The Ex and Her Riches

Looking at Cedrick, who was acting coyly toward Gwendolyn, Treyton felt a sense of despair wash over him and sighed inwardly.
Meanwhile, Nico was unfazed by his boss‘ public display of affection, and a hint of amusement danced in his eyes as he
watched their interactions.
Standing beside Nico, Summer merely pouted her lips in jealously, looking at the clueless man next to her.
Gwendolyn forced a smile and couldn’t help but feel a sense of awkwardness wash over her as she observed the varied
reactions of those around her.
Cedrick seemed genuinely upset as he leaned his head lightly against her shoulder, seemingly seeking for consolation. Thus,
she did not stop him from hugging her and merely stroked the back of his neck out of habit, helping dispel his restlessness.
“Let’s not sit around aimlessly. Since everyone’s here, let’s begin the meeting.” Gwendolyn changed the topic.
At that, Nico assumed a serious demeanor and began, “I’ve specifically looked into Ms. Newton’s condition and even consulted
several psychologists about it. They all shared the same opinion–she’s highly emotional and in an unstable mental condition.
This is likely triggered by a stress response, and it’s unlike that she has experienced anything traumatic as she became like this
in just a few days‘ time.”
Summer expressed her agreement with a nod. “That’s right, hence why we’re both leaning toward the theory that she has been
injected with an unknown drug by Craig.”
As the conversation delved into a crucial topic, an undeniable tension settled in the living room.
Treyton went deep in thought for a long while before finally piping up, “I just remembered something Jennifer had told me about.”
“What is it?” asked Gwendolyn.
“Kiddo, do you remember when Jennifer returned to the Newton residence in search of evidence regarding Charles being an
illegitimate child?”
Gwendolyn nodded in response. “Of course.”
“Jennifer mentioned being attacked on the top floor of the Newton residence, and in retrospect, it bears a striking resemblance to
the incident when she fell ill. It’s worth noting that during that period, her mother, Caylie, was the sole occupant of the top floor.
Jennifer has held suspicions that Caylie may have played a role in the incident.”

The mention of that particular incident jogged Gwendolyn’s memories, causing a surge of recollection to flood her mind.
“Speaking of this, I remember something as well. Craig took Jennifer with him to the last business banquet. During the meal,
Jennifer noticed red markings on Mrs. Newton’s wrist and asked me about her condition afterward. Treyton, I even mentioned
this to you when I returned.”
Treyton nodded, his mind flooded with vivid memories of the incident being discussed.
The tension in the living room intensified, reaching a palpable peak with every revelation.
Cedrick broke free of Gwendolyn’s embrace. A frown marred his face as he questioned, “So, are you suspecting that Craig first
imprisoned his own mother, subjecting her to drug injections, and is now repeating the same sinister act on Jennifer?”
Gwendolyn and Treyton nodded solemnly in agreement with the man’s assessment.
Cedrick’s gaze lowered, veiling the dangerous glimmer that lurked within his eyes and did not utter another word.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group continued their discussion.
“If that’s the case, does that mean Craig still had the drug?” asked Summer.
Expressing his approval of her theory with a nod, Nico added, “Given Craig’s desire to continue controlling Caylie, it’s likely he
continues to inject her with the drug. I recall Karl’s intense reaction to the sound of rattling chains coming from the top floor when
I conducted a search at the Newton residence. He vehemently prevented anyone from entering that area and looking back on it
now, it’s highly possible that Caylie is being held captive there!”
Gwendolyn lowered her gaze, deep in thought. “In that case, let me try to contact Jasmine again and see if she can help us
infiltrate the residence and obtain the drugs that Craig is using,” she proposed.
However, Summer had reservations about the approach. “Gwendolyn, Jasmine is Craig’s sister. Will she actually agree to help
us acquire evidence of his crimes? She would essentially be betraying her own flesh and blood!”
Truth be told, Gwendolyn wasn’t sure about that either and had no confidence that they could pull it off. Nevertheless, she was
not to give up before giving it a try.
“Let’s just give it a shot. Considering the circumstances, Jasmine is our best hope within the Newton family. Craig’s duties at the
Federal Bureau of Investigation are currently on hold as he awaits an investigation. With this, security will likely be heightened at
the Newton residence. Time is of the essence; we won’t have another chance to search again,” she persuaded.

