The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Meanwhile, Nico and Charles were still nearby. They heard the gunshot clearly and were already heading in the

direction where the bullet came from.

As a gentle breeze caressed the field, the wheat stalks swayed and produced a faint rustling sound.

Cedrick put his phone down and turned to look at Gwendolyn.

He felt as though it had been forever since he last gazed at her like this after ten days of separation. Her makeup-

free skin appeared delicate and fair, while the slight furrow of her eyebrows betrayed a touch of melancholy.

Cedrick couldn’t resist using the back of his hand to tenderly stroke her cheek. His eyes were brimming with deep

affection, and he had to gulp back the impulse to kiss her.

She doesn’t remember me anymore. I bet she’d beat me up if I kiss her.

As their eyes met, Gwendolyn quickly averted her gaze and avoided his touch.

“Mr. Jenson, whether or not we are husband and wife still needs to be verified. Please behave yourself,” she said.

I can’t believe he’s still trying to flirt with me at times like this.

Cedrick smiled, relaxed. “Don’t worry. The wheat field ahead of us acts as a cover. The shooter would probably be

fleeing right now instead of shooting blindly.”

Gazing at Gwendolyn’s lips, he gulped and controlled himself.

Instead of leaning over to kiss her, he joked, “I think I heard you showing concern for me just now, Gwenny. Did you

remember something?”

Gwendolyn looked away and snorted. “You’re overthinking. It’s just that everything happened so suddenly, and I

didn’t expect you to get hurt.”

“Ouch…” Cedrick suddenly grimaced in pain and clutched his injured arm, his body going limp.

Gwendolyn immediately asked, “Where does it hurt? Did the bullet injure your bone? Take off your clothes and let

me check.”

Subconsciously, she expressed concern for him, though she had tried so hard to conceal it.

The grimace on his face faded away, replaced by a smirk of satisfaction. “You’re so worried when I’m injured, yet

you claim not to remember me? Are you putting on an act? Are you still mad at me?” he taunted with a hint of

playfulness in his voice.

Gwendolyn was taken aback momentarily, and she quickly realized that he had tricked her.

As anger surged within her, she grabbed Cedrick’s collar and pulled him toward her.

Lifting her head, she playfully nipped at his Adam’s apple, leaving small bitemarks.

She smiled mischievously. “You’ve been taking advantage of me by pinning me on the ground. I should do

something to get even with you.”

With that, she raised her hand and pinched his firm buttocks.

“Mr. Jenson, your muscles feel pretty good to the touch. You must work out often. Seems like I’ve gone too easy on

you this morning. I should have kicked harder,” she teased, smiling impishly.

Cedrick replied, “I have been training with the military since a young age, so it’s only natural that my muscles are in

good shape. However, you kicked me pretty hard this morning. You’ve left bruises on my buttocks.”

Gwendolyn’s lashes fluttered, but she quickly scoffed and averted her gaze indifferently.

Four kicks for four cigarettes. That’s fair.

“Serves you right.”

She didn’t feel sorry for him at all. Instead, she thought she didn’t kick him hard enough, which was probably why

he allowed him to indulge himself for several days and completely disregarded his own well-being.

As Cedrick observed her expression, he noticed only a fleeting moment of astonishment on her face. There was no

hint of concern for him, and he couldn’t help but lower his head in disappointment.

“Did I overthink it? Have you really forgotten about me, Gwenny?”

Gwendolyn pushed him away and corrected him just like how she did yesterday. “No, Mr. Jenson. I don’t know you.”

After getting up into a squatting position and cautiously observing their surroundings, she decided to leave while

taking advantage of the cover provided by the wheat field.

“I’m sure the gunshot could be heard from the cottage, too. I’ll go back and check on Megan first.”

With that, she grabbed the basket filled with vegetables and skillfully maneuvered her way out of the field.

Cedrick watched her receding figure and sighed deeply as he raised his hand to touch his Adam’s apple, which felt

slightly sore.

Does she really not remember me? Even if she truly doesn’t remember me, her actions betrayed her. She didn’t

even blush when I, a supposed stranger to her, pinned her down in the field.

Dismissing those thoughts, Cedrick quickly got up and caught up with Gwendolyn.

Trusting Nico to go after the shooter, Cedrick decided that he needed to protect Gwendolyn first. He couldn’t lose

her again.

They both returned to the cottage, where Megan was already anxiously pacing in the courtyard.

As soon as she saw Gwendolyn approaching, she hurriedly went up and held her hand. “What’s going on? I just

heard gunshots. Are the two of you hurt?”

Gwendolyn shook her head as she replied, “Don’t worry, we’re fine. What about you, Megan? Did you see anyone

suspicious?”

“I was just feeding the chickens in the backyard. Nothing happened to me. There aren’t many residents in the

nearby mountains since most of them have moved to the city. No one suspicious will pass through here.”

Gwendolyn scanned the surroundings calmly. “Good to know you’re okay.”

Cedrick stood beside them and looked around for a while before walking over, asking Gwendolyn and Megan to

enter the house. He closed the door after the two of them got in.

When darkness descended over the space, Megan was startled. She switched on the lights and smacked the door

frantically, asking, “Mr. Jenson, what are you doing?”

Standing outside the door, Cedrick replied grimly, “There was a sniper in the mountains, and they were using an

advanced weapon. The two of you can’t protect yourselves, so it’s best for you to stay indoors. Don’t go anywhere

and wait until I finish dealing with the sniper. I will return to open the door for you.”

He then secured the door bolt and ensured it was tightly locked. Still worried, he added, “Megan, please take care

of Gwenny for me.”

“What? Mr. Jenson? Mr. Jenson!” When she received no response from the man, Megan was exasperated. “How can

he lock us in here?”

Gwendolyn, on the other hand, remained quite composed.

“Stray bullets can be very dangerous. What if there is more than one hidden sniper? I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Well… you’re right.” Megan sighed.

Gwendolyn gazed into Megan’s eyes and reassured her, “I’ve heard that all three of them are highly skilled military

personnel. I believe they will protect us. We just need to stay here and wait for a while.”

Gwendolyn had full confidence in Cedrick and Nico’s years of experience at the Federal Bureau of Investigation,

knowing they would handle the situation swiftly and efficiently. With them on the job, she felt reassured and knew

she wouldn’t have to worry at all.

Besides, she would rather take the opportunity to have a good chat with Megan than worry too much about the

hidden sniper.

Megan returned to the wooden couch and took a seat. Nervously, she interlocked her fingers.

Gwendolyn smiled in amusement upon seeing how anxious she looked. “It’s safer indoors. Why are you so nervous,

Megan?”

“I’m just worried about them, that’s all.” Megan chuckled. In her forties, she looked amicable when she smiled.

Gwendolyn sat down beside her and spoke gently. “It’s all thanks to you that I survived, Megan. I would’ve died

without you.”

Megan held Gwendolyn’s hand and patted the back of her hand. “Oh, that’s not a big deal. I’m used to living alone,

and your presence doesn’t trouble me at all. You made my days so much happier.”

Gwendolyn smiled faintly.

Megan continued, “But judging from your temperament and the way those three gentlemen treated you, I can tell

that you’re from a wealthy family. You have a home somewhere, and you can’t stay here with me.”

Pausing, she contemplated for a while and then said sincerely, “Over the past few days, I’ve noticed that both Mr.

Newton and Mr. Jenson genuinely care for you. Eventually, you’ll have to make a choice. If you do have a spouse

and children, you will still need to return to them.”

Gwendolyn didn’t answer and instead stared at Megan.

Why does it sound like she wants me to leave with the three men as soon as possible?