Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

The car zoomed off into the distance, leaving a trail of dust behind. Little Mateo's face was pressed against the window, eyes wide with panic and urgency as he watched the world blur past. Selena ran after the car for a few steps before it left her behind, her legs wobbly Ava, her face etched with worry, asked, "Ma'am, should we try to catch up with them?" She knew Mr. Everett had always been a bit of a tyrant, but she hadn't expected him to double down on his ways after three years.

and nearly giving out beneath her. Just as she was about to lose her balance, a steadying hand caught her from behind.

Selena stood there, frozen for what felt like an eternity. She shook her head slightly, knowing the man too well. "He won't hurt the child. Chasing after them now... it won't help, and it'll only make things worse if we rile him up."

Even though Selena tried to sound reassuring, Ava couldn't shake the heaviness in her heart. Little Mateo had only just returned home, and already things were spiraling out of control. He was so young; who knew if he could handle all this without bearing scars? After all, she'd helped raise him, pouring her love into every moment, and seeing him in distress was heart-wrenching.

Ava wiped a tear from the corner of her eye as Selena, looking defeated, shuffled back inside. Amidst the chaos, she'd forgotten about her plans for the day. She collapsed onto the sofa, her mind a tangled mess. Everett's intentions were clear-he was gearing up for a custody battle.

But Mateo was her world, and she couldn't imagine life without him. If Everett refused to relent, would she have to return to his stifling control? The shrill ring of her phone snapped her out of her daze. Seeing Dr. Campbell's name on the screen, she hesitated for a moment before answering. "Dr. Campbell," she croaked, her voice strained. "I'm sorry, I can't make it today."

Glancing at her reflection in the window, she saw a disheveled woman staring back-hair a mess, eyes red, makeup smudged, a far cry from the confident person who had left the house not long ago. A heavy silence followed on the line. She knew Callum was disappointed. She opened her mouth to explain, but he spoke first. "Is it Everett again?"

Selena let out a bitter laugh. "Dr. Campbell, you always see right through it. He found out Mateo is his son, and now he's fighting for custody."

Her voice wavered as she continued. "Mateo is with him now." She knew Everett's resolve-backed by the formidable Bennett family and their corporation-left her no chance of winning on her own.

This was why she had stayed away

from Newport for so long; she had hoped to avoid confrontation until Everett remarried. But life had its own

plans. Her uncle's suddenhet

illness and Mateo's unexpected return had thrust her into this mess.

Meanwhile, Callum had gone all out today, booking an entire

Pove

mountaintop restaurant. It was unlike him to be so extravagant, preferring to keep things low-key. But he knew she cherished meaningful gestures, and he wanted texcreate a memory they could both

hold dear.

The restaurant was a dreamscape of romance, decked out with all her favorite things. The table was set with delicious dishes, elegant candleholders, and vibrant flowers. He looked longingly at the empty seat opposite him. "Selena," Callum's voice came through the phone, soft and gentle. "This isn't something I should say over the phone, but I need to say it now."noveldrama

His voice was smoother than ever, a hint of emotion catching in his throat. "Let's get married."

Selena was taken aback, her heart skipping a beat. She understood his sudden proposal. Alone, she couldn't match Everett's resources in a custody fight. But marrying Callum meant a stable, loving home, buoyed by his financial and social standing. It would tip the scales in her favor.

Meanwhile, the car pulled up at Moon Bay. Everett carried a wriggling Mateo into the house and plopped him down on the sofa. Mateo's eyes glistened with unshed tears, his defiant little face tugging at the heartstrings. Kate rushed over, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Sir, you... you didn't really just bring someone else's kid here, did you?"

Mateo would naturally gravitate towards her and Callum, boosting her chances significantly.