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."

with Aunt Claire is a relief. But I can't let

kid anymore. I'm

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

a playful nudge with

to see, he

watched him leave, her own

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,

in her car, she felt a heavy despair settle over

doors in her face, her last resort

asking friends for help seemed futile

with two choices: approach Callum or turn to

friendly terms, asking for that much money was a big deal. What could she possibly offer as collateral?