Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena knew this side of Everett all too well. There was a time when he brushed off love like it was nothing, treating her with a coldness that she would rather forget. Yet here it was, rearing its head again, maybe even more fiercely than before.

If Everett hadn't risked everything to save her over a year ago, revealing the depth of his feelings, she might not be feeling so crushed now. Even though she understood the reasons behind his actions, emotions aren't easily turned off. She was genuinely hurt.

Tears welled up in Selena's eyes as she looked down, not wanting him to see. But her clenched fists and stiff posture gave her away. Seeing her tears made Everett's brow crease ever so slightly, but he quickly masked it. He hated seeing

her cry.

Still, he pressed on, "We had a long marriage once. Maybe I did love you, but now, there's nothing left."

"And since we divorced over a year ago, I don't think I owe you any explanations about my feelings, do I?"

His words cut deep, but Selena couldn't argue. They were the truth. Everett poured himself a cup of coffee, sipping slowly, giving her time to take it all in.

After a moment, noticing Selena had stopped crying, he set his cup down. "Think about the kids. I hope we can sort this out peacefully. After all, you're their mother, and I want to give you some respect."

His tone was calm, but his meaning was clear. If she didn't play ball, he wouldn't hold back. With his tough approach, any fight could turn into a storm.

Selena took a few deep breaths. When she looked up again, her emotions were steadied. She didn't outright refuse but said softly, "I won't interfere with the kids' choices. Just like before, you can ask them yourself. If Mateo wants to go with you, I won't stop him."

Even though she knew deep down, his interest in the children had changed. Before, he used the kids as a way to pull her back, his love for them was real. This time, he was after his son from the get-go and had barely glanced at Haley:

He wanted an heir for the Bennett family, not his children. So he wasn't bothered about Haley, just because she was a girl. He forgot how much he once wanted a daughter, how eagerly he awaited Haley's arrival. He remembered everything but the love he had for them.

Everett raised an eyebrow slightly. He thought Selena would put up a fight, refuse point-blank, but she

surprisingly direct. It seemed was

wasn't as attached to the kids as he remembered. A smirk tugged at his lips.

Her cooperation saved him a lot of hassle. "Fine."noveldrama

Everett stood up and walked out. Selena leaned back in her chair, lost in her thoughts for ages...

In the living room, brother and sister were snuggled up on the sofa, watching cartoons. Everett walked over to Mateo, looking down at him.

"Mateo, do you want to come live with me?"

Mateo blinked, a bit thrown off, and turned to his mom, who had just come in, looking at her with pleading eyes, as if asking what to say.

Selena stepped forward, and Everett gave her a sideways glance. Her eyes were red, her nose was red, and tears still clung to her long lashes—she'd been crying again.