The Ex and Her Riches

Hearing that, Zendaya exclaimed in excitement, “That’s a great idea! The next time I get a chance, I must try it with Daddy!”

Charles smiled and abstained from indulging in the exquisite seafood feast spread on the table. Instead, he delicately peeled a shrimp, dipped it in sauce, and fed it to Zendaya.

Zendaya’s cheeks bulged as Charles fed her bite after bite within just two minutes. “Uncle Charles, please slow down. I haven’t finished eating yet.”

Charles patiently fetched a tissue and wiped the oil stains from the corner of her mouth. “Is it delicious?”

“Delicious!” Zendaya smiled sweetly and asked, “Uncle Charles, why do you want to go on a blind date? Are you planning to get married? Uncle Charles, after you get married, will you still pamper me like this?”

Charles gently ruffled her hair and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “Uncle Charles loves you the most, Zendy. No one can ever replace the special place you hold in my heart.”

He gazed at Zendaya’s delicate face which reminded him of Gwendolyn’s when she was young. Taking her little hand in his, he placed it gently over his heart. “Little Zendy, you reside right here in my heart. This special place will always be reserved for you.”

Although Zendaya was not his biological daughter, and they had no blood relation, she was an irreplaceable treasure in his life.

Zendaya blinked her cute and mischievous eyes and asked, “What about Benny? Where does he live in your heart?”

Charles’ jawline tightened, and the smile on his face slowly faded. He remained silent for a moment, unable to find the words to respond.

He felt a deep sense of guilt toward Benedict. Every time he saw Benedict’s frail and sickly condition, he couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of remorse, as if he had committed a grave crime.

In the past few years, he had tried every possible means to please Benedict and make amends for his actions. However, when it came to Benedict…

Charles lowered his gaze, lost in deep contemplation.

Zendaya noticed his sadness and reached out to cup his handsome face in her tiny hands. She spoke with a sincere and comforting tone. “Uncle Charles, don’t be sad. Benny doesn’t want to see you right now because he’s not feeling well and is in a bad mood. But I’m sure he will come to understand that you’re a good person, and he will like you just as much as I do.”

Charles pressed his lips together, wearing a slightly bitter expression. He let out a sigh. “Zendy, you don’t understand. I have done something that has caused harm to Benny, and because of that, Benny won’t forgive me.”

Benedict was incredibly intelligent. At just five years old, he could solve math problems that were typically given in the first year of junior high school. However, he was also introverted, quiet, and rarely smiled.

Since Benedict was incredibly intelligent, it was impossible to conceal the truth of his illness from him. Benedict had picked up on the clues during his previous conversations with Cedrick, leading him to deduce the true cause of his condition.

then, Benedict refused to see Charles and rejected

pursed her lips, her big doe eyes

in the laboratory for infusions. I’ll take you there, Uncle Charles. Benny loves me very much. With me there, he

to the laboratory that doubled as a ward and looked

bed, a five-year-old boy with a handsome and delicate face leaned against the headboard as he

was alone

her head into the room and

turned his attention to Zendaya standing at the door. He spoke in a calm and composed tone. “Mommy went to handle

She asked with concern, “Have you been alone

showed no expression as he responded, “I convinced Mommy to leave.

climbed onto a small stool, and with nimble movements,

me accompany you during your infusion. I’m your sweetheart, and I want to

brows furrowed slightly, and as he was about to say something, he noticed a movement

outside the room. From the glimpse

colder as he sensed

the man seemed to always be

“I don’t

I want to

him using her innocent and pitiful expression, “I did something naughty today, and if Daddy finds out, he will definitely punish me. This is the safest place for me right now! You’ll protect me, won’t you? I know you don’t want to see me get punished by Daddy. Benny,

latched onto him, it was impossible to shake her

was momentarily at a loss for words, finding himself unable

but please don’t disturb me, and definitely

slight hint of guilt flickered

Benedict was expressionless.

cold little face lacked the innocence one would expect from a five-year-old child. Instead, it exuded a

an undertone as he replied, “The irrelevant

ajar, allowing Charles to overhear the conversation between the siblings inside the

the doorknob tightly, sighing

of guilt overwhelmed Charles’ heart. Feeling helpless, Charles turned around silently, planning to leave

green military uniform,

“Mr. Jenson, have you just completed your official duties with the Federal Bureau of