The Ex and Her Riches
Chapter 690

Chapter 690

“What?”

The words struck Jessamyn like a thunderbolt, shattering her rationality and understanding intofragments.

Zendaya…

That girl was not Charles’ illegitimate daughter but the precious daughter of the Jenson and Harrisfamilies!

In an instant, she realized she had offended the three largest and most powerful families in Chanaea.

Jessamyn was so shocked that she couldn’t collect herself for a while. She couldn’t fathom theterrifying possibility that Cloudington Group might crumble because of her actions.

“Why did I never come across any information about her online, especially since she’s Mr. Jenson andMs. Harris’ daughter? Besides, why did she call Charles ‘Daddy’?” Jessamyn asked, seeking someexplanation.

Ignatius sighed deeply and sat heavily on the edge of her bed. “That’s because Mr. Jenson and his wifeare concerned about their child’s safety. Hence, they’ve never publicly shared her pictures or personalinformation online. You’ve always been fixated on those socialite events, and I’ve told you severaltimes to pay attention to the business gatherings as well, but you’ve never bothered. Is it any wonderyou never saw her? As for why she calls Charles ‘Daddy,’ I can’t say for sure…”

“Um…”

Jessamyn was at a loss for words. She obediently crouched beside her father’s feet, her hands restingon his knees as tears streamed down her face.

She asked, “Dad, what am I going to do? I insulted Zendaya and offended Mr. Jenson, Ms. Harris, andCharles. Today, Jenson Group merely canceled one project’s collaboration, and yet we’ve alreadysuffered such significant financial losses. If they refuse to let me go, what should we do?”

Ignatius grumbled, “I’ve told you time and time again that the relationships within these prestigiousfamilies are complex. I’ve advised you to rein in your audacious nature and not think that you can easilyoffend others just because they seem vulnerable. You have no idea what consequences you mightface. Yet, have you ever bothered to heed my words? You’ve created this mess, so you have to figureout a way to clean it up yourself!”

“Dad, please don’t abandon me. I know I’ve made a mistake… I’ll listen to you from now on.” Jessamynbegan crying sadly.

Eva also hugged their daughter, tears streaming down her face. “Hubby, we’re getting older, and she’sour only precious daughter. If you don’t replace a solution to help her, what will become of our Cloudfamily?”

Although the Cloud family was well-off and held a prominent position on the wealthy elite list in thecountry, if the three families united against them, it would be a disaster for them. Crushing CloudingtonGroup would be as simple as squashing an ant.

Ignatius gazed at his weeping wife and daughter by his feet, feeling the imminent crisis thatCloudington Group faced. He knew he couldn’t stand idly by despite what he had said.

After a heavy sigh, he looked at his daughter, whom he had loved all his life. He couldn’t simplyabandon her to please Cedrick.

Pondering for a moment, he spoke with a composed and steady voice. “In the next few days, I will seeka meeting with Mr. Jenson and personally apologize to him. As for you, you will have to meet with

Charles again. Be gentle, admit your mistakes, and ensure you win him over. It’s essential that youbecome his fiancée. Do you understand?”

The fact that Zendaya, the daughter of both the Jenson and Harris families, called Charles “Daddy” andwas constantly by his side like a shadow, spoke volumes.

Regardless of the actual circumstances, it was evident that Charles had a close relationship withGwendolyn, and the Harris and Newton families were on good terms.

If Jessamyn could successfully marry into the Newton family, there was a possibility that CloudingtonGroup could benefit greatly from the alliance with the three families. It could potentially propel thecompany to new heights.

Moreover, Ignatius stressed the importance of Jessamyn building a strong relationship with Zendaya.Considering that the two children born to Cedrick and Gwendolyn would each inherit the Harris andJenson estates in the future, gaining Zendaya’s favor could yield numerous benefits.

Jessamyn was too terrified to voice any objections or complaints. She nodded repeatedly, her tears stillflowing.

The next morning, the Harrick Villa’s family of four had just roused from their slumber when anunexpected guest made an appearance outside.

It was none other than Charles.

Today was a weekend, with Zendaya on a holiday break from school. Charles had made plans to takeher to the aquarium to marvel at the playful dolphins.

Zendaya was never a fan of dresses, deeming them inconvenient for her lively romps. If she ranaround in dresses, her parents would nag her for not being proper.

