Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Frustrated beyond belief! Rhett was ready to fight for love, and he wasn't about to back down. He pushed Mateo off him, stood up, and casually brushed off his pants, as if shaking off any doubt.

He shot back, unfazed, "And how does Mr. Everett know that Mateo and Haley won't become my kids someday? As for my grandpa, that's none of Mr. Everett's business."

"My grandpa's pretty open-minded. As long as I bring home a girl I'm crazy about, he'll welcome her with open arms. And if I tie the knot with Selena, he'll suddenly have two ready-made great-grandkids. Far from being upset, he'd probably laugh himself awake in his sleep!"

Everett's lips tightened into a hard line. "Seems like last time didn't teach you enough, Mr. Young!"noveldrama

Rhett stood firm. “Mr. Everett, I'll admit I can't match your strength. But let's not forget, brute force isn't going to win Selena's heart. We're not living in the Stone Age where might makes right."

"Besides, I'm pretty sure Selena's into a young, gentle, and loyal guy like me!"

Every word struck Everett right where it hurt. His face darkened, hands clenched so tightly he nearly tossed Rhett out then and there. But he kept his cool, especially here at Moon Bay, mindful of Selena's feelings.

Everett took a deep breath, deciding to ignore Rhett. He crouched down and reached out to Haley. "Haley, come to Daddy."

His voice softened instinctively when speaking to his daughter. Rhett's self- assured chatter meant nothing; as long as his twins were on his side and Selena forgave him, they'd still be a family of four, with no room for outsiders.

Haley blinked her big eyes at Everett for a few moments. Recognizing him, she eagerly toddled over and leapt into his arms.

Her tiny hands latched onto his tie, and she sweetly chirped, "Daddy, Daddy..."

Everett held his little princess, his heart swelling with affection. He mused: daughters are truly a dad's cheeky

little sunshine, unlike that dad's

Mateo His son seemed to side with a scheming Rhett instead of his real father.

But then, Haley pointed at Everett and declared, "Daddy number one." Then at Rhett, "Daddy number two."

Everett's smile froze mid-air. "Haley, what's this 'Daddy number two' business? I'm your only daddy!"

Haley tilted her head, thoughtful, and replied, "Mommy said you can't be my daddy anymore. Ava said Daddy number two is going after Mommy and will be Daddy number one soon."

Everett: "..."

She even patted Everett's shoulder reassuringly, "It's okay, you're still Daddy number one for now."

The implication was that Rhett could replace him at any moment?

Rhett laughed so hard he nearly

cried. "Haley, you're so clever. Youet

might be right; maybe one day I'll be your

daddy..." Content beloet

"Shut up!" Everett fumed, ready to toss Rhett out immediately.

Just then, Selena gracefully descended the spiral staircase, wrapped in a silvery fur coat.

"What's all this commotion?" she asked.

Everett looked up, and at the sight of her breathtaking face, emotions whirled

within him like a storm.