The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Chapter 548 The Basement Plan Failed

Gwendolyn brushed off her concerns about Annie and refocused on her work.

Time seemed to pass faster when she was engrossed in her tasks.

Just as she was about to sign the final document, her phone alarm sounded.

It was the alarm she had set half an hour earlier, a reminder of her plans with Cedrick.

They were scheduled to have dinner with Valentino at his villa; it was also an opportunity to check if Benedict and

Zendaya were well cared for.

If things didn’t go according to plan, Gwendolyn held onto the hope that Cedrick’s strategy would succeed, allowing

her to bring the children back home at the earliest opportunity. The presence of her little ones would bring a much–

needed sense of security and comfort to their lives..

As she pondered these thoughts, Gwendolyn tidied her desk and prepared to leave for the day.

As soon as she stepped out of her office, her phone buzzed with a call from Cedrick.

“Darling, I’m already in the parking lot.

“That’s fast.”

Cedrick chuckled softly. “When it comes to picking up my wife, I’m always prompt.”

His response warmed Gwendolyn’s heart as she quickly made her way downstairs.

In the underground parking lot, Cedrick leaned casually against the car, his face as strikingly handsome as ever.

Upon seeing Gwendolyn, he opened the car door and, as usual, covered the roof with his hand to ensure she didn’t

bump her head while getting in. He then leaned down and helped her fasten the seatbelt.

Taking advantage of the proximity, Gwendolyn playfully pecked his cheek.

“My love, you’ve pampered me to the point of helplessness. If I were ever to leave you, I don’t think I could even

take care of myself.”

Cedrick cupped her cheek with one hand and kissed her lips, savoring her sweetness.

“We shall never part. My love for you is irreplaceable, and no one can take you away from me.”

Gwendolyn couldn’t help but feel a little dissatisfied. “And what about Zendy? They say daughters are their father’s

little sweethearts from a past life. Are you not going to spoil her too?”

Unfazed by her response, Cedrick locked his gaze with Gwendolyn’s, his dark eyes filled with an eternal, romantic

sweetness.

“Zendy has a big brother, Benny. He will be responsible for doting and taking care of her.”

Gwendolyn nodded contentedly as the arrangement seemed reasonable.

After indulging in their tender moments, Cedrick returned to the driver’s seat, fastened his seatbelt, and drove off.

They soon arrived at the Jenson residence’s garage, and as Gwendolyn was about to get out of the car, Cedrick had

already moved to the passenger side, opening the door for her. His arm slipped behind her. knees, and he carried

her out of the car.

Amidst the soft glow of the evening’s rosy hues, Cedrick strolled through the winding alleyways with Gwendolyn in

his arms

She whispered in the man’s ear, “We are having dinner with Grandpa. Isn’t this a little too intimate?”

“Don’t worry, Gwenny. Grandpa won’t mind such a display of affection. Nobody can stop me from doting. on my

wife.”

Since he insisted on carrying her, Gwendolyn had no choice but to go along with it..

A few minutes later, they entered the courtyard.

Valentino had been eagerly waiting at the front gate upon hearing they were coming for dinner.

When Logan saw the couple approaching, he wheeled Valentino toward them.

“My precious grandson and granddaughter–in–law have arrived. How wonderful.”

They were delighted to see Cedrick carrying Gwendolyn like a cherished princess. It was a heartwarming and

affectionate scene.

“Cedrick has finally learned how to care for others. My precious granddaughter–in–law deserves all the love and

care.”

Valentino’s and Logan’s laughter filled the air, their hearts brimming with uncontainable happiness.

Cedrick echoed with enthusiasm, “Grandpa is right. Being able to marry Gwendolyn is the greatest blessing of my

life. I must cherish and adore her for the rest of my life.”

Heartened by his words, Valentino’s and Logan’s smiles widened, their faces radiant with pure bliss.

“Let’s head inside for dinner,” Valentino urged with excitement. “The kitchen has prepared all of Gwendolyn’s

favorite dishes. My dear Gwendolyn, make sure to eat plenty, and let’s hope I can see you pregnant for a second

and third time.”