Thus, after a hearty breakfast, she sported a pair of chic white overalls, matched with a sunny yellowlittle T-shirt, and topped it all off with a charming light yellow cap on top of two adorable pigtails. Withher slim legs propelling her forward, she darted out of the villa.

“Hey there, Uncle Charles!”

Her sweet and endearing voice washed over Charles, filling his heart with warmth and contentment.

Charles slowly crouched down, and in that swift moment, as she rushed toward him, he effortlesslyscooped up her round and chubby little figure, cradling her securely in his arms.

“I’ve missed you so, so much, Uncle Charles!” Zendaya pouted, playfully seeking his affection.

Charles tried to stifle a grin, his deep blue eyes exuding tenderness as he gazed at her. “You’re alreadyyearning for me after just a few hours apart, huh, Zendaya?”

“Yeah!” She gestured with her tiny hands. “I missed you a whole bunch, Uncle Charles. Don’t you missme too?”

Charles leaned in, gently brushing his nose against her tiny button-like nose. His voice was smooth andtender as he said, “Of course I do. I’d love nothing more than to whisk you away from here and keepyou with me all the time, never to be apart.”

Zendaya clung to his neck, planting a loving kiss on his handsome face and openly displaying herfondness for him.

When Gwendolyn and Cedrick emerged from the villa, accompanied by Benedict, they witnessed theheartwarming sight of the two having a delightful time.

Benedict, with his hands nonchalantly in his pockets, exuded an air of cool aloofness, seeminglyunfazed.

Charles quickly composed himself, speaking in a more serious tone. “Good morning, Mr. Jenson andGwen! I plan to take Zendaya to the aquarium this morning. Benny, would you like to join us?”

Gwendolyn and Cedrick both looked down and glanced at Benedict, who coolly snorted and pursed hislips. “No, thank you. Those kiddie stuff aren’t my cup of tea. Daddy and Mommy, let’s get going. It’stime for my treatment in the lab.”

With that, he took the lead, walking through the villa’s garden and out of Harrick Villa. Gwendolyn andCedrick glanced at Charles before following Benedict’s footsteps.

Charles let out a silent sigh, realizing that some matters required more careful consideration. He knewthat he had to take a gradual approach to mend the strain in Benedict’s heart toward him.

Throughout the morning, Charles and Zendaya had a blast at the aquarium.

Over the years, Zendaya’s little dolphin had grown and seemed to recognize her as its owner.Whenever she appeared, the dolphin would playfully interact with her, clearly delighted to see her.

While Zendaya and her aquatic friend had fun together, Charles sat quietly on the side, occasionallystealing glances around the dolphin enclosure.

He couldn’t help but notice that Whitney, the young woman he had personally promoted to be themanager, seemed to be absent.

Curious, he texted the aquarium director and, within a few minutes, received a reply.

Mr. Newton, Whitney submitted her resignation three days ago. However, her salary for this monthhasn’t been settled yet, so she’s probably still in the country. If you need to contact her urgently, I cankeep an eye out for her next visit to the aquarium and give you a call.

As Charles stared at his phone, a slight frown creased his brow.

Whitney had voluntarily resigned three days ago?

They had always had a good relationship over the years and had a lot to talk about whenever they met.

He couldn’t help but recall the last time they met.

It was during another visit to the aquarium with Zendaya when Whitney had sought him out.

“Mr. Newton, I may not be able to continue working in Chanaea,” she had said hesitantly. “I’m alreadytwenty-seven years old, and my family has been urging me to get married. I’m afraid I might have to goback and participate in arranged blind dates.”

Charles smiled and replied, “Going back might be a good idea. Find love, get married, and live happily.Just make sure to keep your eyes open during the matchmaking process and beware of meeting anyundesirable men who might waste your life away.”

Whitney chuckled. “Where can I replace someone as wonderful as you, Mr. Newton?”

“I’m not all that great,” he replied modestly, “but if I had a sweet and adorable daughter like Zendaya,I’d strive to be the best father I could be.”

He continued saying, “Good luck with your blind dates. I’ll be going on one myself in a few days. It’sabout time for me to settle down too.”

Whitney’s face had visibly paled at his words. “You’re going on a blind date? With whom?”

“With Jessamyn Cloud, the daughter of the Cloud family,” he had replied nonchalantly.