Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Chapter 668

When Everett walked in, Selena was guiding Mateo down the stairs. Their eyes met halfway, a silent exchange that spoke volumes. Everett's gaze was deep and unreadable, while Selena's face remained calm, betraying no emotion. They kept up their unspoken agreement to maintain a sense of peace for their child's sake.

"Daddy, you're back!" Mateo's voice was full of excitement as he barreled down the stairs and leaped into his father's arms. He'd missed Everett the night before and had been asking about him repeatedly.

Everett bent to scoop up his son, planting a kiss on Mateo's chubby cheek and squeezing him a little tighter than usual. Mateo squirmed slightly, puzzled by the tight embrace. "Daddy, you're squishing me!" he giggled.

Everett loosened his hold, but he didn't set Mateo down. Instead, he carried him straight into the dining room. Ava had breakfast ready, as always, a lavish spread laid out on the table.

Everett settled Mateo into his chair and took a seat next to him, picking up a bowl of oatmeal to feed him. He'd always aimed to nurture Mateo's independence, encouraging him to do things on his own.

"Daddy, I can eat by myself now," Mateo piped up, curiosity in his voice.

"Don't you like it when Daddy feeds you?" Everett asked gently.

his head, then nodded with a soft, "I like it!" His voice

across from them, focusing on

wiped Mateo's mouth with a wet wipe and tidied his clothes. He turned to Selena, his

nodded, offering no

outside, buckling him into the car and giving Alex a few instructions before watching them drive away. Standing there, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lit one, and took a deep drag. The smoke caught him off guard, triggering

aroma filling the space in a soothing embrace. A pile of freshly picked flowers from the garden lay before her,

Everett leaned against the

watching. Sunlight streamed in, bathing her in a gentle glow that made her look almost ethereal. He couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have

poured himself a cup of tea, holding it without drinking. It was as if he was gathering his thoughts, figuring out how

continued her task, not rushing

simple but

his statement caught Selena off guard momentarily. She assumed