The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Whitney quickly shook her head and denied, “N-No, it’s not.”

Zendaya playfully covered her mouth, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Why are you blushing, Whitney? Are you

feeling shy?” she teased.

Caught off guard by the little girl’s straightforward comment, Whitney felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

She lowered her head and remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

Even to the most casual observer, it became apparent that Whitney harbored feelings for Charles. In fact, Charles

himself was beginning to recognize the possibility, a realization slowly dawning upon him.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned to Zendaya, who was sitting beside him. “Zendy, do you like Whitney?”

The girl nodded her head enthusiastically and replied, “Yes! Whitney is so kind to me. If she becomes my

godmother, I would be incredibly happy!”

“G-Godmother?” Whitney was taken aback by the girl’s words, her cheeks turning even redder. Nervously, she

twirled a strand of her golden hair around her finger,

Charles lifted his gaze to observe Whitney more attentively.

Although he had encountered her regularly at the oceanarium, he hadn’t paid close attention to her appearance.

Now, he realized that while she may not possess conventional beauty, there was an enchanting allure about her

that captivated him.

Whitney possessed exquisitely defined features, highlighted by her golden hair and captivating blue eyes, which

exuded an alluring and exotic charm. Her fair complexion complemented her graceful figure, lending an air of

elegance to even her black waitress apron.

Whitney’s blushing cheeks, accompanied by the occasional playful tucking of a strand of hair behind her ear,

imbued her already captivating presence with a subtle touch of sensuality.

Charles’ eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting from Whitney to Zendaya. As his mind raced with thoughts, a plan began

to take shape within him.

“Ms. Mellor, while I’m uncertain if I am the man you have been searching for all these years, I do recall

encountering you in Tayhaven. Am I correct in remembering that?” Charles inquired.

The woman kept silent, prompting him to continue saying, “I’ve recently been attending blind dates, as you may be

aware.”

She lowered her head further and replied, “Yes, I’m aware.”

“I wonder if you’re interested in me, Ms. Mellor?”

Puzzled, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“We have known each other for quite some time, and there seems to be a certain level of connection between us.

If you are interested in exploring that further, we could skip the entire blind date process and go on a date

tomorrow.”

“Huh?” Whitney responded in astonishment, her voice reflecting her complete surprise at the unexpected

proposition.

He’s suggesting that we bypass the blind date and jump straight into a romantic relationship? Is Charles implying

that he wants us to be together? I was feeling disheartened and had already resigned myself to returning to my

hometown and enduring the mockery from my relatives. I never anticipated him taking the initiative and inviting me

on a date!

Her mind reeled with confusion, trying to process this sudden turn of events.

At that moment, Zendaya stepped forward, displaying her wholehearted support. “Whitney, you should say yes!

Going on a date with my Uncle Charles would be incredible. He’s considerate and a wonderful person. If you let this

opportunity slip away, you might regret it!”

As she spoke, Zendaya’s excitement was palpable, her hands and feet waving in the air with fervor.

If you miss this opportunity, you’ll regret it!

Her words struck a chord deep with Whitney.

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

Hidden behind Charles’ deep blue eyes, a myriad of thoughts swirled. Nevertheless, a warm smile graced his lips,

radiating a sense of warmth and intrigue.

During their time in the private room with Jessamyn earlier, both Charles and Zendaya had refrained from eating

any food.

As such, Zendaya’s hunger began to surface. Recognizing this, Charles made the decision to order some food and

extended an invitation to Whitney to stay and dine with them. This impromptu meal marked the beginning of what

could be considered their first date.

The trio enjoyed a harmonious meal together.

Unaware of unintentionally becoming a third wheel, Zendaya displayed her carefree nature and playfully requested

Charles to feed her, bringing an element of light-heartedness and playfulness to their meal.

Following the conclusion of the meal, Whitney’s day as a waitress was far from over. She joined Zendaya and

Charles as they made their way to the restaurant entrance.

Before parting ways, Charles spoke with sincerity. “Both Zendy and I have grown accustomed to your leadership at

the oceanarium. If working as a waitress at the restaurant doesn’t suit you, please remember that you are always

welcome to return. The oceanarium will be waiting for you with open arms.”

