The Ex and Her Riches
Chapter 485

Chapter 485

“Who?” Craig questioned, confused.

“It’s our Mr. Charles! He’s… He’s right at the entrance. He’s alive!”

The more Craig listened, the deeper his frown became.

Hence, he propped himself up to stand.

However, the soreness of his arms and thighs forced him back on the chair. Pushing away the thoughtsof his pain, he said, “Let him in.”

When everyone in the dining room saw Charles, they paled as if they had seen a ghost.

Out of everyone, Jasmine was the most agitated. Tears welled up in her eyes as she cried out,“Charles, is that really you? You survived?”

Charles’ eyes crinkled. “I was lucky to have survived.”

As his gaze drifted toward Craig and Lucas, he greeted, “Craig, Lucas.”

Lucas nodded numbly.

Craig was the one with the least expression and the most composed.

When he stirred his soup, the spoon and the bowl made a crystalline clanking sound. He somberlyasked, “If you were alive, why didn’t you send us a message? Does the Newton family not meananything to you anymore?”

Charles lowered his head and meekly answered, “I’m sorry. I had to go into hiding in order to survive. Iknow I’ve done wrong to worry you all.”

Hearing that made Craig feel better. “Forget it. I’m glad you’re back. Have you had your dinner?”

“No.”

Craig glimpsed at the housekeeper beside them and said, “Set the table for Charles.”

“No, it’s fine,” Charles said.

His blue eyes were fixed on Craig.

“Craig, I have something I wish to talk to you in private. Is that okay?”

When Craig looked at his brother, he noticed that there was something different in Charles’ eyes.

However, Craig was sore all over for the past two days. He could not stand.

After a moment of rumination, he turned to look at the sorrowful Jasmine and Lucas, who seemed tohave no appetite for food.

“What kind of expressions are those on your faces? Are you not hungry? If you’re not, go back to yourrooms and stop hovering in my line of sight.”

“Of course,” both answered in unison before hurrying out of the dining room, not wanting to spendanother extra second in there.

After that, Craig dismissed the housekeepers and butler too.

In less than a minute, the only ones left in the spacious dining room were Charles and Craig.

Charles then walked across the long dining table to the empty seat beside Craig, but he did not sitdown. Instead, he remained standing.

Craig was glad to see that his brother was still sensible, so his gloomy expression softened. “Tell me.What happened earlier?”

The look on his face was apathetic, and he spoke slowly in a flat tone.

“A year ago, Cedrick came after me with an international arrest warrant and kicked up a fuss on theday of my wedding with Gwen. He forced Gwendolyn to shoot me.”

Craig impatiently tapped the surface of the table and urged, “I know about this. What I want to know ishow you escaped from Cedrick.”

“Gwen could not bring herself to kill me. Her bullet went sideways instead of hitting my heart, butCedrick didn’t know about it. Thinking that I’m dead, he threw my body at a nearby mountain. He didn’teven bother burying me, hoping that the wolves would feed on my body instead.”

Craig snorted. “That sounds like something Cedrick would do.”

He then lowered his gaze.

Charles continued, “Maybe luck was on my side, as a hunter who happened to be on the mountainsaved me. Mother wanted the international court to sanction Gwen later on, and Cedrick tried to sendhis men to look for my body on the mountain. I fled to Erihal that night, and I’ve been living in countrieswith low literacy rates, hiding my identity since then. I did teaching to earn a living.”

Craig was contented after quietly listening to Charles’ story. Then, he sighed, seemingly wistful.

“What a pity. You, my brother, have good looks, brains, and combat skills, but Cedrick has ruined you.My heart aches for you.”

A bitter smile grew on Charles’ face. “I risked getting detected by Cedrick in making this trip, but it’sworth it to hear that you’re concerned about me.”

Craig then pointed at the seat beside him, motioning for Charles to sit down.

Craig was joyous to hear that Charles had suffered much under Cedrick’s hands, so he wassubconsciously gentler with Charles.

“Thank you, Craig.” Charles took the seat.

Craig then asked, “What plans do you have this time? Cedrick is the reason for your downfall, but he’sthriving in all ways right now-love life, career, and family. Are you happy with that?”

“Of course not!” Charles hissed, tightening his fists as the murderous look in his eyes became visible.

Craig, I’ve come back in hopes for one thing-1 wish to seek your help. Cedrick has stolen my womanfrom me and made me lose everything. I had to suffer because of him, and I can’t even come home.despite having one. If I don’t kill him, I’ll live in hatred forever. As long as you help me, Craig. I’ll doeverything you ask me to even if it means giving up my life!“

Craig’s interest was piqued. He stirred his soup for a while and mulled over Charles’ words. Then, astumped look crossed his face.

“Charles, I really want to help you, but Cedrick has suspended my work at the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation. I can only stay at home and wait for more news from the bureau. Therefore, I have to saythat there’s nothing I can do.”

“What? Cedrick’s even messing with you?”

Charles snarled, the fury in his eyes was clear.

“Craig, you’ve been the deputy director for a long time. Do you not want to be the director one day andhave Cedrick submit to you instead? Don’t you want to take back the right that belongs to you?”

Craig was silent.

Of course, he did. He yearned for a day like that until he was close to losing his mind. In fact, hewished he could trample on Cedrick.

But all he did was stare at his half-brother and narrow his eyes, seemingly lost in his thoughts.

Charles went on, “Craig, I’m your brother. Now that I have nothing, I can only come to you and try torely on you. I’ll definitely help you with this. I’m going to risk my life and get you the role of the directorof the Federal Bureau of Investigation!”

They shared a common enemy.

An extra person on the team meant a higher chance of winning.

Smiling, Craig stretched out his hand toward Charles, who intelligently moved his head closer to let theformer pat his cheek.

“It looks like you’ve grown more mature over the year. I’m glad to see this.”

Charles meekly lowered his unperturbed gaze.

“I promise you that I’ll think of a way to deal with Cedrick.”

“Thank you, Craig!”

“Mhm. You must be tired, so rest in the guest room for now. I’ll get the housekeeper to tidy up your oldroom.”

“Okay. Thank you so much, Craig, for allowing me to still have the Newton residence as my home.”

A kind smile manifested on Craig’s lips. “We were in a conflict during the succession fight, and I evenpunished you, but Charles, you’re still my brother.”

Charles’ face looked more haggard, and when he curled his lips, he seemed more mature than a year.

“I was rather immature back then. I’m glad that you’re not holding me accountable for what I didanymore,” he muttered without any trace of anger in his eyes.

Craig inclined his head in satisfaction. “Go and rest.”

“Enjoy your meal, Craig. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“Okay.”

With that, Charles stood up and went toward the stairwell.

The second he turned around, he dropped the smile on his face. There was nothing but frigid apathy inhis expression.

Craig was the only one eating in the dining room, and it seemed quiet.

However, Craig was unbothered as he continued digging in.

A few minutes later, he summoned the bodyguard and whispered, “Check where Charles has beenbefore returning to the house. Find out if he has met Cedrick before this.”