Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

The knock on the door made Selena glance up just as Ricky walked in.

"Hey, you're still awake?" His voice carried a hint of worry.

Selena quickly tucked away the financial papers she'd been poring over and looked up at him. "I was just about to call it a night." Ricky lingered by the couch, not saying a word and not leaving. The usually defiant teenager looked utterly defeated right then. Selena had a good idea of what was weighing on his mind. She patted the couch beside her, inviting him to sit.

Ricky plopped down, his elbows resting on his knees, his head bowed low. The energy drained from him.

Selena gently ruffled his hair, offering comfort with a tenderness she rarely showed. "Hey, it's okay. We'll figure it out."

But Ricky wasn't a little kid anymore. He understood the seriousness of their situation all too well.

After a long pause, he spoke, his voice heavy, "Selena, there's no way we can come up with that kind of money. Maybe we should just declare bankruptcy. I can start working. I'm not scared of hard work. I'll make enough to support Mom and Dad, and you too."

of bittersweetness. She knew he was sincere. She shook her head softly. "The fact that you're not blaming me for what happened with Aunt Claire is a relief. But I can't let you lose Dad, too. Alright, enough

protested, "I'm not a kid anymore. I'm

chuckled, "You'll always be my little cousin. If the sky's gonna fall,

a playful nudge with her foot. "Now

Selena to see, he quickly got up and dashed out of the

him leave, her

using her uncle's real estate as collateral. However, the news of the app crash had spread like wildfire overnight, creating a media circus and a flood of negative chatter aimed at Brook. In such a climate, no bank was willing to give her the time of day, let alone the money, and

car, she felt a heavy despair settle

her face, her

through her contacts, names flickering across the screen. Even asking friends for help seemed futile The amount was just too

was left with two choices: approach Callum

and Callum were on friendly terms, asking for that much money was a big