Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett chuckled, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Funny how when you want a divorce, I'm just a nobody to you. But now that you need my help, and we're suddenly family, Selena. Are you always this two-faced?"

Selena rolled her eyes internally. Two-faced? She preferred to think of herself as being adaptable. But hey, she was the one asking for a favor, so maybe she should let it slide. Softening her tone, she pressed on, "So, Mr. Bennett, what's your take on this?" There was a pause, a good ten seconds of silence before Everett finally spoke up. "Grandpa's 70th birthday is the day after tomorrow."

Selena froze. In the whirlwind of divorce drama, she had completely forgotten about his grandpa's big day.

Quickly gathering her thoughts, she realized, "So, if I play the doting wife at Grandpa's birthday bash, you'll help me out?"

Everett clarified, "It all depends on your performance."

Selena agreed without a second thought. She loved his grandpa dearly and would've gone to the party anyway. "Sure, playing the loving wife is nothing new for me. I've been doing it for three years. One more time won't hurt. I promise I'll nail it!"

...

Josh's birthday party was hosted at the Bennett family's sprawling home, flawlessly orchestrated by Selena's mother-in-law Carolina.

Carolina was sharp as a tack and incredibly capable, so even after three years in the Bennett family, Selena never had to worry about planning any of their countless gatherings. Initially, she tried getting involved to build a bridge with her mother-in-law, and seek guidance, but her efforts were met with lukewarm reception. Eventually, she stopped trying to win their approval.

Everett was supposed to pick her up, but a last-minute meeting popped up, so Derick was sent to fetch her instead.

When she arrived, the guests hadn't yet shown up. Just the family was there.

With little to say to the Bennett clan, she planned to head straight upstairs to see Josh. As she crossed the living room, an imperious voice rang out behind her. "Selena, bring me a few glasses of red wine!"

Without turning, Selena knew it was Rebecca, Everett's cousin. Rebecca was pretty and charming, the darling of the Bennett family.

But with Selena, she was always

haughty and overbearing, never

treating her with respect. Selena had

always put up with it, hoping to win

the family's approval and perhaps make Everett see her differently.

But all that patience had been for nothing. They respected her even less, especially Rebecca, who never missed a chance to give her Now that divorce was on the horizon, Selena felt no need to put up with her anymore. She kept walking, ignoring Rebecca.

Rebecca hadn't expected Selena to

brush her off, especially since

early

had brought a few friends or sho

to flaunt her standing in the family.

Her face turned dark as she grabbed a glass of juice from the coffee table and hurled it at Selena. "I'm talking to you! Are you deaf?"

hard time.

Selena felt the cold liquid soak into her back, but she stopped, turned around, and, with a smile, said, "Oh, you wanted wine, right? Sure thing."

She headed to the kitchen, grabbed a whole bottle of red wine, walked back over to Rebecca, and poured it right over her head.

"Ah-"