Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

In Bennett Corporation's underground parking lot, Selena sat in the driver's seat, just having started the car, when her phone rang. She pulled it out of her bag and saw Everett's name flash on the screen. Puzzled, she wondered if she'd left something behind. With a swipe across the screen, she answered, "Hey, what's up?"

"Where are you?" His voice was tense and breathless as if he were running or something.

Selena's curiosity piqued, but she answered honestly, "I'm in the B1 garage, about to-"

Before she could finish, the line went dead.

She let out a sigh of exasperation. Was he having one of his weird episodes again? She tossed her phone onto the dashboard, and pressed the gas gently, ready to head out. But just then, the driver's door swung open. Startled, Selena slammed on the brakes, turning to see Everett standing there.

"What the heck..." she blurted, her voice still shaky from the scare.

Ignoring her question, he leaned in, unbuckled her seatbelt with a click, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her out of the car.

He yanked open the back door, shoved her inside, and climbed in himself, his tall frame looming over her in the cramped space.

Everything happened so fast that Selena's mind was a blur until his lips crashed onto hers in a fierce kiss.

Her face went pale with discomfort.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

His actions were rough, kissing her more like biting and venting his anger without holding back. It was as though he wanted her to hurt.

She couldn't stand Everett's treatment, flailing her arms and legs in protest. "Everett, have you lost it?"

What had she done to tick him off? They'd been fine just moments ago!

The car was too tight for her to move freely, and Everett easily pinned her hands above her head. His eyes were dark and stormy, burning with anger. Hearing her protest, he let out a low, chilling laugh.

"Who's crazy here? Selena, I never

imagined you'd go this far. You drugged me hoping I would sleep with someone else just so you could get half of my assets in the divorce. You set Lydia up to take your place, so I'd keep bankrolling your family! You've really outdone yourself."

His voice shook with rage. "You've been playing quite the game, haven't you? Acting all innocent this past month to lower my guard. I really underestimated your greed!"

Selena was completely blindsided. She understood every word, but together, they made no sense.

"I have no idea what you're talking about! Everett, calm down! There must be some misunderstanding!"

Their bodies pressed close, and she

could feel his tension. His skin was hot to the touch, sweat was beading on his forehead, and his gaze was dark and frightening. He was clearly too worked up to think straight.

Selena felt a wave of anxiety.

The meal? Was it the meal that set him off?

"A misunderstanding?" Everett's grip tightened on her cheeks, his voice a low growl, "You cooked the meal, right? Today, of all days, you made my favorite dish. Since when are you this nice?"

A memory flashed in Selena's mind. The stranger who had bumped into her messed with her lunchbox while pretending to help. It all clicked.

She quickly tried to explain, but

Everett wasn't having any of it. He

didn't believe a word and didn't want to hear her out. He figured he'd

deen

too lenient, letting her get bold" enough to scheme against him.

A woman like that, he thought, shouldn't be pampered!