Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Ava glanced up, catching Selena's eye. She knew exactly what was on Selena's mind and couldn't help but laugh as she explained, "He was up bright and early today, took Mateo out for a jog. You know how it is, gotta start them young. After their run, he's dropping him off at school, and Mateo will have breakfast there."

Selena turned her head away, putting on a show of indifference. "Who even asked about him?"

She strolled over, pulled out a chair, and settled down, taking Ava's spot to feed Haley from a little bowl.

Ava knew Selena all too well by now, so she just smiled, choosing not to call her out on it.

Haley's face was adorably cherubic, the kind that just makes you smile.

With a tender look and even gentler actions, Selena coaxed, "Sweetheart, eat up so you can grow big and strong."

With her mouth half-full, Haley looked up at her mom and blurted, "Mommy, brother said Daddy sneaks in to steal kisses from you at night."

She was just mimicking her brother, not really understanding the words.

Selena paused mid-action, "Oh really?"

So Everett had the nerve to claim his reward after everything he did?

Typical Everett... never one to miss out.

Haley didn't catch the mix of embarrassment and annoyance on her mom's face. She tilted her head, adding, "Mommy, do you not like Daddy anymore?"

That question left Selena stumped for a second.

How do you explain something like that to a little kid?

She dodged the question, "Who told you that? Was it your brother again?"

Haley shook her little head, "Daddy did. He said he was wrong and wants you to forgive him, told me to say nice things."

Her words were a bit muddled, but Selena got the message loud and clear.

Everett, in his mission to get back in her good graces, had roped in not just Mateo, but even their youngest.

Selena shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips, torn between being annoyed and amused.noveldrama

That guy really had a knack for this.

After feeding Haley, she wiped her mouth with a damp napkin and gave her some advice, "Haley, when you're older and looking for a husband, make sure he's nothing like your dad, okay?"

Haley didn't quite get it, "But Daddy is handsome, and I like handsome."

Selena: "... Oh, you little one, so taken by looks already. I wonder who you got that from."

Ava jumped in at the perfect

"Ma'am, she got it

member how you fell f

Everett's looks back in the net

Mr.

Caught off guard by this blast from the past, Selena felt a bit embarrassed.

"That was just youthful ignorance!" she shot back defensively.

Ava chuckled softly, teasing her, "Of course, all because you were so young back then."

...

At Irwin Enterprises.

Selena and Holt walked back into

the office, and as soon as the docet closed, Holt couldn't hold backe 1.9

showering her with praise,

"Ms. Selena, you were amazing! thought today's board meeting was going to be tough, but your proposal was genius. Those board members were completely won over. I was fantastic."

Selena settled into her chair, her eyes skimming through the documents.

She replied modestly, "It wasn't all me..."

If it weren't for Everett's initial ideas, she wouldn't have been able to build such a convincing case.

Whatever the case, Everett had been a major help in this situation.

Her phone rang suddenly. A glance showed it was Abraham.

She hesitated for a moment, motioning Holt to keep quiet, then picked up.

Abraham got straight to it, "Ms. Selena, have you decided yet?"

Selena chuckled softly, "Mr. Abraham, aren't you jumping the gun a bit? It's only been a day."

Abraham replied, "Time is money, Ms. Selena. Surely you get that."

Selena paused, her gaze drifting back to the documents, then she spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Alright, I'll go in with you to take down Everett. What do you need me to do?"