“Thank you, Mr. Newton.”

“Why are you still calling me Mr. Newton?” Charles pursed his lips.

Realizing her oversight, Whitney hesitated for a moment before asking, “Then… how about Mr. Charles?”

Zendaya’s mischievous smile brightened her face as she interjected, “Uncle Charles meant that you could use a

more intimate term, like Charles or Honey.”

Whitney’s ears turned crimson, and her breath grew slightly unsteady. She forced herself to maintain composure

and whispered softly, “Okay… Charles.”

Charles nodded, his expression composed and content, seemingly pleased with Whitney’s choice of address.

“Since tomorrow is Monday, I’ll drop Zendy off at kindergarten first. Could you please share your contact

information with me? I’ll pick you up around nine o’clock,” he said,

“Pick me up?” Whitney said in surprise.

In a patient and clear tone, Charles reiterated, “Just as we discussed earlier, we are now officially dating. We can go

shopping, watch a movie, indulge in delicious cuisine, and enjoy the scenic night view together.”

Essentially, Charles planned to spend the entire day with her tomorrow.

Whitney’s trembling palms revealed her indescribable joy. It felt like a dream; an incredibly surreal and enchanting

dream.

“Got it. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Charles.”

With a gentle smile on his face, the man proceeded toward the luxury car, Zendaya cradled securely in his arms.

As the car door closed, his polite smile gradually faded, giving way to his customary cool and aloof countenance.

The driver accelerated swiftly, propelling the luxury car away from the restaurant entrance.

Zendaya leaned against the window, ensuring she could wave goodbye to Whitney.

Only when Whitney disappeared from her view did she settle back into her seat, and Charles promptly proceeded

to fasten Zendaya’s seatbelt.

When interacting with Zendaya, Charles’ eyes radiated tenderness and indulgence. He made a concerted effort to

hide any hints of his darker and more sinister nature, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for the little girl.

Zendaya tilted her head and asked curiously, “Uncle Charles, do you really have feelings for Whitney?”

Charles playfully pinched her cheek and said, “I like her as long as you like her.”

Satisfied with his response, she grinned mischievously and said, “So you still like me the most!”

The man affectionately ruffled Zendaya’s head before taking out his phone and glancing at the contact number

Whitney had provided him earlier. As he looked at the digits on the screen, a plan began to take shape in his mind.

Whitney stood at the restaurant entrance, her gaze fixed on the receding luxury car until it vanished from sight.

A wide smile adorned her face, mirroring the bubbling excitement and profound joy she felt within.

Charles wants to be my boyfriend. He wants to go on a date with me!

She pinched her own arm firmly, feeling the sting of pain, and couldn’t help but exclaim gleefully, “Ouch, it hurts! I

can’t believe this isn’t a dream.”

When Charles first arrived in Tayhaven as a teacher, she had taken notice of the handsome and refined man who

exuded an air of aristocracy.

His demeanor was unlike any other teacher.

At the time, she was just an inconspicuous student in his classroom, sitting in the farthest corner.

Although they didn’t exchange many words back then, she was captivated by his appearance.

Consequently, she followed him to Chanaea. Charles began teaching in Tayhaven under an alias. It required

considerable effort on her part to track him down, but her determination led her to succeed in finding him.

She had tirelessly searched for him, leaving no stone unturned, until news of his appointment as the new CEO of

Newton Group emerged in the media.

For the past four years, she had patiently remained in Chanaea, waiting for him.

At this moment, however, Whitney felt that every second of those four years had been worthwhile.

Lost in her thoughts at the entrance, Whitney remained unaware of Jessamyn’s presence as she stood nearby,

positioned discreetly behind a marble pillar.

The latter had overheard Charles and Whitney’s laughter-filled conversation and their plans for the upcoming date.

Feelings of dissatisfaction and a burning desire to overcome her rival surged within Jessamyn.

She never expected Charles to dismiss her, the daughter of the Cloud family, and opt to go on a date with a girl

who seemingly emerged out of nowhere.

In what way is that waitress better than me?

The sudden turn of events stirred a mix of surprise and resentment within Jessamyn as she made her way

decisively toward Whitney.