Chapter 9
After hanging up the phone, Selena collapsed onto the floor. This approach was like dealing a heavy blow to the enemy but suffering some of it herself in return. If that jerk didn't back down soon, she wasn't sure how much longer she could hold out. But if there was one thing she was good at, it was perseverance. Once she set her sights on something, she'd go all in, refusing to turn back until she hit a wall. It was that way when she chased him, and now, as she aimed for a divorce, it was the same.
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Selena arrived right on time at Bennett Corporation's conference room. Instead of Everett, she found Bradley, his lawyer, looking sharp in his suit. Bradley was known as a top-notch attorney and was undefeated in his field. "Mrs. Bennett, long time no see," Bradley greeted, standing up and adjusting his glasses with a smooth smile. He seemed like a gentleman, but Selena knew better. He was a shark who'd done countless dirty deeds for Everett over the years. She gave a half-hearted smile and sat down. "Where's Everett? Not here yet?" She knew he was a jerk, but punctuality was his thing. He wouldn't tolerate lateness, not from himself or anyone else.
Bradley sat across from her. "Mr. Bennett has given me full authority to handle everything regarding the divorce. You can discuss it all with me," he said.
Selena smirked, amused at how far Everett would go to keep her from getting a piece of his wealth. "Fine, let's talk, but I'm calling my lawyer first." She knew better than to try and tackle a lawyer on her own. Bradley gestured for her to go ahead.
Her lawyer, Bill, was a pro at divorce cases. Yet, he didn't last long against Bradley, retreating in defeat after just a few exchanges. Once Bradley left, Bill, her advisor, filled her in. "Mr. Bennett has rejected your reasons for divorce. One, he hasn't cheated. Two, your married life is good, so he doesn't agree to the divorce."
The other woman was pregnant, so how hadn't he cheated? Did it only count if the child was born and brought home? Selena was furious. Laughing bitterly, she said, "Then there's nothing more to discuss. Get the paperwork ready; I'm filing for divorce."
Bill's next words nearly made her explode. "Mr. Bennett said your suspicions and accusations don't count as evidence. Even if you file, the court won't grant it. If you insist on divorcing, he might agree." Bill noticed her fiery glare but continued, "You'd walk away with nothing and publicly admit it's your fault, keeping Mr. Bennett's reputation intact for a potential remarriage."
Selena clenched her fists, seething at the thought of confronting Everett herself. Ever the professional, Bill advised, "You really don't have evidence of infidelity. Given the situation, if you want a divorce, it might be best to talk it over with Mr. Bennett..." Before he could finish, Selena stood up abruptly and stormed out, heading straight for Everett's office. "Mrs. Bennett, where are you going?"
She responded, "To settle things with that jerk!"
Selena burst into the president's office, where Everett sat behind a large desk, in the middle of a video conference. With a face of icy
elegance, she marched over annet
slammed his laptop shut, cutting off the meeting. Everett looked up, his gaze cold and intense. "Selena, do you know what you're doing?"
Her voice was icier. "Everett, you don't even like me, so why are you dragging this out and not divorcing me?"
Everett's dark eyes bore into hers, a mocking smile curling his lips. Leaning back in his chair, legs crossed, he replied, "It's quite entertaining, actually."
Selena knew he wasn't hesitant to
enet
divorce her. He just didn't want to give her the satisfaction, preferring to humiliate and torment her, showing her this marriage wasn't something she could control. Trembling with anger, she snapped, "Everett, you think having money makes you untouchable?"
Something in her words set him off. With biting sarcasm, he fired back, "You only care about my money and living offit. Without me, you and your uncle's family would be drowning in some gutter! Even now, you want a divorce, but are still after my money."
"Selena, I've tolerated you enough. Take this as a final warning: back off, or you'll end up with nothing!"
Selena's face went pale, her lips trembling, almost drawing blood. She'd always known he looked down on her but didn't realize he saw her as a leech, disgustingly clinging to him.
He dismissed all her efforts of love as the antics of a greedy clown. Once he realized she stayed silent, Everett reopened his laptop, his tone softening slightly. "Go back and think it over. In the future, I will..." Water splashed in his face, abruptly cutting him off.