Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena hurried to catch up. As they stepped through the entrance, Everett suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes sharply scanning the bushes by the road. Selena, not noticing, walked right into his solid back, rubbing her nose and grumbling, "What's up with you?" Two bodyguards in black swiftly rushed over and expertly dragged out two people hiding in the bushes like they were just picking up kittens. Selena glanced over and recognized them as paparazzi from a notorious entertainment weekly tabloid, famous for their relentless pursuit of celebrities' private moments to boost their viewership. While she was processing this, she felt a tight grip on her wrist. "Selena, you've really outdone yourself this time!" Everett's voice, full of anger, ccrashing down on her.

Selena looked up, bewildered. "You think I called the paparazzi here on purpose?" she asked, incredulous.

Everett's face was icy, his words cutting. "No wonder you're dressed like you don't care and stood on the curb eating junk food, talking about leaving empty-handed. Were you hoping we would sign these divorce papers today and the paparazzi would have the whole world talking by tomorrow? Once everyone hears how the Bennett family mistreated you, I know you'll run crying to Grandpa, and I'll have no choice but to give you half of everything! You're such a good actress. It's a wonder you're not in Hollywood!" Selena went pale, trying instinctively to defend herself, "I didn't set this up. I..." "You've pulled stunts like this before," Everett interrupted, his eyes full of mockery.

The rest of her words caught in her throat. They'd fought countless times over the years, but she always made sure his grandpa didn't find out. But once, somehow, Josh did and got furious. He called Everett back to the family mansion and gave him a severe beating, leaving him bruised and battered. It even delayed Everett's succession of the company, as his grandpa believed you had to manage family affairs before you could handle business. If you couldn't manage your home, you weren't fit to run the Bennett Corporation. Knowing her explanations would fall on deaf ears, Selena said directly, "We can call a lawyer right now to make a sworn statement. I promise I won't ask for a dafter the divorce or ruin your reputation. I'll stay far away from you-if I see you coming down the street, I'll cross to the other side." Everett gave a cold laugh, clearly not buying it.

"I swear..." Selena said desperately, raising her hand.

They were already at the Civil Affairs Bureau. She really didn't want to stay married any longer.

Everett's phone rang suddenly. He picked it up and, after listening for a moment, said, "I'll be right there." He hung up, didn't give Selena another glance, and walked away.

"Everett!" Selena grabbed his arm.

"Enough with your games. I don't have tto play house!" Everett shook her off.

With his long strides, he quickly reached his sleek black Rolls-Royce car and drove off in style.

The next evening, Joy dragged her suitcase back to the apartment. As soon as she entered, she didn't even pause for a drink. She rushed to Selena, dropped to her knees, and hugged her legs.

"I'm so sorry, girl. I got played by that jerk Jahe trickedinto giving up my password and even goton a plane. I've let you down!" Selena patted her head. "I knew there was a reason. I don't blyou." They had been friends for so many years, and Selena knew Joy was genuine and wouldn't betray her.

Still feeling guilty, Joy opened her suitcase, pulled out a Hermès bag, and offered it with both hands. "This is the latest model. Just a little apology gift. Please take it." After a pause, she added, "Jafooted the bill. We both got one, courtesy of emotional distress compensation." Selena swallowed her initial refusal and took the gift. Making Japay was like sweet revenge. There was no need to be polite.

Even though gifts could heal all wounds, Joy noticed Selena didn't seem any happier. She still wore a long face, so Joy sat down beside her and asked, "Selena, didn't you and Everett patch things up? Why the gloomy look?" "Who said we patched things up?" Joy pulled out her phone, tapped it a few times, and showed it to her. The photos of them passionately kissing at the party had gone viral, spreading like wildfire. They were the talk of the town and even flooded their social media feeds that night.

Already frustrated, Selena's mood soured even more after seeing the photos. She felt like she'd helped him clear up the divorce scandal and land a business deal, yet she still couldn't get the divorce she wanted! It was a total loss! The more Selena thought about it, the angrier she got. She was unable

to hold back from venting. "The paparazzi had to show up at theworst possible moment, ruining everything at the last minute. It's maddening! Next time, getting him to agree will be nearly impossible." "That doesn't add up," Joy frowned.

"What doesn't?"

e Joy analyzed, "The Bennett family, being top-tier in Newport, always has paparazzi lurking, but anything they get wouldn't just be released Without going through our PR department first. The paparazzi rarely bother with fruitless efforts." "And Everett usually has bodyguards, so paparazzi can't just get close, let alone stake out in front of the civil affairs bureau to snap you two, unless..." Her eyes widened with a bold guess, "Could Everett have called them himself?" Hearing this, Selena couldn't help but laugh. "Why would he do that? What reason would he have?"

Joy stroked her chin, channeling her inner detective. "There's only onen explanation Everett doesn't want to divorce you!"