Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena was just about to let her anger fly when Alex walked in. Seeing Selena with Everett and little Mateo all having breakfast together, even though the air seemed a bit tense, was enough to make Alex's jaw drop. But Alex was a master at keeping her cool. She barely let it show, greeting Selena with a polite smile, "Ma'am, long time no see."

With someone else in the room, Selena had to swallow her fury, forcing a smile in return.

Everett dabbed his mouth with a napkin and glanced at Mateo, "Done eating? We've got to head out."

Mateo was still busy with his muffin, clearly not ready to leave. Besides, he had no desire to tag along to the office with his dad; he'd much rather stay with his mom. He shook his head vigorously.

Naturally, Selena didn't want her son going with Everett either. Just one day with his dad, and Mateo's mood had already plummeted. Who knew what else might happen if this continued?

She quickly interjected, "Everett, if you're swamped, I can look after-"

He cut her off coldly, "Oh, are you suddenly not busy? Busy planning a wedding with another man, but you somehow have time for your ex's kid?"

His words were drenched in sarcasm, each one a sharp jab.

Selena was momentarily speechless.

She swallowed, trying to push back, "Then at least let me talk to Mateo for a bit."

She just wanted to know what was bothering him.

Everett wasn't having it. "Selena, I've given you a whole evening with him. You hid him for three years, denying me even a second with my own son. If I hadn't found out myself, I wouldn't even know he was alive." "I've been more than fair; don't push it."

He stepped forward, easily taking Mateo from her arms with a long reach.

Towering over her, he said, "I'm not leaving you without options. If you want to be with Mateo, move back in. My son deserves a mother who's there for more than just fleeting

visits."

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With that, he turned on his heel, carrying Mateo and striding out without a backward glance.

Alex lingered for a moment, watching Selena tremble slightly. Feeling a twinge of sympathy, she offered a few words of comfort before following Everett out. The car sped down the street.

Mateo sat with his back to his dad, staring out the window, lost in his own sadness.

Everett leaned back against the leather seat, his face a mask, his dark eyes even more unreadable, making him seem like a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

Alex stole a few glances at him

through the rearview mirror. Unable to resist, she finally spoke up, "Mr. Everett, are you keeping the young master close just to keep the lady from leaving?" noveldrama

He didn't answer, just gave her a frosty look with those piercing eyes.

Alex felt a chill run down her spine and quickly shut her mouth.

But she already knew the answer. He was doing this to stop her from walking out like she did three years ago.

What a sly move!

Still, she felt a bit of relief. At least he'd learned from three years back, avoiding the whole dramatic kidnapping and isolation routine. Nowadays, women wouldn't stand for that nonsense!

But then Everett broke the silence, catching her off guard and sending a fresh chill through her.

"Spread the word," he said. "I have a son now."

"And, in a week, I'm hosting a

banquet at the Bennett estate. I'll be announcing Mateo's identity and, at the same time, my remarriage. It's high time my son has a mother who's truly there for him."