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."

pang 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 worrying, kiddo. Get some sleep, or you'll end up with

a kid anymore. I'm

cousin. If the sky's gonna fall, it's my job to hold

a playful nudge with her

to see, he quickly got

him leave, her own eyes

a media circus and a flood of negative chatter aimed at Brook. In such

car, she felt a heavy despair

banks slamming doors in her face, her last resort was

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 or

though she and Callum were on friendly terms, asking for that much money was a big deal. What could she