Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett's face, handsome as ever, was like a blank canvas, his dark eyes giving nothing away. Carolina noticed and shifted gears in her conversation.

"Everett, seriously, if Selena had any sense, she'd put her son first and back off, instead of clinging to you and dragging you into battles against the world for her!"

"I think she's doing it on purpose, not just to get back at Joy but also to hurt you. She wants to see you and the Kesler family in pieces. That would give her some twisted satisfaction."

"Everett, listen to your mother. I'd never steer you wrong. Love, for folks like us, is like poison."

"Over a year ago, you almost risked everything for Selena, and she didn't even say thanks. Now she wants you to go all out again. She doesn't truly care about you!"

Late that night, Everett left the old estate and got into his car. He didn't drive off right away. He sat there for a while, silent, then picked up his MP3 player and hit play on that recording again.

"Joy, you're the one lost in love, not me. But as long as I'm around, your dreams will never come true!"

"You don't truly love Everett. You just see him as a safe harbor, using him to get back at me. Selena, your heart is full of schemes. You don't deserve Everett's care!"

Everett listened to it on repeat.

In those moments, emotions he thought were long gone started to bubble up inside, making his heart race and ache. He was shocked that Selena's words could hurt him so much.

Selena was supposed to be the one who loved him most. Even if she came back to him out of necessity, her heart should still be his.

He checked his phone. Nothing. No calls, no texts. He hadn't been home all night, and Selena hadn't reached out. The day's events at work had been all over the place; surely, she'd heard about it.

Everett was all riled up. He tossed the MP3 player aside, started the engine, and floored it, speeding to Moon Bay.

Moon Bay was dark, the lights out for the night. Everett got out of the car, punched in the code, and

marched through the entrance,.

hallway to the master bedret

the stairs, and down the long

door.

He opened it. There, in the bed, was a slight rise where Selena lay, sleeping peacefully.

Everett's lips twisted into a mocking smile, his anger simmering. He crossed the room in a few long strides.noveldrama

His large hand wrapped around Selena's delicate neck, and he leaned down, capturing her lips with a fierce urgency.

At the same time, his other hand slipped under her clothes, exploring with abandon.

Selena woke up, feeling like she was suffocating, unable to make out his features in the dark, just a shadowy outline.

She was startled and scared. Her instinctive struggle only fanned the flames in Everett's chest. He swiftly removed his belt, tying her hands above her head.

His actions became rougher, more uncontrolled, focused solely on release.

Selena felt nothing but pain, but the familiar scent of Everett brought

some clarity to her mind. She

guessed that Everett was dealing with some kind of provocation.

IMS

In times like these, she knew she had to pacify the storm...