Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

The harder you try to dodge someone, the more they seem to appear right in front of you. Isn't that just the way fate likes to mess with us?

Selena sensed tonight's auction was going to be anything but smooth sailing. It was downright irritating. Not wanting to cross paths with certain people, she turned on her heel and made her way to the terrace. Her only goal was to snag the Heart of Ice necklace. As for the other jewels... she'd outgrown the thrill of shiny, new things.

Everett had always been generous with her when it came to jewelry. She'd seen and admired the best of the best.

The night was absolutely enchanting. Stars dotted the sky, creating a breathtaking view. Taking a moment to savor nature's beauty, Selena felt a bit more relaxed. She snapped a picture of the starry sky and sent it to Ava, asking her to show it to her kids. Once, she would have shared such moments with Everett, but now, it was all about her children.

That was until an unwelcome guest shattered her peace.

Joy arrived dressed to the nines, probably to flaunt her future status as Mrs. Bennett. Her luxurious stole screamed money.

"Selena, you keep claiming you won't get tangled up with Everett again, yet here you are, always finding a way to be near him. Isn't that just pathetic?" Joy sneered.

Selena had long run out of patience for Joy's antics and wasn't about to entertain her anymore. "Every time you open your mouth, it's like a flood of nonsense. Who's really the pathetic one here?"

"You..."

Joy's pretty face contorted with anger, making her look downright vicious. Selena calmly watched her, thinking how true it is that your face reflects your heart. Joy used to be just a bit of a spoiled princess but still warm and gentle. Now, she was bitter, always scheming against others. Her entire vibe had shifted.

Selena felt a pang of regret but wasn't hurt anymore.

This jewelry exhibition and auction was one of Newport's biggest events recently, attracting the crème de la crème of society. It was a chance to flaunt status and do some good, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.

Joy hadn't gotten anywhere with

Everett last time and was stewing in

frustration, but there wasn't much

she could do. With Everett not contacting Selena recently, Joy figured she had another shot She managed to persuade Carolina to let her attend the auction with Everett, hoping to boost her profile and deepen their connection.

And then, in walked Selena, like a ghost she just couldn't shake.

Joy couldn't stand seeing Selena happy and was hell-bent on causing trouble between her and Everett. If that's how it was going to be, Joy was determined to throw a wrench in Selena's plans tonight. Whatever Setena was after, Joy would make sure she didn't get it.

As the jewelry display wrapped up, the host announced the start of the auction. Selena couldn't care less about Joy's schemes. She was over it. With a slight lift of her dress, she pushed open the terrace's glass door and stepped inside.

Her seat, either by sheer coincidence or some deliberate plan, was right next to Everett, with Joy on his other side. As she approached, she couldn't help but feel a bit

exasperated. Surely, the organizers

were having a laugh at her expense.

Everett was already seated, his dark eyes flicking toward Selena, who had yet to

sit down. With a smirk, he asked, "What's wrong? Afraid to sit?"noveldrama

Selena could see the annoyance in his eyes, knowing full well he was trying to rile her up. Reacting would only show she still cared. So, she flashed a smile back, "Why would I be?"

And with that, she sat down gracefully. Never let them see you sweat.