Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Then he leaned in, capturing her lips with a forceful kiss that left no room for protest. He'd been itching to do this since last night, maybe even go further...

Selena felt a shiver run through her, not just from anger. She was floored by how, even after she'd filed for divorce, he dared to make a move on her like this. She tried to shove him away, but he caught her wrists, pinning them above her head. His knee nudged hers apart, pressing against her in a way that was both alarming and intimate.

Selena froze, not daring to move an inch.

He nibbled at her soft lips, his tongue sweeping in without waiting for permission, greedily tasting her sweetness. It was only when Ava let out a startled cry that Everett pulled back, releasing her.

Selena collapsed onto the floor, feeling like jelly, as Everett towered over her, his voice cold and commanding, "Selena, do your part and don't tick me off again!"

Turning anger into energy, Selena wolfed down a big plate of breakfast and finally felt satisfied. Looking back at the last three years, she couldn't believe how much she'd put up with.

She then headed over to Joy's apartment to pack her bags.

Joy was off work and sat cross-legged on the bed, watching Selena bustle about. "Selena, going back this time means you've patched things up with Everett, right? I had a feeling. You love Everett too much to let that homewrecker win..." Selena was zipping up her suitcase when Joy's words nearly made her hurt her fingers.

After steadying herself, she glanced at Joy with irritation. "Joy, what's wrong with your eyes? How do you see this as me getting back with that jerk? Haven't I told you? It's just a necessary evil!"

"If I didn't agree to his terms, he

could make my life hell, so I had no choice but to meet him halfway. We'll revisit the divorce in six months. But hey, it's not all bad. At least this way, my uncle won't be embarrassed, and I'll get a share in the

company.

"You know I'm strapped for cash. When I get those shares, I can breathe a little easier."

Joy's expression shifted subtly, but when Selena looked her way, she quickly dropped her gaze. "That makes sense."

Even so, the thought of spending another six months with Everett, and pretending everything was fine while he paraded his infidelity, was enough to make Selena's blood boil.

"Enough about him. Let me tell you something good." Selena perked up, closing her suitcase and settling on the bed beside Joy with a grin. "I got home late yesterday, so I didn't get to tell you-I saw Margot at the Gallery yesterday. She was looking for trouble, but I gave her a proper smackdown. You should've seen her face. It was priceless. I should've snapped a few pics for you."

Joy, always quick to join in Selena's disdain for Margot, lit up with glee.

"Selena, that's the spirit! You should've done that ages ago. Show her who's boss, so she doesn't get any more ideas about stepping out of line!"

Selena was a bit taken aback by Joy's enthusiasm. She hadn't realized it before, but Joy seemed even more pleased than she was.

Before she could dwell on it, Joy grabbed her hand, eager for more details. "So, what happened next? Margot broke the pendant. How did you handle that?" "Oh, it was a classic case of silver linings!" Selena said, recounting the events that followed.

"So, it was Callum who lent you a hand..." Joy looked genuinely surprised, her face unable to hide her astonishment.

Selena noticed her reaction and was curious herself. "It was just a small favor from him. Why does it seem like a big deal?"