The Ex and Her Riches

Chapter 819 Treading Lightly 

Cedrick carried her to the bedside, reached out his hand, and gently flicked Benedict’s little forehead. Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

“Are you satisfied?”

Zendaya pursed her lips, thought seriously for a moment, and said, “I guess.”

Gwendolyn suppressed a laugh. “All right. It’s getting late. Zendy, pack up your school bag. It’s time to go home.”

“All right, then.”

Letting go of Zendaya, Cedrick’s peripheral vision caught sight of Gwendolyn’s phone, idly placed on the bedside table.

The screen hadn’t dimmed yet. It was still on the interface from the call with Charles.

Just a few minutes prior, the two had a conversation that lasted for twenty-eight minutes.

What could they possibly be talking about for so long? Cedrick’s handsome brows furrowed, and his expression instantly became serious. Considering that getting home was the priority, he didn’t ask any questions.

When they returned home, however, Gwendolyn noticed that there was something off about Cedrick’s expression. Whenever she was in the kitchen cooking, he would always watch her, looking as if he had something to say but hesitating to speak.

After waiting for dinner to be finished, Gwendolyn settled the two kids back in their room to play. Only then did she corner Cedrick against the wall in the master bedroom.

“You’ve had a strange look on your face since you got back. Is there something you want to talk about?” she asked.

Seeing Gwendolyn take the initiative to ask, Cedrick pulled her into his arms by her waist, trapping her in his embrace. “What did Charles call you for this afternoon? You two talked for a full thirty-eight minutes.”

Gwendolyn almost couldn’t help but laugh. So, he had been bothered by this all along.

Meeting his somewhat aggrieved gaze, Gwendolyn suddenly had a mischievous urge to tease him, and deliberately played coy. “Of course, it was an urgent matter. What else could it be? Casual chit-chat?”

Upon hearing those words, Cedrick’s brows involuntarily furrowed, and he pulled her even closer into his embrace. “Gwenny, be honest. What were you two really talking about? If you don’t tell the truth, I might get jealous.”

Gwendolyn stretched out her arm to encircle his neck. In her playful tone, she asked, “What would you do if you got jealous?”

With a stern expression, he leaned his tall frame over her. His thin lips neared the root of her ear, gently nipping it as he spoke in a deep, husky voice. “I will devour you.”

He meant it, and he would bring her to their bed there and then.

He would make her beg for mercy through his actions.

Gwendolyn was somewhat moved by his charm, and explained earnestly. “It’s his girlfriend’s birthday today. That girl, Ms. Mellor, is very close to Zendy. He’s unsure about what kind of gift to give her, so he

came to ask me.”

Cedrick recalled the girl his wife had mentioned, and finally, he felt at ease.

Seeing the smile on his wife’s face, he suddenly realized something. “Darling, did you do that on purpose?”

Gwendolyn remained silent, giving him a cheeky look.

In an instant, Cedrick swept her off her feet, carrying her horizontally as he walked toward the bed.

The two shared a sweet moment together in the room, quietly.

Meanwhile, at the Newton residence, Charles stood by the window, carefully pondering over the words of Gwendolyn.

Earlier, during their phone call, Gwendolyn repeatedly mentioned that Whitney was a good girl and urged him to cherish her.

However, he couldn’t help recalling how happy Whitney looked when she received the flowers. That foolish woman became incredibly happy with just a bit of kindness.

His blue eyes held a complex expression as he lit up a cigarette.

In the living room, the housekeeper approached Whitney and asked, “Mrs. Newton, the meal is ready. Would you like to dine now?”

The room upstairs remained tightly shut. Whitney glanced toward the staircase and shook her head. “Let’s wait a bit longer. I’ll go ask Charles.”

Just as she was about to go upstairs, Charles happened to walk out of his room.

Their gazes met, and his eyes were filled with intense aggression, causing Whitney to lower her head, shyly.

Charles slowly descended the stairs. The bouquet that was originally in the center of the living room was nowhere to be found.

Seeing him staring intently at the ground, Whitney’s expression became somewhat tense. She took the initiative to say, “Uh… Dinner is ready. Would you like to eat now?”

“Okay.” Charles walked ahead, with Whitney quietly following behind him.

