The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

“Who are you looking for?”

The man’s voice over the phone sounded raspy and unpleasant.

As Cedrick listened to the man’s voice, memories of Joe’s face from their younger days and the shared experiences

of training together came flooding back.

During their training, Cedrick and Joe, along with their fellow trainees, learned a few voice modulation techniques.

“Joe, is that you?” Cedrick inquired, though deep down, he was already certain of the answer.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a light chuckle. “Looks like I’ve

underestimated you, Mr. Jenson. I’m impressed that you were able to figure that out. That explains why you’re still

at the helm of the Federal Bureau of Investigation after so many years.”

Cedrick, not interested in pleasantries, got straight to the point. “Where’s my wife? Release her immediately. If you

have any demands, speak to me directly,” he demanded.

The man sneered, his voice hoarse and tinged with mockery. “I’ve always thought you had a heart of stone, but it

seems you love your wife deeply. Tell me, are you willing to give up your life if I want you dead?”

Cedrick remained silent for a moment, contemplating his response carefully. When he spoke again, his tone was

serious and unwavering. “If you release Gwendolyn and guarantee her safe return, you will witness news of my self-

inflicted gunshot the next day.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“We’ve known each other for years, and you know I’m a man of my word. If you don’t trust me, I can write a will.”

Cedrick spoke calmly as if discussing something trivial.

However, Cedrick’s serious words seemed to have the opposite effect, further enraging the man on the other end

of the line.

The man’s voice grew even more venomous as he reminded Cedrick of a past tragedy. “Cedrick Jenson, have you

forgotten about the girl who died for you? You were heartless back then, and now you’re claiming to be a perfect

husband, willing to sacrifice your life. Do you think I would let you off so easily?”

Cedrick’s face turned pale as Joe’s words unearthed haunting memories from his troubled past.

“Why aren’t you talking? Do you believe that after all these years, you can sit comfortably at the Federal Bureau of

Investigation, pretending to be a devoted husband without any guilt?” Joe’s voice dripped with bitterness as he

gritted his teeth.

His hatred toward Cedrick was evident.

Nevertheless, Cedrick remained expressionless, refusing to be swayed by the man’s accusations. “I don’t feel guilty.

I haven’t done anything wrong to her.”

The “her” mentioned in their conversation was the girl whom Joe had asserted had died because of Cedrick.

“Cedrick Jenson!” The man’s voice turned even more menacing, reminiscent of a wild beast’s growl or a lurking

predator’s hiss, thoroughly provoked. “After all these years, you’re still the same heartless man you used to be.

Since you’re so capable, find your wife on your own. But let me remind you, I’ve been treating your wife kindly

lately. Nevertheless, in the next two days, you can expect a little surprise gift from me. Perhaps her ring finger or

her delicate pinky?”

As a chilling chuckle emanated from the other end of the phone, Cedrick’s grip on the receiver tightened. “Joe

Landon, if you dare to lay your finger on her, I’ll make your life a living hell.”

Joe dismissed Cedrick’s threat with indifference. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve been living in a state

worse than death for a long time,” he replied callously. “But it would be quite a treat if I could make you and your

wife suffer together.”

As the intense conversation between Cedrick and Joe continued, Swain proactively traced and analyzed the signal

locations.

Cedrick utilized a specialized communication device—a surveillance mobile phone equipped with advanced

technology—to facilitate his communication and ensure security during the sensitive exchange.

Completely unaware of the state-of-the-art technology used in investigations, Joe remained oblivious to the fact

that all the information from his phone was being encrypted and uploaded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s

cloud database the moment the call connected.

Cedrick would occasionally glance at Swain, who remained fully focused on the computer screen as he deftly

manipulated complex codes.

Unaware that he was being monitored, Joe continued his conversation with Cedrick. “Cedrick, we’ve been friends

for years. I might consider letting your wife go if you admit to your past mistakes. Kneel before Eryn’s grave for

three days and three nights, and I’ll ensure your wife’s safe return,” he proposed.

Swain, who could hear their conversation, decisively shook his head. He knew that dealing with Joe, who had been

on the run for many years, would be no easy task.

The latter possessed exceptional skills in disguise and had a highly deceptive personality.

Coupled with the fact that many things could happen in three days, who could be certain of the dangers Gwendolyn

might encounter during that time?

Besides, Cedrick had already maintained his innocence regarding the past events Joe mentioned, so there was no

reason for him to falsely admit wrongdoing and perform such an unusual task as guarding a grave.

Amidst the tense exchange, Cedrick chose to remain silent, seemingly deep in contemplation about his next move.

Joe did not press him further. “Take your time to think it over. If you don’t call me by this time tomorrow, be

prepared to receive a gift from me,” he warned ominously before abruptly ending the call.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Swain immediately leaned in. “Boss, what’s the plan?”

Cedrick’s gaze remained fixed on the blue screen of Swain’s coding, his eyes narrowing sharply as he focused his

determination. “We’re not at his mercy. I’m in control of the situation,” he declared firmly. “We still have twenty-

four hours, so let’s use the remaining time to track him down.”

“All right!” Swain responded, fully immersing himself in the realm of hacking technology.

It took him a few hours to finally establish a connection with the tracking system on Joe’s mobile phone.

By late afternoon, the displayed location on Swain’s screen indicated that Joe was still in Quawak.

A frown etched itself on Cedrick’s countenance as he fell into deep thought.

He had led his team to search every nook and cranny of Quawak a couple of days ago, but their efforts were futile,

as there were no signs of Gwendolyn or Joe.

As he mulled over the situation, a thought popped into his mind: perhaps Joe had never left the area in the first

place.

Cedrick meticulously recalled the footage of the search operation in his mind, and he started to notice something

peculiar.

“He was the old fisherman by the creek in Quawak. He cleverly concealed his scent with dried fish and adopted a

hunched posture to disguise himself,” Cedrick muttered, finally piecing together the puzzle.

“Given that, let’s move out right away to catch him. We might have a good chance to rescue Mrs. Jenson tonight!”

Swain exclaimed eagerly.

Cedrick swiftly walked over to the corner where the coat rack stood, removed his military coat, and put it on.

“Inform Team Four and Team Ten to prepare and assemble in fifteen minutes. We’re heading to Quawak

immediately,” he commanded.

“Yes, sir!”

To avoid drawing attention and arousing suspicion, Cedrick divided the teams into ten vehicles, departing from two

different side exits. They opted for a longer route to reach Quawak discreetly.

Just five minutes after their departure, Charles arrived at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, only to be informed

by the guards that Cedrick was not there.

Unable to reach him by phone, Charles decided to call Nico instead. “Where’s Cedrick? I’ve something important to

discuss with him. I’ve located the specific location where Gwendolyn might be—”

“Mr. Jenson has already gone to rescue Mrs. Jenson. We should have an outcome by this evening,” Nico interjected.

“Where did he go?”

After careful consideration, Nico decided to trust Charles, given the latter’s consistent reliability over the years, and

revealed, “He went to Quawak.”

Charles’ stern expression deepened.

Quawak? Why?

The hacked information revealed a location different from the one Cedrick had discovered through the Federal

Bureau of Investigation.

Was the information I received incorrect, or did something go wrong with Cedrick’s investigation?