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

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

to scold you! Don’t back down, Uncle Charles. Reply to her now. I’ll help

stroking her flushed pink cheeks, Charles couldn’t contain his laughter. “No, she’s not scolding me. She’s actually offering to treat me to lunch as a token of apology. She even said that if I turned her down, her dad would kill her. What do you think, Zendy? Should 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. Plus, we’d get a free meal, so why shouldn’t

a chuckle before praising sincerely, “Such a sensible girl you are, Zendy. You’re

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

being very touched, he still could

age, but remove the word ‘death.’ I’m still very young and want to spend a few more

“Got it!”

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

excitedly, “Uncle Charles, remember to tell Ms. Cloud that I’ll be choosing the place to eat, but she’ll be paying for it. I’ll choose the most expensive

I’ll do as you say,

booked a private room

in with Zendaya in his arms. Upon seeing

didn’t even get up when I went in,

she quickly composed herself and smiled apologetically. “I was too

He merely looked at the little girl in

at the woman facing her, and aside from snorting

her from calling Charles “Daddy” outside, so she merely came to listen

the smile on her face was slightly stiff, but at the thought of her father’s instructions, she steeled herself and said to

restaurant manager, the

“This king crab is their signature dish, and

it in the sauce before placing it on Zendaya’s

little girl pouted in disdain. “I don’t want to eat food served by you, Ms. Cloud.” She pushed her plate back, gesturing

on the way

by name before Jessamyn during lunch