Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett's heart, once as cold and mechanical as a machine, had somehow sprung to life with flesh and blood, and he was beginning to grasp the true meaning of love and cherishing someone. He just couldn't let her go.

He got up and walked over to Selena, gently but firmly taking her wrist and pulling her into his arms.

Selena frowned, trying to pull away. "Everett..."

But he just tightened his grip, resting his chin in the nook of her shoulder, his voice low and rough. "Don't move. Just let me hold you for a moment."

His embrace tightened, as if he wanted to make her a part of himself.

Selena found herself unable to escape, so she relented, though her tone remained icy. "Even if you do this, it won't change anything."noveldrama

Everett acted as if he hadn't heard her, continuing on his own path. "Selena, if you don't want to reconcile now, that's fine. But I'm going to woo you properly until you're ready to take me back."

Not that he'd ever had to woo anyone before.

But really, what was there that Everett couldn't achieve? Chasing after a woman surely couldn't be tougher than sealing a billion-dollar deal.

"You..."

Selena was about to snap back, but the words caught in her throat. Everett, this stubborn man, always did exactly what he wanted, never taking action unless it suited him.

She decided to change tracks. "How are the kids?"

"They're doing great."

Everett let Selena go, though his arm still lingered around her waist as he looked down at her. "Do you want to see them now, or should I bring them over tomorrow?"

Even though his expression was earnest, Selena wasn't fooled for a second.

It was already evening. If she went now, it would soon be dark, and he'd probably try to get her to stay over.

She knew all his tricks by heart.

Selena pushed him away decisively, meeting his gaze. "It's too late today. Bring them tomorrow, or I'll have Holt pick them up."

She wasn't giving him an inch.

Everett couldn't help but laugh.

Sometimes a woman's cleverness was a blessing, but in moments like these, it was a bit of a hurdle for him.

Still, Everett knew that winning a woman's heart wasn't a race-it was a marathon. A bit of tension here, a bit of ease there, and you might just Dea get somewhere.

Selena turned to leave, and he followed her with easy strides.

They strolled through the garden, moonlight softly highlighting Selena's serene and beautiful features.

The girl she used to be had grown into a woman of grace and wisdom, more enchanting than ever.

Everett watched her, feeling a lump in his throat. His gaze grew darker, more intense.

It had been too long since they'd been close, and he missed her deeply. That fleeting embrace hadn't even touched the surface of his longing.

His gaze was so intense that Selena couldn't ignore it, even if she tried.

But she didn't say a word, instead walking to the flowerbed. She picked up the large pruning shears and, with a quick and decisive snip,

off a wayward branch.

The branch hit the ground, and Everett's romantic notions faded instantly.

Selena set the shears down, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she met

Everett's serious gaze, clearly showing him the door.

"Mr. Everett, is there anything else? If not, you can leave now."

This woman...

Everett quietly nudged the shears bit further away before speaking, a slight

le playing on his lips.

"There's something I need to talk over with you."