Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett was caught between amusement and irritation. Here she was, cozying up with another guy right in front of him, and still throwing him attitude? But he wasn't some rash young buck; he had the patience to keep his cool.

In a heartbeat, he buried his emotions, managing a sly, barely-there grin. "Selena, since fate has us bumping into each other, why not join us for dinner?"

Selena didn't hold back. "What, didn't you fill up over there? Nearly ordered the whole menu, and you're still not satisfied?"noveldrama

Everett picked up on her sarcasm but stayed unfazed. "I think the food on your side seems tastier."

"It's the same food, you know."

Acting as if he hadn't heard her, Everett carried on, "I'm sure you don't mind squeezing in one more seat."

Without waiting for a word from Selena or Rhett, he made his way over, dragged out a chair, and plopped down.

Cool as a cucumber, he grabbed Selena's fork, helped himself to a bite, and savored it slowly.

Selena was no stranger to his shameless antics. To the world, he was all polished and refined, but with her, he was nothing but a cheeky scoundrel.

She wasn't really mad, just found it all a bit ridiculous.

Rhett, being younger, couldn't quite hide his discomfort. After all, who'd be thrilled to have another guy crash a candlelit dinner with the woman he was trying to woo, especially when that guy happened to be her ex-husband and quite the catch in every way?

Yet, Rhett didn't want to come off as petty or flustered in front of Selena, so he kept up his smile. "Mr. Everett, if you like the food, feel free to dig in."

Selena and Rhett returned to their seats.

Rhett signaled for a waiter to bring Selena a fresh set of cutlery.

Everett lazily lifted his gaze, giving Rhett a sideways glance.

Rhett met his look with a strained smile.

The two were locked in a silent showdown.

Selena hadn't had genuine Newport cuisine in ages, and the food here was top- notch. She'd been really hungry, but now, thanks to that obnoxious man, her appetite was gone.

She felt a knot in her stomach.

She set her fork down. "I'm done."

Rhett jumped in, "Shall we head out?"

He knew with Everett hanging around, there'd be no chance of moving things forward with Selena tonight.

Selena stood up, grabbed her purse, and left the room without even a glance at Everett.

Rhett quickly settled the bill and hurried after her.

"Selena, let me give you a ride home."

Selena nodded, then, with a hint of apology, said, "Sorry about today..."

Rhett cut her off, "Selena, no need to apologize. It's not on you."

He paused, then offered her a

generous compliment, "You're

amazing, so it's no surprise Mel

Everett can't let go."

A great woman naturally draws a crowd.

Selena's expression wavered slightly.

Sure, Everett couldn't let her go, but it wasn't about love—just possessiveness.

And that wasn't what she wanted.

She didn't want to go back to a life of guarding against an indifferent husband, always on edge about r he'd stray again.

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Especially after she'd worked so hard to show Everett what love was and how to truly love someone Watching it all unravel was more

than she could handle.

As they reached the car, Rhett opened the passenger door, helping her settle in.

Selena's phone suddenly buzzed.

Seeing Everett's name pop up, she declined the call.

Almost instantly, a message from him appeared.