Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett's eyes lingered on Yasmine for a moment. She was the quiet type, the perfect person to keep an eye on things without causing a fuss.

"Alright, you're up," he said, standing and slipping on his suit jacket as he made his way over to the couch. He left some instructions for the little guy, Mateo, who still seemed determined to ignore him. In frustration, Everett playfully pinched his cheek. Just like his mom, always knew how to push his buttons.

"Stay put, and you'll see your mom tonight. But if you wander off and get lost, that's on you," he warned. Finally, Mateo gave him a grudging glance.

With long strides, Everett left the office. Alex trailed behind, clutching a stack of documents. Just before shutting the door, she turned to take another look at Yasmine. There was something different about her now. Was it working at Bennett Corporation that changed her, or had she always been this way, just good at hiding it?

The door clicked shut softly. Yasmine strolled over to the couch, her smile warm as she addressed Mateo, "What's your name, sweetheart? Want something to eat or drink?"

Calming down from his earlier mood, Mateo looked at her with his striking little face and asked, "Who are you?"

"Are you like Auntie Song, another one of dad's secretaries?" he inquired, recalling Alex's introduction in the car as someone who worked for his dad.

Yasmine was taken aback. This kid wasn't what she had expected. With his antics in front of Everett, she assumed he was just a typical mischievous kid. But he was sharper and more composed than most kids his age. Still, no matter how sharp, he was just a child. She sat down next to him, casually flicking her hair back and spoke slowly, "I'm not like Alex. I'm your dad's girlfriend."

Girlfriend? Mateo's brow furrowed, struggling to comprehend.

Yasmine explained gently, "We'll be a family someday. If you want, you can call me stepmom. I'll take good care of you."

The word "mom" was something Mateo understood well. It belonged to his real mom. What did it have to do with this lady? Despite her smile, he felt uneasy around her, different from other women he had met, and he didn't like it. "You're not my mom!" he shot back, upset.

Yasmine kept her composure, smiling softly, "But when I marry your dad, I will be your mom, and you'll eventually call me mom and become my son."

Mateo turned away, not wanting to engage any further.

Later that evening, at eight, Selena drove up to Moon Bay. Kate opened the door, unsure of whether to greet her as Mrs. or Ms. Selena, ultimately opting for Mrs. Selena, anxious about her son, didn't bother correcting her and headed inside.

As she walked, she asked about her

son's wellbeing. With a sigh, Kate replied, "The young master hasn't slept well, cried all night. This morning, sir took him to the office. He's been quiet since, barely eating, and now he's hiding in his room, probably missing you."

Selena's heart twisted, and she rushed upstairs. Her child was in the guest room adjacent to their master bedroom. Entering, she saw his small form curled up on the bed, likely tired from crying, his body twitching occasionally even in sleep. Tears clung to his eyelashes, and his nose was red. Her heart ached as she gathered him into her arms, covering his face with kisses.

The familiar scent of his mother roused Mateo from sleep, and he opened his eyes. Seeing her, he started to cry again, clinging tightly to her refusing to let go, repeatedly asking when she would take him away, insisting he didn't want to stay here any longer.

Selena's heart broke, and without a second thought, she picked him up, "Mommy's taking you away now, don't worry..."

She had only taken a few steps when she noticed Everett, standing in the doorway, having appeared at some point. His tall frame leaned casually against the doorframe, his dark eyes resting on his wife and son, a mysterious smile on his lips. Selena's heart skipped a beat. They stood in silence for a moment.noveldrama

Finally, Everett spoke, "Since you're here, I take it you've made up your mind. Should we talk about this in front of our son, or find somewhere else?"

Selena hugged her son tighter, unsure of how to respond. Seeing this, Everett chuckled softly, not rushing her. He pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips without lighting it, waiting patiently for her answer.