Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

As Selena glanced at the caller ID, she hesitated for a moment before answering the call. "Hey, Uncl Brook," she said.

"Selena, do you have time to grab dinner tonight?" Brook's voice was warm and inviting, as usual.

"Your aunt recently visited a popular fortune-teller and got you a fertility charm. She said it's incredibly effective. She insisted I give it to you. I also have some health supplements meant to help with fertility."

Selena was on the brink of divorcing Everett, so why would she need a fertility charm or those supplements? After years of consuming them, the thought made her mouth dry and bitter, and even hearing about them made her feel nauseous. No amount of praying could overcome Everett's constant vigilance.

Without the divorce papers in hand, Selena was reluctant to see Brook. She knew he would oppose the divorce, and she wasn't sure she could hold her ground in his presence.

It was better to act first and explain later.

She was mulling over an excuse to bail when Brook added, "Selena, don't worry. I didn't invite your aunt this time. I know how her comments can make you uncomfortable. It'll just be a chat between us; we haven't caught up in ages." With that, Selena felt she couldn't refuse, "Alright." She owed Brook so much and regarded him as a father figure.

Snapping back to reality, Selena tried calling Everett, only to find his phone turned off. Frustrated, she put it down and spent half an hour venting, cursing until her throat was dry.

At eight o'clock, Selena arrived at the restaurant's private room.

She didn't want Brook to sense anything was off, so she had spent the afternoon pampering herself at the salon-skin treatment, makeup, the works, all to appear her best.

Like every other time, she wanted to show she was doing well so he wouldn't worry.

was startled to find not only Brook but also Everett, sitting smugly at

uncle was clearly trying to curry favor, smiling obsequiously like

her with cold disdain as if to say: One moment, you are claiming you want a divorce, yet here you are dressing up and having your uncle arrange a

Brook. Forcing a smile, she asked, "Uncle Brook, didn't you

are you so formal?

She had begged him countless times to join her for a family meal, to no avail. Now that a

stiffly to Brook's side and sat next

at her coolly, his

He had arranged this dinner after hearing whispers of their divorce. The rumors had spread from the boardroom executives. Initially skeptical, Brook now had to believe it. He shot Selena several imploring looks, hoping she'd back

his throat and

things over.

Selena since

a bit

to get your attention. Please don't be upset. I apologize on her behalf."

to drink it down, Selena snatched it from his hand, her face a mix of discomfort

should she apologize when Everett

the glass down and said, "Uncle Brook, I'm not

even spare Everett a glance. Just moments later, outside the