Logan added playfully, “It’s our duty to help improve the country’s birth rates.”

Gwendolyn couldn’t help but feel a mix of shyness and delight in response to their comments. “Grandpa, please

stop teasing me. It’s not within my control to decide such matters. We’ll have to see if Cedrick can rise to the

occasion.”

Cedrick’s lips twitched as he remained unfazed by the banter.

After all, Gwendolyn knew better than anyone whether he could fulfill that role.

However, her manic disorder had not yet been cured, and she was worried about passing the illness to their

children. The thought of them enduring the pain weighed heavily on her mind.

Hence, Cedrick did not plan on having another child for the next six months.

In an attempt to change the topic, he said, “All right, Grandpa, I’m famished. Let’s head inside and enjoy our meal.”

Everyone headed to the dining room and savored their dinner.

After dinner, Gwendolyn went to visit her children.

Under the attentive care of Valentino and Zoey for the past two days, Benedict and Zendaya seemed to have

grown well. Gwendolyn couldn’t help but marvel at how they had grown plumper, further enhancing their adorable

and endearing appearance.

She and Cedrick cherished every fleeting second spent with the babies, basking in the pure joy that radiated from

their presence,

The evening sky grew darker, and it was close to half–past nine. Gwendolyn became aware that her sickness would

soon act up.

After exchanging goodbyes with Valentino, Cedrick and Gwendolyn made their way back to Harrick Villa.

Once they arrived, Gwendolyn headed straight to the basement.

Cedrick clutched her hand tightly as the heavy basement door creaked open. A mixture of apprehension and worry

flickered in his eyes as he was reluctant to confine her.

Gwendolyn tiptoed and brushed her lips against his. “Don’t worry,” she whispered, her voice filled with conviction.

“Even if it remains quiet for the first half of the night, please don’t open the door. Let’s wait until tomorrow morning

to see how it goes. If, unfortunately, I experience another episode, we’ll proceed with our plan.”

Cedrick nodded, his resolve unwavering. “Gwenny, I will stay in the basement and accompany you through the

night. Just call out to me whenever you need help, and I’ll be there without hesitation. I will forever be where you

need me the most.”

With a faint smile playing on her lips, Gwendolyn traced the contours of Cedrick’s face. Reluctantly, she bid him

farewell and went into the basement.

The heavy door of the transformed basement closed with a resounding thud, emphasizing the weight of their

separation.

While the door physically separated them, it couldn’t distance their deep love for each other.

Cedrick locked the door and stood silently by its side instead of sitting down.

His heart ached at the thought of Gwendolyn sleeping in the dark and confined space.

It was as though he was the one being punished as he remained standing and listened for any sound from behind

the door.

He maintained his position for over two hours.

As the clock neared midnight, the once–tranquil basement was shattered by the sudden intrusion of unsettling

noises. The echoes of clattering and banging reverberated through the air, intertwining with. Gwendolyn’s furious

outbursts.

She has indeed relapsed.

Cedrick’s fists clenched tightly as he stood silently by the door, silently praying that the items prepared inside would

provide Gwendolyn with an outlet for her anger and help her to sleep as soon as possible.

He repeatedly checked his watch to calculate the passing time.

In the past, when he allowed Gwendolyn to release her frustrations by striking him with a belt, it would take at least

an hour or more for her to find some relief

He wondered how long Gwendolyn’s outburst would last with the items provided in the basement.

The echoes of clattering and banging continued to reverberate through the air.

Two hours had passed, and Gwendolyn’s mania showed no signs of abating.

Has the plan failed? Is she unable to release her pent–up emotions?

A sense of disappointment washed over Cedrick as he contemplated the situation. Suddenly, from within the

basement, a sharp cry of pain pierced the air, catching him off guard.

Did Gwenny accidentally hurt herself?

His heart skipped a beat, and without hesitation, he swiftly unlocked the basement door. Cedrick was resolved to

assess Gwendolyn’s condition.