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.

is it,

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

many texts to scold you! Don’t back

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

want to hear her apology before deciding whether or not she should be forgiven. Plus, we’d get a free

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

and Mommy don’t give me much pocket money. But Uncle Treyton said that I’m the prospective heir of

he still could not help

word ‘death.’ I’m still very young and want to spend a few more decades with you. I don’t wish to be

“Got it!”

Zendaya’s wishes and

his side, saying excitedly, “Uncle Charles, remember to tell Ms. Cloud that I’ll be choosing the place to eat, but she’ll be paying for

right. I’ll do as you

private room in the restaurant that Zendaya

waiting when Charles came in with Zendaya in

I recall you also arriving a few minutes early yesterday and sitting in the private room waiting for me. You didn’t even get up when I went in, so I find it strange that you’re willing to stand at the entrance and

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

merely looked at the

her, and aside

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

instructions, she steeled herself and

the guidance of the restaurant manager, the trio proceeded to the

their signature dish, and it’s prepared better than other famous restaurants in Salinsburgh. Try it and see if you

dipped it in the

disdain. “I don’t want to eat food served by you, Ms. Cloud.” She pushed

the way Jessamyn had addressed

called Zendy by name before Jessamyn during lunch