and the couple enjoyed a peaceful

for business, so the house was empty by the time Gwendolyn awoke. The silence was even more obvious in