The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

“Aren’t you going to ask me anything about the wedding?” Cedrick whined begrudgingly.

Gwendolyn turned toward him and cupped his face before gently kissing his well-shaped lips. “Didn’t you say you

wanted it to be a big surprise? Me interfering would foil your plans for sure.”

Gwendolyn was right, but he still wasn’t happy with how little time she spent with him while she was occupied with

work all day.

Gwendolyn explained to him patiently, “I’ve recently invested in a new drama which I have high hopes for. Since

today is the opening ceremony, I need to be present due to my role as an investor. I’ll keep you company once I’m

back at night. All right, Ceddy?”

She ran her hands over his face and planted butterfly kisses over his forehead, brows, the tip of his nose, and lips.

Cedrick knew how important Gwendolyn’s career was to her and could only remind her, “Be careful. Remember not

to wear high heels and always stay warm. Also, don’t drink and—”

“All right, all right. I heard you.”

Cedrick had been repeating the exact phrases for the past few days whenever Gwendolyn left for work. She had

them memorized down to a tee by now.

She replied perfunctorily and dashed out of the Jenson residence after putting on her shoes.

Cedrick stared broodingly after her as she vanished at the corner of the garden wall.

Nico arrived shortly after Gwendolyn left.

However, his expression was solemn this time around.

Cedrick detected the change in his mood. “What happened?”

“Cedrick, Eloise has disappeared from prison in the same way that Natasha escaped previously.”

Cedrick’s face turned somber.

“Have you conducted an investigation yet?”

“Yes, but it was clean work. There weren’t any traces of evidence left behind.”

Cedrick sat on the couch and perused the documents Nico delivered.

Nico inferred, “Could Mr. Craig be behind this? After all, he’s privy to Charles splashing the biochemical serum.

However, if this were proven true, it indicated he had a hand in Natasha’s incident.”

A group of perpetrators and not an individual had antagonized Gwendolyn then.

The ones that had been sniffed out were Hector, Lane, and their families, as well as Charles.

Cedrick frowned as his gaze hardened.

Regardless of Craig’s involvement in the incident, he always felt there was still a culprit who was really powerful

that the Harris family did not catch.

“Continue investigating. After all, we’re not in Fairlake, and the security in Salinsburgh is much tighter. There are

very few in Chanaea capable of committing such a feat besides Craig and Asher. We’ll get a lead sooner or later

once we’ve eliminated those few with military rank.”

“Okay, Cedrick. I’ll order my men to get to it.”

Nico was about to leave when Cedrick added, “Increase the number of personnel tasked to protect Gwenny in

secret. Ensure she’s safe outside and that not a single strand of her hair is disturbed. Otherwise, be ready to

receive punishment!”

“Of course, Cedrick. Rest assured that Gwendolyn’s safety is our topmost priority!”

“Good. You may go now.”

Nico left promptly to see to his duties.

Cedrick continued going through the information about Eloise’s disappearance alone on the couch.

It was evident that Gwendolyn was being targeted.

He hoped fervently that Gwendolyn’s opening ceremony would go by smoothly.

Gwendolyn rushed to the venue of the opening ceremony. She’d intentionally arrived fifteen minutes earlier before

it began.

This new drama was a mainstream historical drama with themes of empowerment.

It told the story of how a meek and humble daughter of an official achieved success in her business after her

divorce to become the number one billionaire in Bellridge.

The male lead used to be a cold-hearted individual that always took her for granted. However, he immediately

regretted his actions after their divorce and desperately groveled to win her back, resulting a series of entertaining

shenanigans.

Gwendolyn had taken a liking for the script at first glance as it gave her a sense of fondness stemming from a

sense of familiarity. Hence, she decisively invested in the show and became its biggest stakeholder.

Gwendolyn chose Jennifer as the female lead after she won the Best Actress Award, as it was a testament to her

outstanding acting skills.

Jennifer was dressed in costume as she hurried over to escort Gwendolyn once she got out of her car.

She took extra care of Gwendolyn’s safety now that she was pregnant.

Jennifer helped her to the lounge while waiting for the commencement of the opening ceremony, and both of them

struck up a conversation.

“Jennifer, I remember the Newton family saying they plan to hold a welcoming ceremony for you upon your return

from Erihal. How come I’ve not received an invitation after so long?”

Jennifer smiled without care. “I have no plans on returning to the Newton residence for the time being, so I turned

down Mr. Craig’s offer to hold a homecoming feast.”

“That won’t do.” Gwendolyn clung to her hand tightly. “As a daughter of the Newton family, you’ll be added to the

family register sooner or later. They’ll surely shower you with affection to make up for the years you were away.”

Jennifer hid the disappointment she felt. “But still, we have nothing in common besides being biologically related.

Only you and Trey are my true family.”

Everyone in the Newton family except for Craig despised her, especially Jasmine.

Jasmine used to be the only youngest daughter in the family before Jennifer was found. Jennifer’s return meant that

she’d be stealing all the attention from Jasmine as the Newton family attempted to make amends for the years

they’d spent apart.

Jasmine had been outwardly hostile with her the entire time she’d been at the Newton residence.

Moreover, she sensed there was more to the Newton family than what was being presented on the surface.

She was confident someone had attempted to strangle her to death when she entered her father’s study to steal

the photo. The entire experience was too realistic to have been a figment of her imagination.

It couldn’t have been a dream though Craig insisted that nothing had happened.

With that, she asked Gwendolyn, “Did you often play with Charles or Jasmine at the Newton residence back when

you were younger? If so, have you seen my mother before?”

Gwendolyn considered her question. “Only occasionally during charity galas hosted by the Newton family. She has

always been sick and seldom leaves the house but spends most of her time in her room.”

Jennifer was perplexed. “Has she always been like this even after so many years?”

“Indeed.” Gwendolyn nodded. “What’s the matter? I can look into it if you have any doubts.”

“Forget it. It’s too much of a hassle. I must be overthinking. If there’s something fishy going on, it’ll come to light

sooner or later anyway.”

They were in the midst of their conversation when the staff reminded them it was soon time for the opening

ceremony.

Jennifer put aside her concerns momentarily and tugged Gwendolyn along with her.

The opening ceremony was held below the ancient wall of Salinsburgh Movie Studio, as the show they were filming

was a period drama.xo.com fast update

The venue was decked beautifully and bustled with activity.

The director, producer, main cast, and the props department’s hundred-man crew entered the venue accordingly.

Their arrival signified that it was time for the ribbon-cutting.

Gwendolyn stood between the director and main producer due to her status as the biggest investor of the movie.

The staff presented each of them with a pair of tiny golden scissors on a tray.

They were surrounded by countless cameras and press that busied themselves with capturing shots of such a

meaningful event.

Before Gwendolyn could snip the ribbon, there was a sudden commotion from the side.

“Goodness, why is there someone standing on top of the wall? Are they going to jump?”