Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Chapter 544

Selena knew her son like the back of her hand. Even though he was just a little guy, his calm demeanor often made her and Ava joke that he was an old soul in a young body. Whatever had shaken him up this much had to be something serious. Her heart clenched as she knelt down to embrace him, trying to soothe his worries. Gently running her fingers through his hair, she whispered, "Hey, little Mateo, mom's right here. No need to be scared. Can you tell me what's going on? Who said those things to you? Was it... your dad?" She was pretty sure this was what had him so upset last night. Just as Mateo was about to spill the beans, a deep voice cut in, "Time to head down for breakfast."

Selena looked up. There stood Everett, tall and composed at the door, his dark eyes observing them with a quiet intensity. He seemed worlds apart from the brazen man she had dealt with the night before. For a second, she wondered if last night had just been a figment of her imagination.

Mateo, seeing Everett, clammed up and dropped his gaze to the floor. With no response from the two, Everett strode inside, scooped up his son, and made his way downstairs.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Selena quickly followed them to the dining room. Everett set Mateo next to him at the table, where Kate had laid out a spread of breakfast choices. With a nod, he gestured, "Grab whatever you like."

But Mateo kept glancing at the door, waiting for his mom. He wasn't thrilled about being alone with Everett.

Everett picked up a slice of bread, casually spreading blueberry jam on it. He wasn't oblivious to the little boy's hesitation and let out a soft chuckle. "You'll have to learn to eat on your own someday. Your mom can't always be right there." Mateo's face scrunched up at the blunt comment, his eyes welling up again with tears.

in time to catch Everett's words, her face immediately turning serious. "Everett, watch

zeroed in on his kid's soft spots

"What do you feel like eating, Mateo? Mommy will get it for

that was wrong? You don't want to move back in or continue being Mrs. Bennett, which

QUMS

it better for him to face

He's in the most innocent, joyful

son isn't going to be that fragile. The future

landed on Selena's shocked face. He gave a small, sly smile and went

if he was

this kind of parenting wasn't just stealing away a happy childhood; it was at risk of turning Mateo into someone like Everett-a man who didn't

That was a reality she couldn't accept. Mateo had already faced so many challenges