The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

After a brief hesitation, Charles merely muted his phone, choosing neither to answer nor reject the call.

Benedict, who had noticed his godfather’s actions, instantly pursed his lips. “Your lady’s calling you, isn’t she? I can’t believe you have the guts to ignore her, Charles. How did a lousy man like you even get yourself a wife?”

Charles felt a warm blush rise to his cheeks, but unfortunately, Benedict wasn’t done with his lecture.

“In any case, don’t you think you should return her call? She will be so worried if she doesn’t hear back from you. As a man, you ought to cherish and dote on your woman. Understood?” the latter chided, looking very authoritative with a stern expression and his arms folded.

It was the first time Charles found Benedict so adorable, and he had to do everything he could to hold in his laughter.

“You’re right, Benny. I’ll send her a text,” he replied good-naturedly before texting Whitney about not returning to the Newton residence that night.

With that done, he turned off the screen and casually set the phone on the bedside table.

Meanwhile, Zendaya had gotten tired from playing by the window and rubbed her eyes.

“I’m sleepy, Uncle Charles. I want to go home,” the little girl mumbled wearily as she turned to look at Charles.

Upon hearing that, the man hastily wrapped a tissue around the cut on his fingertip and walked to the window to carry her.

“Be good, Zendy. We won’t be returning to Harrick Villa tonight. I’ll sleep with you, okay?”

Zendaya pouted and squirmed slightly in Charles’ arms. “Where’s Daddy? Where’s Mommy? I want to hug Mommy to sleep… I can’t fall asleep without her.”

As could be seen, children were easygoing during the day, but when it came to bedtime, their stubbornness would very quickly go off the charts.

No matter how much Charles coaxed and cajoled Zendaya, the latter continued to ask for Gwendolyn.

“It’s okay if Daddy isn’t here, but I want Mommy! Why can’t Benny and I go home tonight?” she whimpered, sniffling quietly as tears rolled down her cheeks. “D-Do Daddy and Mommy not want me anymore? Is that why they aren’t letting me go home?”

bawling her eyes out tugged at Charles’

never tucked Zendy into bed before. What am I supposed

begrudgingly called Cedrick, only to realize the

over, but even so, there was still no

What on earth is Cedrick

eavesdropped on the phone call and turned sullen. “Did Daddy turn off his phone? Does he really not want me

grim expression on his face. Neither of them had seen Gwendolyn or Cedrick the entire day, and it was beginning

Mommy. I want to hear her bedtime stories…” Zendaya said stubbornly as she wiped away her

outside, and I don’t know where he is. Besides, Salinsburgh has been pretty chaotic lately. If you wander about, you might meet the bad guys who devour

“Hmph! If I run into those bad guys, I’ll bite them! I want to join the army when

had said, Benedict cocked his eyebrows in cold aloofness. “Who needs your protection? Even if I’m

doe eyes. “Uncle Charles, can you take me to look for Mommy? Otherwise, I won’t be

but to his

Why else is one phone turned off and

bedtime story tonight? What would you like

a moment, Zendaya felt torn and

Charles would be sad if I

Oh, my goodness. I don’t know what to do! I might be able to coax Zendy to sleep, but what about Benny? I’m sure he’ll kick up a fuss too. I know Zendy listens

was still at a loss when Nico suddenly returned to

it seemed as if the latter

decided to err on the side

around, Charles felt a load off his shoulders as the men could split the

ward and read her

the princess and the prince lived happily ever

soon as the story ended, Zendaya frowned,

chanting scriptures. I didn’t enjoy it. What should we

Charles felt the corners of