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

her big doe eyes blinking as mischievous

in the laboratory for infusions. I’ll take you there, Uncle Charles.

hour later, Zendaya quietly opened the door to the laboratory that doubled as a

leaned against the headboard as he received an IV drip. He gazed out the window, watching the leaves rustling

alone

head into the room and let out a curious

his thoughts and turned his attention to Zendaya standing at the door. He

She asked with concern, “Have you been alone

as he responded, “I convinced Mommy to leave.

shoes, climbed onto a small stool, and with nimble movements, made her way onto the hospital

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

say something, he noticed a movement out

the glimpse of a dark suit cuff, he could

eyes growing colder as he sensed the presence of

Zendaya was, the man seemed to always be lurking

away, “I don’t need your protection, get

want

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

onto him,

was momentarily at a loss for words, finding himself unable to resist

“You can stay, but please don’t disturb me,

as a slight hint of guilt flickered in her eyes. “Benny, who do you consider as

Benedict was expressionless.

a

replied, “The

to overhear the conversation between the siblings inside the room. He

doorknob

Feeling helpless, Charles turned around silently, planning to leave without

sight of Cedrick in a dark green military uniform, exuding an air of dignity and authority as he walked down the corridor

break the silence. “Mr. Jenson,