The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Cedrick was so stunned that he was at a loss for words.

He had previously been set up a few times by his daughter’s complaints, and now, it was his son’s turn to do the

same.

What should I do? Should I put him on my lap and give him a good spanking? No, Benny has a weak constitution.

He’s mostly caring and rarely causes trouble.

Unable to bring himself to do that, Cedrick had no choice but to accept his bitter fate.

At his father’s silence, Benedict put his phone on speaker and asked Gwendolyn, “Mommy, Daddy just said that you

like to cry and play the victim before him. Did you hear that? Is it true?”

A brief silence ensued over the line before Gwendolyn’s melodious voice rang out.

“I didn’t hear you the first time. Benny, can you ask Daddy again? I’ll make sure to listen carefully this time.”

Despite her calm tone, Cedrick was sensitive enough to pick up the faint displeasure in her voice.

Knowing that Gwendolyn was giving him a chance to redeem himself, he took it at once. “Actually, I wasn’t done

talking. I might have absolute authority at home, but when it comes to you and Zendy, I have someone else to

report to. She’s none other than your mommy, who’s also my wife. I manage you and Zendy, while she manages

me.”

Raising his voice, Cedrick continued in a serious tone, “Also, your mommy doesn’t know how to play the victim.

Instead, it was I who pretended to be pitiful to catch her attention when I was courting her. I won’t ever make your

mommy cry because it’s always my fault whenever she sheds a tear.”

Despite looking clueless, Benedict listened intently. “Wow, you’re amazing, Mommy. Daddy’s is responsible for

educating us, while you’re in charge of educating him.”

While Cedrick was rendered speechless, Gwendolyn’s chuckle could be heard over the line. “That’s one way to

describe it, Benny. Daddy has also done a good job clarifying it. Once I get off work, I’ll give your daddy a wonderful

reward.”

A reward?

Cedrick’s brows furrowed in response. Am I to kneel on Lego pieces for fifteen minutes or be beaten with a wooden

ruler this time?

Just thinking about it caused Cedrick to feel pain in both his knees and palms.

With no time to ponder upon it, he asked Gwendolyn with a gentle tone, “Darling, what time are you getting off

work today? How about I pick you up from the office?”

“It’s all right. If you’re not busy with work, you should spend more time with Benny. I’ve just gotten off the phone

with Charles, and he told me that he had taken Zendy to the playground. I’ll pick her up later before coming over to

get you and Benny from the lab.”

“All right. You’re the boss,” Cedrick agreed obediently, seemingly feeling self-conscious about his wrongdoing.

The moment the call ended, Benedict gave Cedrick a look of surprise.

“Daddy, did Mommy just say that… she’ll be picking me up? Did I hear Mommy right? Does that mean I can go

home now?”

Cedrick nodded before giving Benedict a peck on his forehead. “That’s right. I’ve spoken to your Uncle Joshua, and

he says that your body has grown completely accustomed to the drug. There’s no need to keep you in the lab for

monitoring. From now on, you can go home every day and I’ll just bring you here for the drug transfusion.”

Benedict had been staying in the lab. It was difficult for Cedrick and Gwendolyn to take good care of their son, and

the neglect had inadvertently caused some psychological problems in Benedict.

Now that they could take him home with them, they wanted to gradually fix those issues.

All this while, the Jensons had historically been groomed in the army to become elites. All of them, with Yael’s family

the exception, were filled with a sense of justice.

Cedrick didn’t want his son to harbor inner demons that would one day drive him down the path of darkness.

Meanwhile, Benedict’s eyes glistened at the knowledge that he would be going home.

As a five-year-old child, he naturally wore his heart on his sleeve.

“Can I have dinner at the dining table together with you, Mommy, and Zendy this evening?”

Cedrick gave Benedict’s hair a tousle. “Not just tonight. You’ll be eating with us every day now.”

“In that case… can I sleep with Mommy tonight? I want to hug Mommy.”

The request caused Cedrick’s expression to freeze. Nonetheless, he didn’t even consider it for a second. “No, you

said a while ago that you’re a big boy now. You should be sleeping by yourself instead of clinging onto Mommy.”

We aren’t even home and he’s already plotting how to steal Gwendolyn from me? This is unacceptable.

Benedict lowered his head in disappointment. “I know. Mommy belongs to you. If I were to sleep with Mommy, you

would definitely be upset.”

“That’s right,” Cedrick responded with a resolute nod. “Gwendolyn is my wife first and your mommy second. That’s

why you cannot sleep with her.”

“I understand.”

Cedrick patted his son on the cheeks. “That’s a good boy.”

If it were the crafty Zendy, she would definitely kick up a fuss and create a huge drama to get what she wants.

Cedrick felt relieved that Benedict was more obedient and sensible.

However, he was in for a surprise, for he would be proven wrong at night.

Inside Harrick Villa’s master bedroom, Gwendolyn was wearing an orange silk nightgown with a sash tied around

her waist. The outfit accentuated her curves, and together with her long hair loosely strewn over the shoulders,

they made for a seductive sight.

As she sat on the side of the bed, Cedrick stood in front of her, ready to accept punishment from his wife for

twisting facts in the afternoon.

Just like her, he, too, was wearing a black silk robe. He had just emerged from the shower and still had water

dripping off his hair. The wet look made him appear particularly gentle in front of Gwendolyn.

“Darling…”

Gwendolyn crossed her arms and stared at him for quite a while.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

A knock was heard on the door before she could say a word, causing the two of them to exchange glances.

The only person who would dare knock on their door at that hour was their daughter.

Cedrick personally went to get it.

As the corridor was dark, the room light illuminated the small figure at the door.

“Benny? Why are you here?” Cedrick had assumed it to be Zendaya.

Benedict was hugging a sky-blue pillow with one hand and rubbing his eyes with the other. The back of his palm was

covered by bruised needle holes that were a result of the long-term use of IV drips.

Tightening his grip on his pillow, Benedict asked softly, “I’m not used to sleeping on my bed. Can I sleep with Mom

—”

“No,” Cedrick cut him off before kneeling down to Benedict’s eye level. As he massaged his son’s thin shoulders, he

reminded him softly, “Have you forgotten what I said in the day? Even Zendy has learned how to sleep alone. You

should also be good and do the same.”

Pursing his lips, Benedict gave his mother a look from afar before asking Cedrick in a serious tone, “Daddy, why are

you so against me coming over? Are you afraid that I’ll steal Mommy from you?”

While Cedrick was rendered speechless, Benedict stuffed his pillow into his father’s hands and declared matter-of-

factly, “Don’t worry, Daddy. I’m not here to separate you and Mommy. I’m here to join the two of you!”

Taking in his father’s clueless expression, Benedict broke into a devious smile. “I want to sleep in between Mommy

and Daddy!”