CHAPTER 662

Gwendolyn remained silent as she observed him.

Channing let out a sigh, his expression filled with a mixture of sorrow and helplessness.

Even though he was the boss of the black market, he still had to abide by his wife’s strict rules after becoming a parent. He confessed, “To be honest, Mrs. Jenson, my wife is incredibly strict and fierce. Ever since we had a child, she has forbidden me from drinking or smoking. I’d be in big trouble if she ever found out. But given the nature of my work, it’s inevitable that I indulge in these vices while entertaining guests. So I can only do it in secret, always having to take a bath outside before returning home to rid myself of any lingering odors.”

He laughed awkwardly, though a glimmer of appreciation gleamed in his eyes.

Despite his complaints, it was evident that he felt blessed to have a wife who cared for his well-being.

Gwendolyn couldn’t help but be reminded of Cedrick, whom she had also forbidden from smoking and consuming alcohol to safeguard their baby’s health.

She couldn’t help but wonder if Cedrick had been drinking alcohol and smoking behind her back.

However, she quickly dismissed the thought with a smile, knowing that Cedrick would never dare defy her.

Compared to Channing, he was much more honest and deeply committed to their family.

Gwendolyn pushed aside her musings and responded with a warm smile, “Yes, I understand the challenges of balancing work and family, Mr. Kron. One can never be too careful when there’s a baby at home.”

Channing wasn’t certain if Gwendolyn had fully bought into his story, but he proceeded to show her photos of his child on his phone. “Mrs. Jenson, I truly didn’t mean any harm to your child by resorting to such extreme measures. I only did it out of desperation. Please believe me.”

Gwendolyn accepted his phone and began scrolling through the gallery, seeing pictures of Channing’s family as well as intimate moments between him and his child.

She proceeded to tap on the top right corner of the screen to view the photo details and confirmed that they were recent and unaltered.

“All right, I believe you, Mr. Kron.”

Just as Gwendolyn finished speaking, the dogs outside the villa began barking furiously.

Surprised, she asked, “Do you have dogs?”

Channing was equally taken aback. “No, this is a private villa located in the woods. My wife and I only visit occasionally during the summer or vacations. We don’t even have a caretaker, let alone dogs here.”

Realization dawned on Gwendolyn, causing her face to pale. “Oh no, it must be my husband.”

Channing’s face mirrored her worry. “Mr. Jenson? His dog sounds aggressive. I hope he isn’t here to tear the villa down.”

Without wasting another moment, Gwendolyn swiftly rose from her seat and made her way to the door, with Channing and his suited bodyguards following closely behind.

She peered through the metal grille across the garden and saw Cedrick, whose face was filled with anger.

Contrary to his typical military attire, he appeared clean and well-groomed in a casual and simple outfit.

The four bodyguards who had been stationed at the entrance of Channing’s villa now lay defeated, their hands cuffed, as they turned to Channing for assistance. “They were too fast, Mr. Kron. We didn’t stand a chance. They took us down in just a few moves…”

“I can see that,” Channing sneered, leaving his bodyguards at a loss for words.

He then directed a look at his bodyguards and stated, “It’s an honor to have Mr. Jenson visit us. Open the gates immediately.”

As the metal gates swung open, Gwendolyn swiftly approached Cedrick, calling out, “Hubby!”

Cedrick anxiously scanned her to make sure she was unharmed.

“I’m fine. Mr. Kron simply wanted to collaborate with the military to uncover the mastermind behind the milk powder case. Unfortunately, his methods were a bit too extreme,” Gwendolyn explained.

Cedrick remained silent, clearly displeased with her putting herself at risk.

“You’re quite quick, Mr. Jenson. I was just about to call you after explaining the situation to Mrs. Jenson. Would you like to join us for tea?” Channing offered.

Cedrick’s gaze darkened as he held onto Gwendolyn’s hand tightly, seeking comfort and security in her presence and the warmth of her touch.

Without a word, he walked into the villa with Gwendolyn in tow, signaling his acceptance of Channing’s invitation.

Channing promptly followed them into the villa and instinctively chose a seat on the side, leaving the main seats for Gwendolyn and Cedrick.

One of his bodyguards tactfully served each of them a cup of tea before discreetly escorting the remaining bodyguards out of the hall. This left Gwendolyn, Channing, and Cedrick alone to discuss matters.

