Chapter 20
Selena couldn’t help but burst into laughter, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all. She decided she’d had enough of this pointless back–and–forth and headed into her room.8
But Joy was quick, grabbing her arm before she could escape. “Selena, seriously just think about it. Everett’s not a bad husband. He’s got the looks, the money, and he’s generous. Except..
Joy stopped herself abruptly.
“Except he doesn’t love me, has someone else on the side, and pretty soon, there might be a little secret love child popping up, right?” Selena finished the thought for her.
Joy let out an awkward laugh. “You know what they say online–if the husband’s bringing home the bacon, who cares
he’s actually home? Some women even take care of the mistress during her pregnancy. Honestly, you’re not going to find anyone even a tenth as good as Everett.“}
“Whose side are you on anyway?”
Joy blinked earnestly. “Yours, of course! It’s just such a shame. The thought of Margot as my sister–in–law gives me the creeps. Girl, I cannot let you lose!”
By the end, her voice was full of frustration and heartache.
Selena was drawn out of her thoughts when her laptop chimed with a new email. Snapping back to reality, she quickly opened it up.
From the Editor–in–Chief: [We received your evaluation, but after weighing all factors, we’ve decided to go with Margot for the interview. Another colleague will handle this. Thanks for your hard work
This was the first time her evaluation had been shot down.8
Selena’s brows furrowed.!!
Logically, with Margot’s messy reputation, Ink & Insight would never gamble on letting her do the interview.
She fired back a reply: [Could you clarify what weighing all factors‘ means?
The response came swiftly with just two words: [Resource exchange.]
F F
There weren’t many who could negotiate such deals with Ink & Insight. If not Everett, who else had that kind of power?
So, Everett dashed off last night to arrange this interview for his girl, leaving Selena’s first assignment incomplete &
A bitter smile tugged at Selena’s lips, her heart heavy with bittemess and betrayal &
“Does he look like he doesn’t want a divorce?” she asked, turning her laptop screen to Joy and showing her the email. “Today’s paparazzi wasn’t just some random guy! He’s not against divorce; he’s just biding his time so it won’t damage his interests.”
If not, he wouldn’t have used Selena to butter up business partners and trashed her reputation in the process, making divorce seem like the logical next step before marrying Margot.
it was a clear warning for her not to mess ar
around!
Even if it hadn’t happened yet.
Sensing Selena’s mood darken, Joy quickly changed the topic, trying to lighten the mood. “Hey, remember I promised you a fancy dinner? Let’s dress up and hit the town, Your choice of restaurant, no budget limits
Selena was jolted awake by a relentless ringtone at 3:30 AM. Grabbing her phone, she grumbled, “Who on earth is calling?”
On the other end was Derick’s timid voice. “Sorry to disturb you so late, malam, but Mr. Everett’s had too much to drink and insists you pick him up. Could you please…7%
In the past, she’d have bolted out of bed and got dressed while racing out the door, terrified of upsetting Everett by being even a second late.
Back then, she saw every chance to pick Everett up as a sweet opportunity, convinced he must care for her. Why w wouldn’t she call Margot instead?
Now, thinking about it, she couldn’t help but curse her own foolishness.W
Old grudges and fresh anger swelled up inside her, and Selena flatly refused, “No way. If he can’t handle himself, let him sleep it off on the curb He’s too spoiled
With that, she hung up and turned off her phone.
Derick listened to the busy tone with a look of despair. No way he could handle this mess.
Half an hour later, the silence of the night was shattered by another ringtone. This time, it was Joy’s phone.
Joy answered imitably but quickly turned meek as a kitten, offering the phone to Selena with a weak voice. “Everett wants to talk to you.”
Chapel so
Selena bit her lip, grabbed the phone, got up, and stepped out of the room, closing the door gently behind her
“Everett, what the hell do you want?” Her voice trembled with anger!
“Come downstairs. Now.”
His voice was slightly hoarse, laced with the allure of alcohol, but still as commanding as ever.
Fed up. Selena snapped, “Are you nuts? It’s the middle of the night. What game
As if she were being ungrateful, Everett’s tone turned icy. “Are
are you
playing?“%
you coming down now, or should I come up?”
Selena gritted her teeth. “Are you threatening me?”
