Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Ricky was clearly holding back, refusing to reply, and instead burst out, "Did you have to go and plead with Everett for me?" "Why would you say that? Plead? He's... my husband, so naturally, he's supposed to back me up."

"But you two are splitting up!" Ricky exclaimed, panic in his voice. "Selena, don't bow down to him for my sake. He's not worth it!" Selena shot back instantly, "Who said we're getting divorced? It's just a bit of drama. We are fine. Don't jump to conclusions." "But he..."

"Ricky! How many times have I thrown the word 'divorce' around? Was I ever serious? Or do you just want to see your cousin unhappy?"

Ricky was taken aback and momentarily at a loss for words, but his eyes didn't lose their defiant, doubtful look.

Taking in his stubborn expression, Selena gave him a playful smack on the head. "You little brat. I'm telling you, this needs to be sorted out today. Stop causing trouble with your self-righteousness!" Ricky's face went a bit pale.

Selena realized she might have been a bit harsh, but this kid was getting way too headstrong and fiercely protective. He wouldn't listen without some tough love.

Sure enough, after a while, he finally relented, lowering his head, "I'm sorry. I'll listen to you..."

Selena let out a soft sigh, turning her attention to the car window as they drove along.

Before long, they arrived at the Campbell Estate. Selena, with Ricky in tow, made their way inside.

She had expected Sydney to be a bit difficult despite Everett's influence. Maybe she wouldn't give them a hard time but certainly not rolled out the red carpet. To her surprise, Sydney was quite approachable.

Selena handed over a gift, which Sydney accepted with a smile, not even bothering to inspect it closely. When Ricky apologized, she graciously said that realizing one's mistake was what mattered. Her warm demeanor was a far cry from the stern woman who'd threatened to have Ricky thrown behind bars.

Selena, who had armed herself with a slew of arguments, realized they were all unnecessary.

A flicker of confusion flashed in her eyes.

So... was it the gift that worked its magic, or did Everett not only vouch for her but also pull some strings?

Ricky was just as puzzled; he hadn't forgotten how Sydney had harshly berated him at the hospital.

As Selena mulled it over, Sydney sipped her tea and smiled. "I didn't

realize, Mrs. Bennett, that you not only had such a close bond with Everetty but was also good pals with Callum. If I'd known, I wouldn't have..."

She paused. "Well, let's call it a family squabble that got washed away."

Callum?

Oh, right, Sydney was Callum's aunt, and the hurt Campbell boy she mentioned was his cousin! Selena finally connected the dots.

Callum must have vouched for her. As the heir to the Campbell family, his words carried considerable weight. Coupled with Everett's

chose to be accommodating

influence, it was no wonder Sydney

"This coffee was a gift from Callum. It's an excellent brew and very fragrant. You should try some," Sydney suggested. Selena took a sip, savoring the rich, sweet aftertaste that spoke of its quality. Her appreciation for Callum deepened. Everett was her husband by law, yet asking him for help always came with strings attached.

But Callum, someone she barely knew, had quietly taken care of things.

Truly, comparing people could be infuriating!

She couldn't fathom how, three years ago, she'd been so blind as to fall for Everett!

...

Over at Bennett Corporation, Everett was in the middle of a meeting when he suddenly sneezed several times, drawing everyone's eyes.

Frowning slightly, he took the tissue Derrick handed him and wiped his nose before saying, "Sorry, let's carry on."

Once the meeting wrapped up and Everett returned to his office, the door swung open.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

A friend strolled in, casually draping

an arm around his shoulders.

"Everett, isn't Selena back home?

You are snuggling up with your wife at night, and you still catch a cold? Unless... has she kicked you out of bed?"