The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Charles’ hand froze mid-air as he lifted the bowl of soup. He did not reply.

Whitney stole glances at his expression.

Recalling that one of the clauses in the marriage contract was to keep their union a secret from the public, she thoughtfully said, “It’s fine. I don’t care that much about weddings. As long as both of us genuinely love each other, all that matters is that we can spend the rest of our lives together. We can skip the traditional customs and focus on building a life together. Furthermore, Charles is busy with work. He doesn’t have time to plan the wedding.”

Lucas sighed, “You’re such a nice and pragmatic person—down-to-earth and frugal. You’re not like those pampered rich girls out there who are so spoiled.”

Jasmine grew upset when she heard that. “What are you talking about, Lucas? Who are you calling spoiled?”

She was one of the rich girls Lucas was criticizing, and she was sitting right there. This is so insulting!

Lucas chuckled awkwardly. “Haha! I wasn’t talking about you. Don’t take it personally.”

Charles, who had been sitting at the end of the table quietly, chimed in, “Well, he’s not entirely wrong. Jasmine has always been pampered in our family. She’s our adorable little princess.”

The praise made Jasmine feel delighted, as if she had overtaken Jennifer’s place in Charles’ heart.

“You’re the best, Charles!” she said playfully, winking at him and forming a heart with her fingers.

Charles merely smiled and kept on eating.

Lucas glanced at his younger siblings before turning his attention back to Whitney, continuing the previous topic, “Whitney, we understand that you’re considerate of Charles, but I believe that skipping the wedding would be unfair to you.”

He became enthusiastic as an idea popped into his head. “Why don’t we announce the news of your marriage on Newton Group’s official website? We can plan a proper wedding later when Charles has some free time.”

The expression on Whitney’s face froze.

Is the dinner discussion only going to revolve around my wedding?

“What do you think, Charles?” Lucas looked at Charles, who was eating with his head lowered.

His azure eyes betrayed no emotions. “I’m fine with everything. I’ll let my wife decide.”

laughed before asking Whitney, “Look, Whitney!

“I…”

tightened her grip on

that the decision should be made

had just thrown her way, Whitney was at

shot Charles a glance, imploring

nothing to do with this issue. He seemed content to let Whitney

lower lip and

the troubled look on Whitney’s face, Jasmine quickly realized the situation and spoke up on her behalf. “Lucas, give her a break! You’re making her shy. It’s our first formal introduction, and you’re bombarding her

was stunned. “But I’m

even know she’s married. Since she’s not keen on making the marriage public or having a wedding, there must be reasons behind her decision. This matter is between Charles and her, so stop meddling in it!” Jasmine retorted firmly, defending Whitney’s right to keep things

Words eluded Lucas.

quite popular among youngsters these days. Besides, I remember Gwendolyn and Mr. Jenson still haven’t had a wedding, and their child is already five years old! They probably

as she spoke, but Charles’ expression turned

on the table forcefully before

full. Enjoy your

strode toward the staircase and disappeared

years have passed and he’s even married now, yet he still can’t bear to hear me

noticed something amiss

mean, Charles? Why is he so sensitive about what you said?” Whitney inquired,

wife, are sitting next to me. It’s all in the past. They’re just childhood friends. It’s

Childhood friends?

into deep

behind Charles’ ever-changing moods,

that woman is the reason behind Charles’ ever-changing moods, she’s

She continued, “Try this, Whitney. I think you’ll love it. Don’t dwell on Charles and his childhood friend. It’s not that significant. He chose to marry you, which

“Ahem!”

his mouth and coughed