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,

from her, so he answered truthfully, “It’s Jessamyn, the daughter of the Cloud family whom you met yesterday at the

her? I can’t believe she sent so many texts to scold you!

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 join her for

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. Plus, we’d get a

sincerely, “Such a sensible girl you

me much pocket money. But Uncle Treyton said that

he still could not help

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 replied to Jessamyn’s text, agreeing to meet at

Cloud that I’ll be choosing the place to eat, but she’ll be paying for it. I’ll choose the most expensive restaurant in Salinsburgh

right. I’ll do as you

Jessamyn booked a private

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

Cloud, 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 wait

herself and smiled apologetically. “I was too immature

made no response. He merely looked at

woman facing her, and aside from

day, forbidding her from calling Charles “Daddy” outside, so she merely came to listen to them talk and

was slightly stiff, but at the thought of her father’s instructions, she steeled herself and said to Zendaya, “It’s noon. You must be hungry, Darling. This

manager,

is their signature dish, and it’s prepared better than other famous restaurants in

peeled the crab meat and dipped it in the sauce before placing it on Zendaya’s

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

attention, however, was on the way Jessamyn

by name before Jessamyn