The Ex and Her Riches
Chapter 282

Chapter 282

Chapter 282 Cedrick Is Playing With Fire

+15 Bonus

Inside the minimalistic black–and–white study, Cedrick accepted Nico’s cigarette and promptly held itunder his nose to smell it.

If someone else had done the same thing, chances were they’d look rather creepy and repulsive.

Cedrick, however, did it with such effortless elegance that it seemed like he was enjoying a glass ofchampagne.

After inhaling the tobacco fragrance for almost a minute, he tossed the cigarette into the trash canwithout hesitation.

Nico, who had already prepared his lighter, widened his eyes in shock when he saw the unlit cigarettebeing thrown away.

“Boss… Aren’t you going to smoke it?”

Cedrick put his hand to his forehead and sighed. “If I do, the cigarette smell will linger on my clothesand around the study. Given how sharp she is, I won’t be able to hide it from her. Besides, smokingisn’t healthy… Taking a whiff of the tobacco is good enough.”

Upon hearing that, Nico nodded thoughtfully.

“By the way, remember to take the trash out when you leave.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Whether it was a form of self–consolation or not, Cedrick had to admit he felt much better after smellingthe cigarette.

Say, this method is ingenious! Not only do I get a kick out of it, but I can also easily hide it fromGwendolyn. I should do this more often!

“This cigarette brand smells pretty good. Nico, buy a few packs for me when you’re free this afternoonand hide them in one of the drawers.”

“In the villa?” Nico replied, mouth agape as he drew a sharp breath. “You sure are gutsy, Boss! You’reknowingly breaking the law on Ms. Gwendolyn’s doorstep!”

My goodness… He’s playing with fire!

Cedrick calmly rubbed his temples. “Gwenny’s busy in the day and doesn’t look through the drawersmuch when she’s home. Just stash the cigarettes away in a secluded corner. She won’t replace them.”

Nico, however, remained doubtful. Really? That doesn’t sound right… Wait a minute. Is Boss remindingme that he’s a masochist and is intentionally looking for ways to be punished? Is he feeling restlessbecause it’s been a while since Ms. Gwendolyn disciplined him? Yes, come to think of it, I stillremember how I got a pay raise when Boss got beaten up the last time…

With that thought in mind, Nico couldn’t help but sigh internally. Well, it’s not like I can ask Boss toclarify… There’s no way a proud, distinguished man like him will ever admit to being a masochist. Thenagain, if this is what he likes, I’ll do my best to help him! That’s what loyalty’s all about!

Realizing Nico had yet to answer him, Cedrick turned to him with a raised eyebrow, “Have I not mademyself clear enough?”

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Chapter 282 Cedrick Is Playing With Fire

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Nico nodded vigorously. Ah! I saw the way Boss quirked his brows. That must be his way of telling meto take his

hint!

“Don’t worry, Boss! As long as you like it, I won’t disappoint you! However… Are you sure you’vethought it through?” the man said. What if Ms. Gwendolyn gets out of control with the beating, andBoss can’t endure the pain? Gosh… I can’t stop worrying.

Cedrick, on the other hand, was baffled and merely glared at Nico.

“Okay! I got it! I’ll get it done right away!” the latter blurted out before leaving the study and closing thedoor behind him.

Cedrick stared at the door, a thousand questions running through his mind.

What’s wrong with Nico today? Why do I have this bad feeling?

Meanwhile, Jennifer had been busy shooting a new show recently.

It was a female–centric, coming–of–age period drama that boasted an excellent script and a famousdirector at its helm.

Jennifer had clinched the lead actress role with Treyton’s help, and if she could make the most of theopportunity, she’d undoubtedly stand a chance to win at the end–of–year awards show.

Needless to say, Gwendolyn was happy for her friend and decided to visit her at the filming location inSalinsburgh later that afternoon.

By the time she arrived on set, Jennifer was in the midst of her break.

Still dressed in her gorgeous period costume, the latter smiled brightly and waved at Gwendolyn, herbracelets jingling as she did.

Without further ado, Gwendolyn returned the smile and walked over to join her friend.

Before long, the two women had settled into a comfortable conversation.

“Ah. I just remembered something!” Jennifer suddenly exclaimed. “This morning, Papilio Girls receivedan invitation to Ms. Ferguson’s birthday party. The Ferguson family wants us to put on a fewperformances then. Are you aware of this, Gwendolyn?”

Gwendolyn furrowed her brows. “This morning, huh? Your manager has yet to inform me about it.”

Upon hearing that, Jennifer sat deep in thought. “Knowing Eloise’s character, going to the Fergusonresidence would be like entering the beast’s lair. What do you think?”

“Eloise is a snob who has always looked down on those who work in the entertainment industry. Thefact that she has taken the initiative to invite you guys to her party can only mean she’s targeting you.”

Jennifer instantly lowered her head and fell silent, prompting Gwendolyn to give her a reassuring pat onher shoulder.

“Don’t worry. There’s no harm checking it out,” the latter comforted. “Treyton and I will protect you.”

“Yes, I know. I trust you.”

Gwendolyn smiled, but there was a wicked glint in her eyes as she thought of Eloise. “It’s been a while

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since I had some fun… If Eloise has the guts to stir up trouble at her party, I’ll return the favor byturning the Ferguson family upside down!”

Jennifer stared intently at Gwendolyn, too mesmerized by the fire in the latter’s eyes to look away.

Just then, Gwendolyn snapped out of her reverie and thought of the situation between Jennifer andTreyton. “Tell me the truth, Jennifer. Do you really like Treyton? Do you truly want to be with him?”

After recalling her agreement with Treyton, Jennifer lowered her gaze and nodded. “I’ll do what hesays. If he gives up on us in the future, I’ll follow suit.”

Gwendolyn said nothing more as she sighed.

Dad has always been very strict about us replaceing a suitable partner of similar social status. I rememberhow mad he was when I married “Maverick” back in Fairlake, but since he dotes on me the most, heeventually let the matter slide. That said, what if he replaces out about Treyton and Jennifer? Will Treytonget a free pass like I did?

After a long day at work, Gwendolyn finally returned to the villa.

Cedrick’s custom–made address stone had already been delivered and placed in the garden, thewords “Harrick Villa” engraved on it.

Feeling warm and fuzzy in her heart, Gwendolyn instinctively picked up the pace as she strode to thedoor.

She hadn’t seen Cedrick the entire day and was starting to miss him.

The second Gwendolyn opened the door, a strapping figure pulled her into an embrace and rested hischin on her shoulder before she could even register what was happening.

“I missed you, Gwenny…” the man uttered, his voice deep and soothing.

Touched by the gesture, Gwendolyn gently caressed and patted his back. “In that case, I shall take aday off tomorrow and stay home with you. How does that sound?”

Cedrick smiled. “That sounds perfect.”

It’d be even better if I could hold her to sleep, but I shall be content with what I can get.

After dinner, the alarm rang, which meant it was time for Cedrick to take his medicines.

Gwendolyn went downstairs to fetch him a glass of water and prepare his medication as prescribed,carefully going through the pile of boxes in the cabinet and taking out the right pills.

All of a sudden, she caught sight of a slightly ajar drawer at the bottom.

Gwendolyn frowned.

There was something inside, but it wasn’t something she recognized.

Curious, she opened the drawer.

Huh? Cigarettes?