Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena nodded softly. "If my being in Newport doesn't affect Everett, why are you in such a hurry to snatch projects and shove me out?"

Joy's face twisted. It wasn't that she couldn't argue with Selena; she just didn't have the same confidence. That left her feeling vulnerable.

Selena looked at her intently. "Joy, you're not the only one who knows me inside out. I know you too, and it's not hard to see what you're up to."

Joy thought she had the upper hand by using Blaine's business as leverage against Selena. But she also knew exactly what words would sting like a thousand tiny needles. Years of friendship had turned into a boomerang, and now both were left bleeding.

Knowing Joy was prepared for a confrontation, Selena didn't waste her breath trying to change her mind. Instead, she calmly dabbed her lips with a napkin, stood up, and grabbed her purse to leave. Selena's laid-back attitude felt to Joy like trying to punch a pillow-frustratingly pointless. Her hand clenched tightly, her eyes cold.

private dining room, Joy rushed after her, blocking her way. "Selena, are you planning on asking Everett for help with

to mean she had a backup plan, probably involving Everett. Her whole act

mocking look, Joy said, "Worst case, I end up as the main, and you as the sidekick. We've been like sisters-I wouldn't mind. But your kids might have to take a backseat... from being the main

deliberately provoking her,

it felt for Joy every time she saw her and Everett together-how furious and resentful it made her. Walking in on them in the office had been her worst nightmare. She had imagined countless times that the woman with Everett was her, not

that was supposed to be hers? Mrs. Bennett's love, Everett's children—everything Selena had taken, Joy vowed to reclaim, step

curled into a smile. "Selena, I won't hold this slap against you. Let's call it even for all those years of friendship. But from