The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Whitney unconsciously tightened her grip around his neck as her cheeks blushed.

She felt a sense of joy as he naturally referred to her as his wife.

The experience was both real and dreamy.

Manuel was the first to snap out of his daze among the three people. “That’s wonderful! Congratulations, Mr.

Newton! Congratulations, Whit—Wait, that’s not it. I meant Ms. Mel—Mrs. Newton!”

Haisley glared at Whitney, who was in Charles’ embrace. Her heart clenched from intense envy, and her mind went

blank from anger.

In her eyes, Whitney was no better than her. In fact, Whitney’s educational background was worse than hers. The

former’s only redeeming qualities were probably her beauty and good figure.

Yet, Charles chose to marry Whitney.

Before long, Haisley noticed something was off. “I don’t believe it! If that’s really the case, why didn’t she say so

when I asked her before this? Even she herself claimed she was your personal maid.”

Charles explained, “During the first two days of our marriage, I upset her, so she was messing with me. It’s how we

spice up our marriage. Do you think you have a say in this?”

Haisley couldn’t find a suitable retort to that.

Laura’s cries grew louder as a wave of despair and remorse engulfed her. “If only I had known that Whitney was

Mrs. Newton, I would have never singled her out with Haisley. I’ve learned from my mistake!”

Charles was tired of listening to their noisy complaints. He carried Whitney into the villa and said, “Manuel, punish

them with the maximum penalty according to the contract. Plus, order them to pack up their things and leave the

Newton residence tonight. I don’t want to see them again after this.”

“Yes, sir. Don’t worry.”

Charles left while carrying Whitney in his arms without sparing another backward glance at both sobbing women.

Whitney quietly nestled in his embrace. Occasionally, she would lift her head to peek at him. It feels great to be

protected by him! How wonderful it’ll be if he continues to be nice like this!

Whitney tentatively reached out and gently pinched Charles’ soft cheek to confirm if he was real.

Charles lowered his gaze. “What are you doing?”

“Mr. Newton’s female disguise… is so convincing. I almost believed you were a woman.”

Charles arched his brow coldly. “Do I look pretty?”

“Of course!” Whitney nodded seriously. “If I were a man, I’d definitely fall for you. You’re gorgeous and even more

good-looking than me when seen from far away.”

Charles snickered. “You’re making it sound like I’m not handsome when dressed as a man and that you prefer me

in a female disguise.”

Whitney’s cheeks flushed again.

I’ve fallen for the original male version of him since a long time ago. In fact, I’m head over heels in love with him.

“You look very handsome and dignified when clad in a suit and leather shoes, like a sacred prince.”

Although Charles had grown accustomed to receiving compliments all the time, being praised by his “wife” still

made him feel proud.

“That’s because you’d never seen me dressed in my military uniform. I look much better in my military uniform

than in suit and leather shoes.”

He earned the nickname “Adonis in uniform” during his time at the Central Intelligence Agency because of his

captivating looks while wearing military attire. The combination of his exquisitely chiseled face and his military

uniform made him incomparably handsome.

“I hope I get the chance to see you in your military uniform in the future, Mr. Newton.” Whitney’s anticipation was

genuine.

“Why don’t you wear it anymore then?” she asked.

Unexpectedly, her casual question soured his mood, causing his expression to turn frosty.

Whitney wondered if she’d touched on a sensitive topic when Charles set her down on the second-floor landing with

a grim look.

Perplexed by his sudden action, she asked, “Have I said something wrong, Mr. Newton?”

He didn’t answer her and replied coldly, “Go and get changed in your room. Choose something plain, then come to

the dining room for a meal with us.”

With that, he turned around and went to the small study upstairs to resume his work.

She stared at his back and felt terror clenching her heart when she recalled his icy gaze.

It seems I don’t understand Charles’ past well enough. I have to find a chance to ask Manuel about it, in case I

upset him by saying something I shouldn’t. However, I can’t deny that he really does look beautiful when dressed as

a woman. Up close, his Adam’s apple might seem more pronounced than a woman’s, but he still looks… hot.

She smacked herself on the forehead to stop herself from fantasizing about the man and went into her room to

change her clothes.

The news of Charles defending Whitney in public, disciplining Haisley and Laura, dismissing the two from their

positions, and declaring Whitney as Mrs. Newton had spread rapidly throughout the entire Newton residence in less

than an hour.

Everyone in the Newton residence caught wind of it except for Lucas, who had just returned home.

During dinner, Jasmine stared at Whitney, smiling from ear to ear, as if she had seen through everything long ago.

Plates of exquisite-looking dishes spread across the long, white table. However, since Charles didn’t pick up his

cutlery, the rest kept their hands to themselves and sat cautiously.

When Lucas’ favorite dish, cheesy mashed potatoes, was set on the table, he immediately said, “Charles, what big

news are you planning to announce? Hurry up and say it, or the food will get cold. I’m already famished.”

“In that case, let’s dig in first. It’s something about our family, so we can just keep things casual.” Charles picked up

his spoon and took a sip of soup.

“In that case, let’s dig in first. It’s something about our family, so we can just keep things casual.” Charles picked up

his spoon and took a sip of soup.

Seeing he finally dug in, Jasmine and Lucas picked up their cutleries and began eating too.

It was Whitney’s first time attending such an extravagant dinner, so she wasn’t entirely clear about the rules. She

kept her gaze fixed on Charles and followed his lead, observing which hand he used to hold the spoon and whether

he picked up the bowl to drink the soup, mimicking his every move.

When the atmosphere in the dining hall turned somewhat relaxed and Whitney was more at ease, Charles abruptly

started, “The news I’m about to share tonight is a personal matter of mine—I’m married.”

Cough!

Lucas was so surprised that he almost spewed the soup in his mouth. He quickly dabbed his lips with a napkin and

asked a series of questions in shock, “You’re married? When did this happen? Why didn’t I hear about it before?

Who are you married to?”

Jasmine suppressed her laughter, her eyes playfully darting between Whitney and Lucas. “Come on, Lucas, can’t

you put two and two together? Mrs. Newton is right here in front of you!”

Only then did Lucas direct his gaze to Whitney, who had been trying to diminish her existence.

Whitney flashed him a bashful yet polite smile.

“Isn’t she… your…” Personal maid?

Charles explained, “The morning after I brought Whitney back to the Newton residence, we went straight to the

Civil Affairs Bureau to register our marriage. I kept it a secret from all of you because it was a hasty decision. Now

that our relationship has settled down, I thought it was time to inform everyone.”

Lucas nodded understandingly. “This is great news! Congratulations, Whitney! The Newton family is now your

family. Treat this place as your new home, and consider us your family members. If you encounter any difficulties,

you can always approach Manuel and the housekeepers for assistance. And if you have any doubts or questions,

feel free to ask me.”

He smiled amicably at her.

“Thank you, Lucas.” Whitney appreciated the welcoming atmosphere within the Newton family. Without restrictions

from their elders, the youngsters were very easygoing and approachable.

Unfortunately, she knew that such a warm and welcoming family wouldn’t be a part of her life for long.

Melancholy flashed across her eyes at the thought before she buried her head in her food.

Lucas noticed the look in her eyes and asked, “Charles, when are you planning to hold the wedding since you’ve

already registered your marriage? We can’t treat her poorly after she’s married into our family, right? She

deserves a grand wedding!”