Once they were alone, Cedrick lifted his cup of tea and took a sip, sampling the tea from Channing’s villa.

Channing smiled and remarked, “This is the latest batch of Earl Grey for the year. The taste might not be as exceptional since the housekeepers aren’t here to prepare it, and the bodyguards might not be as familiar with the brewing process. I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Jenson.”

Cedrick remained silent, his expression unreadable, leaving Channing unsure of his thoughts and emotions. He couldn’t help but wonder if Cedrick was angry, upset, or perhaps simply disinterested in the current situation.

In an effort to lighten the mood, Channing reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a box of fine cigars. “Would you care for one, Mr. Jenson?” he asked, offering the box to Cedrick.

Cedrick shook his head without any hesitation whatsoever. “My wife forbids me from smoking. She’s quite strict about it.”

Channing turned to Gwendolyn, a knowing smile on his face. “Ah, so you’re just as the rumors describe, a devoted husband who adores his wife.”

Cedrick’s frown deepened as he maintained a stern expression.

Channing quickly clarified, “Please don’t misunderstand, Mr. Jenson. I am not mocking you in any way.” He lightly patted his chest and spoke with affection in his voice. “I, too, am a devoted husband who follows my wife’s instructions without question.”

Cedrick sensed the sincerity in Channing’s words during their brief exchange, realizing he wasn’t just trying to flatter him.

He also found Channing’s demeanor quite endearing, appreciating the rare occurrence of encountering such a carefree attitude, especially from someone in Channing’s position in the underworld.

Cedrick’s expression softened at that, and he cut straight to the chase. “Gwenny mentioned that you’re interested in a collaboration. How do you propose we go about it? Please, do share your thoughts.”

Channing repeated everything he had discussed with Gwendolyn moments ago.

“The mastermind behind this is likely someone from the underworld. I believe you have your suspects, Mr. Jenson. Given my understanding of the workings of the underworld, I can utilize my connections and engage in gray area business to establish communication with your suspect. We can even form a partnership for a seamless operation if and when required.”

Cedrick remained silent; while Gwendolyn carefully considered the proposition.

Channing patiently waited for them to make a decision, recognizing the need to allow them time to weigh their options.

After a while, Cedrick finally broke the silence in the mansion’s hall. “So, if I understand correctly, you’re suggesting a methodical approach to gradually weed out those who are not involved?”

Channing smiled. “Indeed, Mr. Jenson. To be honest, besides the urgency of uncovering the mastermind behind the milk powder case, I also have my adversaries that I wish to eliminate.”

Cedrick idly fiddled with the teacup in his hand, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re quite direct, I must say.”

“There’s no point in hiding it from you, considering your longstanding role in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. So, I’ll be upfront and admit that I have ulterior motives as well.”

Cedrick remained silent, deep in thought, while Gwendolyn, who had been listening intently, interjected, “I think opting for the long-term approach is too dangerous. There are too many variables beyond our control. Our children are still young and vulnerable. They are our Achilles’ heel. Without knowing who our enemies are, we would be overwhelmed when they strike.”

Frowning, Cedrick remained silent.

“So, Mrs. Jenson, what do you think we should do?” Channing inquired.

A smile tugged at Gwendolyn’s lips as she chuckled. “Since I’ve been kidnapped, let’s play along. We can spread the word that you kidnapped me to settle a score with Cedrick, and that you have plans to kidnap our child as well…”

Gwendolyn spoke earnestly, carefully weighing her options while Channing listened attentively, nodding in agreement when he found her ideas compelling.

Cedrick, however, maintained a deep frown, his displeasure and anger evident.

“This is a rough outline of my proposal. There may be loopholes, so please feel free to provide input,” Gwendolyn concluded.

Channing carefully observed Cedrick’s reaction as Gwendolyn presented her proposal. “But… the thing is, you will be put in harm’s way if we proceed with this plan to expedite the resolution. We cannot underestimate the dangers of dealing with the underworld. And if any harm were to befall you…” : text © owner.

Channing’s voice trailed off as he stole another glance at Cedrick. “Mr. Jenson would be worried sick.”

Gwendolyn followed Channing’s gaze, her eyes landing on Cedrick whose expression was grim.

She was left momentarily speechless as the weight of the situation sank in.