The housekeepers brought up all the prepared dishes. In the middle of the dining table was a large strawberry cream cake, with Whitney’s name written on it. On top of it was a cute design of her and Charles’ faces, which looked incredibly adorable.

Upon seeing the cake, a smile couldn’t help but creep onto Whitney’s face. This must be Jasmine’s doing. She always had a knack for creating pleasant surprises.

Upon seeing her smile, Charles smiled as well.

The two took their seats, and the housekeepers tactfully exited the room, leaving them with some private space.

In the vast dining room, suddenly, only the two of them remained.

Whitney’s heart was filled with an indescribable tension, so quiet that she could hear her own heartbeat.

Seeing her not making any moves, just lowering her head to look at the things in front of her, Charles stood up and inserted a few candles into her cake.

“Aren’t you coming over?” he asked.

“I-I’m on my way.” Whitney walked over to him. Together, they inserted the candles into the cake and lit them.

The lights in the restaurant dimmed, and Charles took her hands in his, saying, “Make a wish.”

His tone was icy cold.

Even though his attitude remained as cold as ever, Whitney was already quite content. She clasped her hands together and began to make a wish.

Charles gazed at her side profile. Only when she opened her eyes did he ask, “What wish did you make?”

Once a wish is spoken, it loses its magic. She gave a mysterious smile. “It’s a secret.”

Extinguishing the candle, Whitney suddenly felt a playful urge. She dabbed a bit of cream on Charles’s. nose. Fearing that Charles might get angry, she also smeared some cream on her own nose.

She was genuinely happy. “Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me.”

The moment she lifted her head, Charles just happened to lower his.

The distance between them was so close that they could almost hear each other’s breath.

Under the dim light, Whitney’s cheeks turned even redder.

Her skin, already fair, looked like a peeled egg, delicate and smooth.

Gazing into her sparkling eyes, Charles found himself inexplicably moved. Lifting her chin, he found himself drawn to kiss her as if guided by an unseen force..

The moment Whitney’s lips touched his cold lips, her body instantly stiffened. T-This is the second time he took the initiative to kiss me.

His kiss was domineering, his hands gently caressing her waist.

Everywhere he touched, a tingling sensation immediately followed. Whitney quickly lost herself in his kiss, offering no resistance whatsoever.

Whitney’s breath was coming in short gasps, her eyes dazedly fixed on him, stirring an irresistible urge in him to tease her further.

Her gaze was clear and bright.

Having weathered the trials and tribulations of the business world for so long, Charles had grown accustomed to the cunning and deceit of humanity. Apart from the merriment of his youth, it had been at long time since he had seen such clear and innocent eyes.

Watching the person in his arms gradually lose herself in pleasure, Charles suddenly returned to reality from his desires. What am I doing? Did I take the initiative to kiss her again?

He abruptly stopped what he was doing and created some distance.

As if awakening from a deep dream, Whitney’s eyes regained their clarity. She quickly avoided his gaze.

To avoid the impending awkwardness, Whitney took the initiative to cut the cake and handed him the first slice.

Neither of them spoke again, quietly finishing their meal.

After finishing the meal, Charles finally said, “As the birthday girl, do you plan on keeping mum the entire night?”

“I…” With a puzzled look, Whitney glanced at him, unsure what to say. What should I say? Even now, I still haven’t recovered from that kiss just now. What should I say?

“What gift do you want?” he asked.

Huh? Whitney stared at him blankly, quickly waving her hands after regaining her senses. “No need. I’ll leave the Newton residence sooner or later. I can’t accept anything too expensive. When the time comes, I’ll return this necklace and the things from Lucas. I-I know my place.”

Charles was somewhat displeased. “Answer what you’re asked. At the very least, you’re still a daughter-in- law of the Newton family, the legal wife I have registered in the household register.”

Feeling his anger, Whitney dared not say anything else. “Then, may I have a pair of wedding rings? Don’t worry, though. I won’t wear them out. Consider the rings as you lend me money to buy them. I will pay you back when the time comes.”

The marriage agreement came without a wedding, without blessings, and even without a single wedding photo.

All Whitney wanted was something that could prove they had once been together.

If she were to pay for them, she could take these rings with her.

Charles raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly. “Given your current financial situation, how long do you plan to owe me money?”