Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

"Well, that does make sense," Jaime mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Indeed."

Joy's eyes lit up with hope. "So, can I take Everett home now? He's had too much to drink and must be feeling lousy. I want him to get some rest."

She reached out to steady Everett's arm.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Jaime swatted her hand away. "Hold your horses. Let's not get all touchy-feely just yet."

Joy's patience was wearing thin. Since when did Jaime become so clueless? He wasn't exactly a saint himself, with women coming and going. What was he trying to prove now?

But she forced a smile, trying to keep her cool. "What's the issue now?"

"You can't just make that call yourself. We need to hear both sides of the story," Jaime said, plopping down beside Everett and practically yelling in his ear, "Everett, your girl wants to take you home. Should I let her?"

It took a few shouts before Everett stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he mumbled, "Selena?"

"No, it's Joy."

"Selena... bad woman..."

"Buddy, I'm telling you, it's Joy!"noveldrama

"Selena, Selena..."

After a frustrating back-and-forth, Jaime looked up at Joy, who was practically fuming, and shrugged helplessly, "See? I tried, but all he can think about is Selena."

Joy clenched her fists, forcing a strained smile. "Jaime, Everett's drunk. He doesn't know what he's saying."

Jaime chuckled, "Oh, he knows. Drunk words are sober thoughts, you know!"

If Joy hadn't realized Jaime was being deliberately difficult, she'd have to be blind. She glared at him, annoyed by his interference.

"If he managed to say your name even once, wouldn't stop you tonight," Jaime sighed, trying to reason with her. "Joy, we've grown up together. I'm doing this for your own good. If you pursue you love openly, I won't say a word. But those sneaky moves? They're beneath you."

"Jaime, who do you think you are? We grew up together-why do you only see Selena? Why can't you have my back?" Joy's composure snapped, and she yelled in frustration.

Selena was the outsider, and she was the one who'd been there all along! They used to dote on her-why had everything changed?

Jaime rubbed his forehead. He was genuinely trying to help her. Knowing Everett's temperament, if she succeeded in her schemes, she still wouldn't get what she wanted.

Jaime tried to guide her, but Joy wouldn't listen. Instead, she started throwing things in a fit, and he couldn't bear to watch. Leaving her to her tantrum, he helped Everett up and walked him out.

Before leaving, he turned to the manager with a reminder. "Make sure all the damages in the suite are billed to Joy at triple the cost. Not a penny less!"

The manager hesitated. "Mr. Jaime, isn't this taking advantage?"

Jaime smirked. "I am taking advantage. Got a problem with that?"

He felt he was being generous by not charging Joy for emotional distress. The manager sighed. "Understood."

Jaime personally drove Everett back to Lakeside Mansion, carried him to the bedroom, and laid him on the bed. Worried about his comfort, he loosened Everett's tie and O

unbuttoned his shirt a bit.

In the next second, a hard slap landed squarely on his forehead.

"Who?" Everett's drunken voice was cold and menacing.

Jaime's cheek instantly bore the mark of five fingers. He held his face, seething and ready to strangle someone. What had he done to deserve this?

"I'm your dad!" Jaime retorted indignantly, but Everett was already out of it, turning

over and clutching his pillow, murmuring Selena's name as he drifted back to sleep.