Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Even though each sentence seemed like a question, Selena spoke with absolute certainty. Her knack for analyzing things was sharp, and she rarely missed. Even without getting involved in the company's matters, she could see through Everett's recent busyness, the furrowed brow, and the stress weighing on him.

Most folks outside thought that with Josh out of the picture, Everett could finally relax, as if the entire Bennett family's fortune was now his for the taking. But that was far from the truth. Josh's exit marked a pivotal transition period. All eyes were on Everett, and in such critical times, he had to be extra cautious. One wrong move, blown out of proportion, could turn the tables.

Everett's eyes sparkled with a hint of admiration as they met hers. His Mrs. Bennett was certainly more than just a pretty face.

What a shame... He didn't need her to be smart right now. In fact, he caught himself wishing she were a bit more like Margot-simpler, more obedient, more his speed.

"Selena, there's no need to rile me up," Everett said with a cool demeanor. He yanked off his tie and tossed it onto the couch, then leisurely unbuttoned his shirt's top two buttons. "Even if your analysis is spot-on, what do you think you can really stir up from the palm of my hand?"

"Mrs. Bennett, I'd suggest you stop scheming unless you fancy living on a deserted island. Oh, you like company? I could always send your uncle and your dear brother to keep you company-how about that?"

She pressed his buttons, and he fired back at her vulnerabilities. Everett was just that kind of domineering, unreasonable jerk!

Selena's dark eyes locked onto his, burning with anger. Her eyes were red, but she refused to show weakness or let him see her tears. Even though her nose and eyes stung, she held her head high, determined not to let them fall.

Everett's gaze was steady, watching her intently. He prided himself on being a ruthless businessman, one who could claw his way to the top amid a pack of wolves to seize control of Bennett Corporation. Soft-hearted? Kind? Not a chance.

But now, seeing her eyes brimming with unshed tears, something inside him... softened.NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

He moved closer, knelt on one knee by the bed, and pulled her reluctant form into his embrace. His cool fingertips gently traced her cheek, tender yet ambiguous. He looked deeply into her eyes, promising with every word, "You want freedom, and I'll give it to you. Once you're expecting, you can come and go as you please. I won't hold you back!"

Selena's heart sank. She had guessed right; the jerk really was plotting this all along. Her eyes were filled with defiance as she struggled in his arms, desperate to put distance between them.

Yet he only held her tighter, his cheek nuzzling her shoulder with an unsettling intimacy. "Selena, you have to let me, a man who's made mistakes, have a chance to make it right."

He was talking about failing to protect Mateo. He thought they should be on the same page about this. He was reaching out for her empathy, hoping for her willing consent.

But Selena didn't give him the empathy or understanding he sought. She spoke near his ear, her tone almost mocking, "Everett, not every mistake earns forgiveness. You don't need to pretend to offer compensation. I don't want it!"

Pretending to be a good father,

showing regret-wasn't the child's

loss all because of his carefully laid plans? To push Margot's child to the forefront, he'd schemed tirelessly. And now he comes back with regrets-where was this remorse before?

Everett's brows suddenly knitted together. Why did it feel like there was more to her words than met the eye?