A heavy silence descended upon the room.
At that moment, this seemed to be the only option.
As the discussion drew to a close, Nico took Summer home, while Treyton took over from Brian and diligently kept watch over
Jennifer throughout the night.
The living room fell into silence as each member of the group departed, leaving only Cedrick and Gwendolyn behind. At that
moment, a hint of possessiveness and lust flitted across the man’s eyes. With one fluid motion, he swept Gwendolyn off her feet.
“What are you doing? Put me down. I need to go to the fourth floor to check on the kids,” Gwendolyn grumbled as she patted his
shoulder lightly.
Nonetheless, the man did not comply and insisted on carrying her back to the room. “Mdm. Yarde is taking care of them, and
they’re probably asleep by now. Why bother waking them up? It’s late. We should be getting some rest as well.”
“You said it yourself. We’re going to rest, so don’t you dare get handsy with me.”
Cedrick instantly furrowed his brows, a visible display of his growing aggrievance.
“Darling, I meant the intimate version of resting. Besides, I taught Craig a lesson on your behalf today and made sure you got
your revenge. Shouldn’t you reward me for that?”
She faintly arched her brow and allowed him to carry her upstairs. “Did you really?”
Cedrick gently nuzzled his nose against hers, his voice filled with sincerity as he reassured her, “Of course! How could I ever
dare to deceive you,, Darling?”
Her curiosity piqued, Gwendolyn sought to delve into the details of Cedrick’s punishment toward Craig. “Tell me how you dealt
with him then. I want all the details.”
“Understood!” Cedrick’s lips curled into a seductive smile. He continued to carry Gwendolyn upstairs as he recounted the events
that happened earlier that day. “I threw an ashtray and a coffee cup at him. He sustained a cut on his forehead.”
Gwendolyn furrowed her brows. “That’s all? Just a cut? He didn’t bleed?”
Fully aware of her nefarious nature, he added dotingly, “Certainly, there will be bloodshed when I make a move. I made sure to
put him in his place.”

“What happened next?” she asked with a mischievous grin, her interest in the story growing by the second.
“After that, I made him do over five hundred push–ups, squat for over two hours, handstand for thirty minutes.”
Cedrick’s voice carried a magnetic allure as he reveled in the satisfaction of his actions, and his voice stopped when the
bedroom door shut.
Soon, the atmosphere grew charged with desire as the gasps of ecstasy filled the air, muffled and concealed in the cloak of the
dead of night.
The next day, Lucas and Jasmine rose early and made their way to the dining room in the Newton residence, settling themselves
at the table with poised postures as they waited for their older brother. Both of them knew better than to begin eating before
Craig’s arrival.
The previous night, Craig had returned home late to the Newton residence, long after Lucas and Jasmine had retired for the
night. Unbeknownst to them, Craig had faced punishment at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and had been carried back by
his subordinates due to his exhaustion.
After a night of rest, Craig had recovered most of his energy, but he was still plagued with lingering soreness all over his body.
It had been years since he had received such severe punishment, and it was difficult for him to even get downstairs.
Time seemed to stretch for Lucas and Jasmine as waited in the dining room. Upon seeing the invincible Craig struggling to
descend the stairs while being supported by the butler and housekeepers, their eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets from the
shocking sight.
“Craig, what happened? Did you get hurt last night?” asked Jasmine.
Lucas echoed her concern, saying, “Craig, if you’re having that much difficulty getting out of bed, you should ask the
housekeepers to deliver your meal to your room. Why put yourself through all this trouble?”
Craig’s scowl deepened, his brows furrowing tightly as the chilling aura around him intensified. Nonetheless, he did not respond
to his siblings‘ questions.
“It seems that Mr. Jenson had lost his mind yesterday and kept finding fault with Mr. Craig. He kept Mr. Craig in his office for the
entire afternoon and subjected him to harsh punishments that almost took his life,” answered the butler on behalf of Craig.

“Oh, my goodness. I feel sorry for you, Craig,” Jasmine exclaimed meekly.
Meanwhile, Lucas lowered his head, concealing the joy that was dancing in his eyes.
Craig had been exerting his dominance over me day after day. I can’t believe I’d have the opportunity to witness him in such a
weak and feeble state. He can barely descend the stairs, let alone lash out!
For some reason, he was not concerned about Craig at all and was taking pleasure from the latter’s misfortune.