Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena shook off his hand with a hint of disgust, trying to keep her cool. "I'm not here to be your plus-one at the party. I actually had plans with Joy."

Everett let out a mocking laugh. "Joy's on a business trip and probably mid-flight right now. Selena, if you're going to come up with an excuse, at least make it believable." Mid-flight? Then who on earth sent her that message?

Seeing the slight change in her expression, as though she'd been caught in a lie, Everett's mood lifted slightly, his dark eyes softening just a touch. "Well, since you're here, let's make the most of it. I can forget about everything you've been up to lately. You're still Mrs. Bennett. Nothing's changed."

At that moment, Selena realized Everett wasn't just arrogantly confident but also pretty tone-deaf. No matter how often she brought up divorce, he just heard what he wanted to hear. He was about to send her packing, yet still flaunting his superiority right in front of her!

Just as Selena was about to fire back with a sharp retort, she caught sight of Derick. He was tucked away in a corner, hands clasped, staring at her with a pleading, puppy-dog look.

The words she was about to unleash got stuck in her throat. It seemed this party was a big deal. Otherwise, Derick wouldn't have risked tricking her into coming.

Her dark eyes flickered with a quick thought, and with a faint smile, she said, "Alright, I'll play nice."

Everett's grin showed his satisfaction. "Take her to get ready."

Derick stepped up, guiding Selena to the dressing room with utmost respect. The stylists were already on standby. All she needed to do was sit down at the vanity.

Just like every other time, Selena went along with it all, not voicing a complaint, letting the recent divorce drama slide for now.

Derick breathed a sigh of relief, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, ma'am, for going along with this. Otherwise, I'd be packing my bags for a new job."

Selena, casually fiddling with her phone, replied lazily, "No need to thank me."

Just make sure you're not the one crying later.

Half an hour later, Selena emerged in an beige lace mermaid dress that hugged her curves perfectly, the fishtail hem giving it an elegant

touch. Her long, wavy black hair net

cascaded down her back, her skin glowing like diamond, embodying the image of a mermaid stepping onto land.

Everett glanced at her. A quick flash of admiration glimmered in his eyes, but he only said, "This will do."

Selena held back an eye roll. She couldn't care less about his opinion anymore. A woman dresses for herself, after all!

With his arm around Selena's slim waist, Everett led her into the banquet hall.

The moment they walked in, all eyes were on them, whispers spreading through the crowd.

Mr. James, leaning on his cane,

made his way over, his sharp eyes taking in the pair before breaking into a grin. "Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Bennett, it's great to see you two still so in love. I guess those rumors about a divorce were just that-rumors."

Everett was about to respond, but Selena jumped in first, her lips parting slightly. "James, I came here today to clear up any confusion about our marriage status."

She shot a deliberate glance at

Everett, took a deep breath, and was about to speak again when

something clicked. Everett's eyes et

narrowed, and his hand suddenly cupped the back of her head, pulling her in. Before she could say another word, his lips were on hers, silencing her completely.