The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Gwendolyn remained silent as she observed him.

Channing let out a sigh, his expression filled with a mixture of sorrow and helplessness.

Even though he was the boss of the black market, he still had to abide by his wife’s strict rules after becoming a parent. He confessed, “To be honest, Mrs. Jenson, my wife is incredibly strict and fierce. Ever since we had a child, she has forbidden me from drinking or smoking. I’d be in big trouble if she ever found out. But given the nature of my work, it’s inevitable that I indulge in these vices while entertaining guests. So I can only do it in secret, always having to take a bath outside before returning home to rid myself of any lingering odors.”

He laughed awkwardly, though a glimmer of appreciation gleamed in his eyes.

Despite his complaints, it was evident that he felt blessed to have a wife who cared for his well-being.

Gwendolyn couldn’t help but be reminded of Cedrick, whom she had also forbidden from smoking and consuming alcohol to safeguard their baby’s health.

She couldn’t help but wonder if Cedrick had been drinking alcohol and smoking behind her back.

However, she quickly dismissed the thought with a smile, knowing that Cedrick would never dare defy her.

Compared to Channing, he was much more honest and deeply committed to their family.

Gwendolyn pushed aside her musings and responded with a warm smile, “Yes, I understand the challenges of balancing work and family, Mr. Kron. One can never be too careful when there’s a baby at home.”

Channing wasn’t certain if Gwendolyn had fully bought into his story, but he proceeded to show her photos of his child on his phone. “Mrs. Jenson, I truly didn’t mean any harm to your child by resorting to such extreme measures. I only did it out of desperation. Please believe me.”

Gwendolyn accepted his phone and began scrolling through the gallery, seeing pictures of Channing’s family as well as intimate moments between him and his child.

She proceeded to tap on the top right corner of the screen to view the photo details and confirmed that they were recent and unaltered.

“All right, I believe you, Mr. Kron.”

Just as Gwendolyn finished speaking, the dogs outside the villa began barking furiously.

Surprised, she asked, “Do you have dogs?”

Channing was equally taken aback. “No, this is a private villa located in the woods. My wife and I only visit occasionally during the summer or vacations. We don’t even have a caretaker, let alone dogs here.”

causing her face to pale. “Oh no, it must be

her worry. “Mr. Jenson? His dog sounds aggressive. I hope he isn’t here to tear the villa

and made her way to the door, with Channing and his suited bodyguards following

across the garden

to his typical military attire, he appeared clean and well-groomed in a casual

four bodyguards who had been stationed at the entrance of Channing’s villa now lay defeated, their hands cuffed, as they turned to Channing for

that,” Channing sneered, leaving his bodyguards at a

then directed a look at his bodyguards and stated, “It’s an honor to have Mr. Jenson visit us.

gates swung open, Gwendolyn swiftly approached Cedrick, calling out,

scanned her to

mastermind behind

remained silent, clearly displeased with her

Mr. Jenson. I was just about to call you after explaining the situation to Mrs. Jenson. Would you like

hand tightly, seeking comfort and security in

word, he walked into the villa with Gwendolyn in tow, signaling his

promptly followed them into the villa and instinctively chose a seat on the side, leaving the main seats for

his bodyguards tactfully served each of them a cup of tea before discreetly escorting the remaining bodyguards out of the hall. This left Gwendolyn, Channing, and Cedrick alone to

his cup of tea and took a sip,

“This is the latest batch of Earl Grey for the year. The taste might not be as exceptional since the housekeepers aren’t here to prepare it, and

unreadable, leaving Channing unsure of his thoughts and emotions. He couldn’t help but wonder if Cedrick was angry, upset, or perhaps simply

coat pocket and pulled out a box of fine cigars. “Would you care for one, Mr. Jenson?” he asked, offering the

without any hesitation whatsoever. “My wife forbids me from

his face. “Ah, so you’re just

he

his chest and spoke

the sincerity in Channing’s words during their brief

appreciating the rare occurrence of encountering such a carefree attitude, especially from someone in Channing’s position in the

that you’re interested in a collaboration. How do you propose we go about it? Please, do share

he had

is likely someone from the underworld. I believe you have your suspects, Mr. Jenson. Given my understanding of the workings of the underworld, I can utilize my connections and engage in gray area business to