The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Cedrick was speechless.

He turned over his shoulder and noticed Benedict giving him an amused look.

Benedict continued asking calmly, “Isn’t that man your previous love rival? That’s why you got so upset when Zendy called him Daddy.”

Cedrick let out a sigh and gently tousled the little boy’s hair. “You’re still young, and the matters between adults shouldn’t burden you. Just focus on taking care of yourself and getting better.”

Benedict raised an eyebrow, mirroring Cedrick’s expression perfectly. He looked like a miniature version of Cedrick.

In a defeated tone, he said, “No matter how many IV drips, medicines, or efforts I put in, it feels like I won’t recover. I don’t want to keep tormenting myself.”

Cedrick’s heart ached as he gently caressed Benedict’s pale face. “Don’t say that. You may be unwell at the moment, but the laboratory has developed a serum to treat your condition. Once you regain your health and can handle the potential side effects, Uncle Joshua will ensure your complete recovery.”

Benedict didn’t answer him and instead redirected the topic back to Charles’ matter.

“Daddy, I know you have the power to make an impact in Chanaea easily. Why didn’t you get rid of that man? Why did you let him spend time with Zendy and make him her godfather?”

Stunned, Cedrick looked into his son’s eyes which were just like his.

“Benedict, you’re only five years old. Do you understand the gravity of what you’re suggesting? Do you know what getting rid of someone means? How did such a thought come to your mind?”

Benedict blinked twice, mustering a weak smile. In his usual frail voice, he responded, “Getting rid of someone means they won’t be around anymore, right? I just don’t want to see him. I want him to disappear.”

Cedrick felt a chill go down his spine. He’s only five. Where did he get that horrible idea from? Am I thinking too much, or is Benny more precocious for his age?

After collecting his thoughts, he said to Benedict in a solemn tone, “We cannot take someone’s life just because we want them to disappear. Regardless of my influence, I am not above the law. Charles is not only Zendy’s godfather but also yours. While he may have made some mistakes, he never intended for things to go as far as they did. He has also been there for your mommy and me, doing his best to help us. I can see that he genuinely cares for Zendy and wants to build a relationship with you as well. He loves you. Can you try to accept him?”

to the lab, hooked up to IV drips. He’s the reason I can’t

Cedrick couldn’t help but chuckle aloud. “You want to

flashed a mysterious grin. “It’s a secret. I can’t

let out a sigh and tapped his little nose. “Benny,

smile, his eyes crinkling

familiar face that mirrored his own, and a sigh escaped from deep within him.

keen understanding of things, but I want you to be less

smiled. “Don’t worry,

patted his

condition since birth, his eyes fell upon a stack of

and walked over to pick up

workbook and

that caught Cedrick’s attention at the bottom of the pile was a black one

breath hitching when he noticed the book. He turned to Benedict

“Yes. I was bored, and I don’t like watching cartoons. I want to know what adults are

look. “Who gave you this book? Are you sure you

parts of it, but most of it is too challenging for me to grasp. I’ve read it a few times, but I still can’t fully comprehend it.

it as well. Why don’t you let me read it first? Once I’m done, I’ll explain it to you in a way that you

“Okay!”

Benedict agreed readily. He then searched all

the age where she would demand to listen to bedtime stories every night, but Benedict was already tackling math problems from junior high and reading psychological

stark difference in their development

make sure that his

he didn’t discover any