The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

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.

“Who is it, Uncle Charles?”

Charles never hid anything from her, so he answered truthfully, “It’s Jessamyn, the daughter of the Cloud family

whom you met yesterday at the restaurant. She’s the one who sent the texts.”

Zendaya pouted in displeasure. “What’s wrong with her? I can’t believe she sent so many texts to scold you! Don’t

back down, Uncle Charles. Reply to her now. I’ll help you come up with a reply!”

Gently stroking her flushed pink cheeks, Charles couldn’t contain 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 think, Zendy? Should we join her for lunch at noon?”

“Apologize?” Zendaya’s response was sharp-witted as ever as she 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 free meal, so why shouldn’t we go?”

Charles let out a chuckle before praising sincerely, “Such a sensible girl you are, Zendy. You’re even helping me

save money on food.”

The little girl flashed him a blinding smile. “That’s because I’m only five years old, so Daddy and Mommy don’t give

me much pocket money. But Uncle Treyton said that I’m the prospective heir of Harris Group, so I’ll be very rich in

the future. When the time comes, I can provide for you until your death, Uncle Charles.”

Despite being very touched, he still could not help correcting her words.

“You can provide for me in my old age, but remove the word ‘death.’ I’m still very young and want to spend a few

more decades with you. I don’t wish to be sent off in a coffin so soon.”

“Got it!”

“Good girl,” Charles praised gently. He then honored Zendaya’s wishes and replied to Jessamyn’s text, agreeing to

meet at noon.

While he was typing, the little girl stood by 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 it. I’ll choose the most expensive restaurant in

Salinsburgh and make her poor!”

“All right. I’ll do as you say, Zendy.”

Two hours later, Jessamyn booked a private room in the restaurant that Zendaya requested.

She was standing outside the restaurant waiting when Charles came in with Zendaya in his arms. Upon seeing

them, she greeted them with a pleasant and humble smile.

“Ms. 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 for

me today,” Charles remarked in a flat tone heavily tinted with frost.

Jessamyn’s expression stiffened slightly, but she quickly composed herself and smiled apologetically. “I was too

immature yesterday. I hope you won’t hold it against me, Mr. Newton.”

Charles made no response. He merely looked at the little girl in his arms.

Zendaya stared at the woman facing her, and aside from snorting in disdain, said nothing either.

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

so she merely came to listen to them talk and look adorable.

Jessamyn felt a little embarrassed, and the smile on her face 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 way, Mr.

Newton. Let’s talk inside.”

Under the guidance of the restaurant manager, the trio proceeded to the private room.

As soon as she sat down, Jessamyn courteously placed some food on Zendaya’s plate. “This king crab is their

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

Ms. Zendy.”

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

However, the little girl pouted in disdain. “I don’t want to eat food served by you, Ms. Cloud.” She pushed her plate

back, gesturing for Jessamyn to enjoy it herself.

Charles’ attention, however, was on the way Jessamyn had addressed Zendaya.

I hadn’t called Zendy by name before Jessamyn during lunch yesterday.

“It looks like you already know Zendy’s identity. That’s why you asked me to lunch to apologize and admit your

mistake,” he remarked.

Jessamyn made no effort to hide it. “That’s right. I heard Ms. Zendy calling you ‘Daddy’ yesterday and said those

unpleasant words in the heat of the moment. I hope you and Ms. Zendy won’t hold a grudge against me, Mr.

Newton.”

Zendaya sat on Charles’ lap, saying arrogantly, “You called me an illegitimate daughter yesterday and scolded me

for my bad upbringing. Don’t think that I’ll forgive you after just one meal!”

Jessamyn’s lips curled up in an awkward smile. She took the initiative to fill Charles’ glass with red wine before

raising her glass at him.

“If one meal is not enough to make amends, then make it two, three, or however many you want. After going back

and thinking about it, I discovered that I really like your personality, Mr. Newton, and I wish to get to know you

better. A toast to you.”

The mellow red wine went down her throat, rich in flavor.

However, Charles made no move to raise his glass, merely playing with the little girl in his arms.

I would’ve dealt with the Cloud family if I hadn’t been worried about lashing out in front of Zendy yesterday. I won’t

accept her toast, and there’s no need to continue this unsuccessful blind date.

Jessamyn continued holding the empty glass after downing the red wine. Since Charles did not intend to accept her

toast, she would keep it raised.

The atmosphere in the private room became slightly awkward. Charles and Zendaya chatted happily, making

Jessamyn seem like the third wheel.

This tense atmosphere continued for more than two minutes. It was only when she noticed the waitress entering

with some fruit that Jessamyn’s expression softened.

“The fruit platter you ordered, Ms. Cloud.”

Jessamyn set her wine glass down and motioned with her gaze. “I ordered it for the little girl. Put it in front of her.”

The waitress walked over with the fruit platter but froze upon seeing Charles with Zendaya on his lap. Her wrist

trembled, and the fruit platter tilted to the side.

Crash!

The glass plate hit the edge of the table, and the whole fruit platter flew out of the woman’s hands, leaving a mess

on the carpet.

Jessamyn stood up and exclaimed angrily, “How can you be so careless! What if you hurt Ms. Zendy? Call your

manager over immediately!”

The woman bowed and uttered politely, “I’m sorry.”

Zendaya looked up from Charles’ arms, and when she saw the woman’s familiar face, she exclaimed in surprise,

“Look, Uncle Charles. It’s Whitney who came in with the plate!”

Charles followed her gaze and raised his head, staring at the woman inquisitively. “What are you doing here?”