The Ex and Her Riches

Charles’ hand froze mid-air as he lifted the bowl of soup. He did not reply.

Whitney stole glances at his expression.

Recalling that one of the clauses in the marriage contract was to keep their union a secret from the public, she thoughtfully said, “It’s fine. I don’t care that much about weddings. As long as both of us genuinely love each other, all that matters is that we can spend the rest of our lives together. We can skip the traditional customs and focus on building a life together. Furthermore, Charles is busy with work. He doesn’t have time to plan the wedding.”

Lucas sighed, “You’re such a nice and pragmatic person—down-to-earth and frugal. You’re not like those pampered rich girls out there who are so spoiled.”

Jasmine grew upset when she heard that. “What are you talking about, Lucas? Who are you calling spoiled?”

She was one of the rich girls Lucas was criticizing, and she was sitting right there. This is so insulting!

Lucas chuckled awkwardly. “Haha! I wasn’t talking about you. Don’t take it personally.”

Charles, who had been sitting at the end of the table quietly, chimed in, “Well, he’s not entirely wrong. Jasmine has always been pampered in our family. She’s our adorable little princess.”

The praise made Jasmine feel delighted, as if she had overtaken Jennifer’s place in Charles’ heart.

“You’re the best, Charles!” she said playfully, winking at him and forming a heart with her fingers.

Charles merely smiled and kept on eating.

Lucas glanced at his younger siblings before turning his attention back to Whitney, continuing the previous topic, “Whitney, we understand that you’re considerate of Charles, but I believe that skipping the wedding would be unfair to you.”

He became enthusiastic as an idea popped into his head. “Why don’t we announce the news of your marriage on Newton Group’s official website? We can plan a proper wedding later when Charles has some free time.”

The expression on Whitney’s face froze.

Is the dinner discussion only going to revolve around my wedding?

“What do you think, Charles?” Lucas looked at Charles, who was eating with his head lowered.

betrayed no emotions. “I’m fine with everything. I’ll let my

more like it!” Lucas laughed before asking Whitney, “Look, Whitney!

“I…”

tightened her grip on the

that the decision should

decision Charles had just thrown her way, Whitney was at a loss

a glance,

outsider who had nothing to do with this issue. He seemed content to let Whitney

bit her lower

the troubled look on Whitney’s face, Jasmine quickly realized the situation and spoke up on her behalf. “Lucas, give her a break! You’re making her shy. It’s our first formal introduction, and you’re bombarding her with so many

I’m doing this for

even know she’s married. Since she’s not keen on making the marriage public or having a wedding, there must be reasons behind her decision. This matter is between Charles and her, so stop meddling in it!” Jasmine retorted firmly, defending Whitney’s right to

Words eluded Lucas.

haven’t had a wedding, and their child is already five years old! They probably aren’t planning to hold one. I wonder if Gwendolyn will

excited as she spoke, but

his fork on the table forcefully

full. Enjoy your

and disappeared from

years have passed and he’s even married now,

amiss in

he so sensitive about what you said?” Whitney inquired, curious about the dynamics between

sitting next to me. It’s all

Childhood friends?

fell into

a glance,

is the reason behind Charles’ ever-changing moods,

of the tongue. She continued, “Try this, Whitney. I think you’ll love it. Don’t dwell on Charles and his childhood friend. It’s

“Ahem!”