The Ex and Her Riches
Chapter 497

Chapter 497

As her soothing words reached his ears, Craig’s eyes glistened with tears that gradually spilled over.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I wish to stay alive, and I’m unwilling to relinquish the status and privileges I haveattained. I refuse to be confined in a high–security prison, living a life worse than death like a merewalking corpse.”

He embraced the frail woman in his arms, holding her tighter as if seeking solace.

“Rest assured, Mom. That illegitimate child has caused your mental deterioration and the loss ofJennifer. I know how much you hate him. I’ll make him pay for his actions.”

As the evening drew near, Lucas made his way back home. His hand firmly pressed against his achinglower back.

For the past few days, he had been compelled to carry out errands for the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation, and now his entire body felt as if it were on the brink of collapse.

Craig is so vicious. I can’t even pass the basic assessment with my mediocre skills. How can my feeblebody withstand the intense missions of the bureau?

Lucas felt like crying, as he was constantly being exploited, living each day in what felt like a living hell.

He wondered when he could break free from the torture.

But as soon as the image of Charles being beaten with two canes flashed past his mind, Lucas grewterrified. He forcefully suppressed his urge to curse Craig.

He clung to the wall, his legs trembling as he slowly inched his way toward the garden.

When Lucas saw a male housekeeper rushing passed him, he called out, “Why are you running?Come over here and help me.”

The housekeeper hesitated for a moment before approaching and offering his support. “Apologies, Mr.Lucas. Mr. Craig is currently having the top floor cleared out. I’ve been preoccupied and forgot to greetyou.”

“Why is he cleaning the top floor?”

Shaking his head, the housekeeper replied, “We’re not privy to Mr. Craig’s intentions. It’s already pastsix o’clock, and he’s insisted on having everything cleared out by tonight. Otherwise, we’ll be introuble.”

Even though Lucas was perplexed, he did not want to get the housekeeper into trouble. “You can goabout your tasks. There’s no need to assist me. I’ll manage on my own.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Lucas,” the servant replied, bowing deeply before hurrying offto the backyard.

As Lucas watched his retreating figure, his suspicions grew stronger.

red

What is Craig up to? My intuition tells me that something weird is going on.

Lucas continued to make his way toward the backyard slowly.

As he approached, the sound of shattering glass grew more frequent and piercing.

The backyard was bustling with housekeepers and bodyguards, and even the butler was present. All ofthem were busy with their tasks, completely oblivious to him.

Some were burning things, while others were smashing glass containers or digging holes.

Lucas gazed at the scene unfolding before him, his mind filled with bewilderment.

Amidst the chaos, he noticed a partially destroyed container in a corner. There were small glass vials,each holding remnants of transparent liquid.

Curiosity got the better of him and he instinctively reached for one of the vials for closer examination.

To his surprise, the butler, caught off guard by his actions, hurried over and swiftly took the vial from hisgrasp, returning it to its original place.

“Mr. Lucas, these are nothing but rubbish. They are items Mr. Craig wishes to dispose of. Please refrainfrom touching them. Everyone is occupied, so we can’t attend to your needs at the moment. I suggestyou go into the villa. Dinner will be served shortly.”

Lucas nodded absentmindedly. “Very well, carry on with your tasks. I’ll return to my room.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Lucas,” the butler replied with a respectful bow before resuming his unfinished duties.

As Lucas made his way out of the bustling scene, he took a moment to survey the chaoticsurroundings. When no one was paying attention to him, he discreetly picked up the glass vial he hadexamined earlier and swiftly hid it in his pocket. Soon after, he maintained composed and calmly leftthe backyard.

After a long day of work, Cedrick returned to Harrick Villa and was surprised to replace a new addition tothe household–the mischievous and spirited Jasmine.

That evening, as everyone gathered around the dining table for dinner, Jasmine couldn’t take her eyesoff Cedrick.

Gwendolyn noticed and gently tapped Jasmine’s head. “What are you looking at? Focus on your meal!”

“All right.”

Rubbing her slightly throbbing head, Jasmine redirected her attention to her meal. However, hercuriosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t resist stealing glances in Cedrick’s direction.

Cedrick lifted his gaze and made eye contact with Jasmine.

Instantly, Jasmine felt guilty and quickly averted her gaze, too afraid to continue looking at him,

“Is there something on my face?” he asked, bewildered.

“No, it’s just that I replace you really handsome. I haven’t had a chance to observe you up close like thisbefore and upon closer inspection…”

Cedrick raised an eyebrow. “What did

you

discover?”

Gwendolyn also looked at Jasmine curiously.

However, the latter looked at both of them, feeling hesitant to speak up.

After much deliberation, she cautiously said, “I can’t help but feel that you bear a striking resemblanceto someone I know.”

Gwendolyn and Cedrick exchanged glances. “Who?” he asked.

Jasmine shifted in her seat before leaning closer to Gwendolyn and whispered, “Don’t you think Mr.Jenson looks a lot like that personal servant you had in Fairlake?”

Cough! Cough!

Even though she tried to speak in a hushed tone, her words reverberated through the relatively quietdining hall, catching Cedrick off guard and causing him to almost choke on his food.

Gwendolyn couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction.

The events that took place in Fairlake were considered a dark chapter in Cedrick’s past.

Gwendolyn decided to play along and asked Jasmine, “So, between Mr. Jenson and the personalservant from Fairlake, who do you think is more handsome?”

Even though Jasmine was naive, she had a keen eye for observation.

“Well, there’s no need to ask. Of course, it’s Mr. Jenson! After all, he’s your husband. No one cancompare to him when it comes to power, wealth, and handsomeness!”

As Jasmine flattered Cedrick, she couldn’t help but steal glances at him, trying to gauge his reaction.

He kept his head down, his expression somewhat cold and odd.

Jasmine remembered that Gwendolyn used to enjoy the male servant’s company. Hence, shecontinued in a hushed voice, “Gwendolyn, did you dismiss that male servant from before? Does he stillserve you now?”

“Why are you asking about that? Do you like him?” Gwendolyn smirked.

Jasmine’s face blushed slightly. “Although there were some unpleasant moments in the past, I did

appreciate his looks and physique. If you don’t want him, I would like to employ him. His presencewould provide a delightful visual treat for me every day.”

She continued, lost in her own thoughts. “But I remember how headstrong he was and how he neededsome discipline.”

Cedrick abruptly placed his cutleries on the table, and his expression turned solemn.

“You two can continue your conversation. I’ve finished cating and I’ll go check on the children.”

Jasmine watched Cedrick’s figure as he left, unsure of what she had said wrong.

Gwendolyn chuckled and continued to eat. She playfully agreed with Jasmine’s remarks. “He isstubborn, but I’ve managed to tame him. Now, he’s completely devoted to me.”

“Hmm?”

Feeling curious, Jasmine whispered, “Gwendolyn, are you still keeping that male servant around? Itseems like you’re quite fond of him. Is he like your secret lover? Does Cedrick know?”

Gwendolyn calmly ate her food and replied, “Yes.”

Jasmine was bewildered by her response. “The rumors outside claim that Cedrick is devoted to you.He’s also a strict husband. How’s it possible for him to agree to let you keep a secret lover?”

“Who said that I have a secret lover? The male servant from before has upgraded.”

“Upgraded?”

“Yeah, he’s my husband now.”

A sudden realization dawned on Jasmine, and her eyes widened.

Oh no, the person I offended in Fairlake was Mr. Jenson?