The Ex and Her Riches

Charles still remembered Whitney smiling and offering him her best wishes before he left that day, saying sincerely, “I hope that your blind date goes well, Mr. Newton.”

He stared at his phone screen, seemingly lost in thought. Now that I think about it, I bet Whitney’s sudden resignation has something to do with going home for a blind date.

Nevertheless, he swiftly cast his thoughts aside as his slender fingers typed out a reply to the oceanarium director: No need for that. When she clears her paycheck, give her the proper compensation per the standard resignation procedure.

The oceanarium director texted back: Mr. Newton, monetary compensation shouldn’t be offered in circumstances like hers where she submitted the resignation letter on her own and with the resignation statement being personal reasons.

Charles: As I said, settle it as per usual.

Those few simple words were enough for him to convey his displeasure and authoritative demeanor to the oceanarium director, resulting in the latter’s prompt reply: Very well.

After closing the chat window, Charles was about to put down his phone when a new text message popped up from an unknown number: Mr. Newton, this is Jessamyn Cloud. Are you free today at noon? I’d like to treat you to lunch. Because of my mood yesterday, I may have spoken somewhat harshly and come off as unfriendly toward you. I wish to apologize to you in person. Is that okay?

He frowned almost immediately when he saw the words “Jessamyn Cloud,” and the disgust in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Out of politeness, though, he had no choice but to reply: I’m busy.

Jessamyn responded with a sobbing emoji and the words: You’re a gentleman, Mr. Newton. Please don’t turn me down. We’ll just be having a meal. My dad gave me a stern scolding after I returned home yesterday. I sincerely apologize to you for my previous misconduct, Mr. Newton. Can you give me a chance to explain in person? The Cloud family is strict. My dad will kill me if I don’t see you.

She ended the message with another crying emoji.

Charles frowned as he read the woman’s texts, a little irritated by the continuous pinging of the text message notification.

His display of gentlemanly demeanor was contingent upon the person he was conversing with. In the past, he reserved such behavior solely for Gwendolyn. However, in the presence of anyone else, his civility was largely absent, let alone any traces of gentlemanliness.

Just as he was about to block her contact, a child’s head suddenly entered his line of sight, obscuring his vision of his phone screen.

Zendaya had heard his phone pinging nonstop and had run over to investigate.

it, Uncle

hid anything from her, so he answered truthfully, “It’s Jessamyn, the daughter of the

believe she sent so many texts to scold you! Don’t back down, Uncle Charles. Reply to her now.

to treat me to lunch as a token of apology. She even said that if I turned her down, her

as she replied, “Of course, we should. She humiliated you yesterday and even scolded me. I want to hear her apology before deciding whether or not she should be forgiven.

girl you are, Zendy. You’re even helping me

girl flashed him a blinding smile. “That’s because I’m only five years old, so Daddy and Mommy don’t give me much pocket money. But Uncle Treyton said that I’m the prospective heir of Harris Group, so I’ll be very rich in the future. When the time comes,

very touched, he still could not

age, but remove the word ‘death.’ I’m still very young and want to spend a few more decades with you. I don’t

“Got it!”

praised gently. He then honored Zendaya’s wishes and replied to Jessamyn’s

that I’ll be choosing the

I’ll do as you

hours later, Jessamyn booked a private room in the restaurant

restaurant waiting when Charles came in with Zendaya in his arms. Upon seeing them, she greeted them with a

I went in, so I find it strange that you’re willing to stand at the entrance and wait for me today,” Charles remarked in a flat tone

was too immature

made no response. He merely looked

her, and aside from

an ultimatum the previous day, forbidding her from calling Charles “Daddy” outside, so she

of her father’s instructions, she steeled herself and

manager, the trio

“This king crab is their signature dish, and it’s prepared better than other famous restaurants in Salinsburgh. Try

the crab meat and dipped it in the

to eat food served by you, Ms. Cloud.” She pushed her plate back, gesturing for Jessamyn to enjoy it

was on the

by name