Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Afterwards, Selena gave Everett a call.

He picked up, his voice playful, "Slept in, did you? Lucky I didn't pull anything last night, or you might still be stuck in bed!"

Everett's cheeky influence had toughened up Selena a bit, and over the phone, she was bolder, her words outpacing her thoughts.

"Mr. Bennett, no offense, but even if something had happened, I doubt you could keep me bedridden!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it, wishing she could take it back. Sure, giving him a dose of his own medicine was satisfying, but provoking Everett was a gamble that could backfire on her. Before he could muster a comeback, Selena hung up, pretending nothing had happened.

Right, nothing at all!

An hour later, a sleek black Rolls-Royce Cullinan rolled back into the mansion.

Selena opened the door, expecting Derick behind the wheel, but instead found Everett.

"What brings you back on your own?"

She shut the back door and climbed into the passenger seat.

He leaned in suddenly, his face so close their lips nearly brushed, making her breath catch.

"This kind of thing isn't something I'd let another guy handle."

Everett said lazily, securing her seatbelt with a deft hand before sitting straight. He was all business as he started the car.

Selena's heart raced. He hadn't even done much, yet she felt all flustered.

She knew he was doing it on purpose, a little "payback" for her phone jab.

Everett was such a little schemer.

He couldn't let anything slide, could he? Selena mused to herself.

They arrived at Newport's premier bridal boutique, renowned for its custom designs.

Line

When word got out that Everett was bringing Mrs. Bennett to try on wedding dresses, the manager and staff lined up to greet them. The Bennett family wedding was the talk of the town, and having Mrs. Bennett choose their dress would be a major coup.

Everyone was all smiles, ready to help.

They'd prepared a dozen wedding gowns and dresses for the reception, totaling thirty or forty outfits. Selena felt a bit overwhelmed just thinking about it. Trying on dresses was a workout in itself, she thought, considering cutting down the options.

But the staff kept sweet-talking her, "Mrs. Bennett, these were all picked with Mr. Bennett's guidance. We've never seen such a grand display before. It just shows how much he cherishes you. You'll look stunning, and he'll be thrilled to see you."

Selena knew they were buttering her up to sell more dresses. Everett wasn't short on cash, but who didn't love a good compliment?

They went on about them being a perfect match, like a couple destined by fate, and before she knew it, Selena was trying on dress after dress.

She picked a strapless gown with a

cinched waist. The train was long and adorned with white petals that

seemed to bloom with every step, an absolutely stunning sight.

As the curtains parted, her beauty in the white gown struck Everett.

He was dressed in a sharp black tux, the lapels trimmed with silk, adding a touch of class. His model-like physique made him irresistibly handsome.

Everett's dark eyes locked onto her, and he strode over, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close.

Selena, caught off guard, found herself in his embrace.

His warm breath tickled her ear as he spoke slowly.

"Mrs. Bennett, there's something I need to tell you."