Selena found herself sidelined, a stark reminder of how a woman''s status in her social circle often hinged on her husband''s fortunes-a harsh truth to swallow. The inte was buzzing with sharp criticisms: "Typical move-hit it big and ditch your partner."


    Yet, many fans rose to her defense, iming Mrs. Bet had been cornered into a marriage that kept Margot from her rightful ce for far too long. With Everett now holding the reins of Bet Corporation and the family''s empire, unshackled by any constraints, it made


    sense, they argued, that he''d want to make things right with his true love.


    Back in the day, dumping your spouse would have drawn heaps of scorn, but history, after all, is written by the victors. These days, Everett, wielding power like a king, couldn''t care less about the whispers of disapproval.


    Ava, however, was one of the loudest critics. Despite the looming divorce, she was appalled by how swiftly and heartlessly Mr. Bet seemed to move on, leaving Mrs. Bet humiliated. How was she supposed to hold her head high in Newport now? The thought of Margot''s smug face only fueled her rage. Meanwhile, Selena sat beside her, unfazed and knitting a small scarf. She was over Everett''s antics, just counting down the days until the divorce was final. Her only focus was on flying to Germany to see her son. She was wrapped up in the anticipation of reuniting with him and had no time for petty anger. That evening, Bet Corporation threw a big celebration dinner. Everett, arm in arm with his date Alex, was the center of attention.


    He looked more striking than ever, oozing the charm of a seasoned man, wrapped in the glow of his sess, making it hard for thedies to tear their eyes away. Yet, he seemed detached, barely smiling, as if even this triumph couldn''t stir him. Soon, he passed the mingling duties to Alex and slipped out onto the terrace for some fresh air. Jaime sidled up with two sses of wine, shing a yful grin. "Mr. Everett, on a night like this, why the long face? Never been one for smiling?" Everett, already in a sour mood, gave him a sidelong nce and curtly said, "Buzz off."


    "Come on, I''m just looking out for you," Jaime said, ignoring the icy reception and diving into gossip. "So, really going through with the divorce?"


    "Got a problem with that?"


    "No, just didn''t expect you to suddenly be such a stand-up guy."


    Everett closed his eyes, trying to keep his temper in check, lest he did something rash.


    Jaime took a sip, driving his point home, "It''s probably for the best. Selena''s had a rough go these past years. Now that she''s free, she can start fresh without dy."novelbin


    "Jaime!" Everett couldn''t help but chuckle angrily. "Why are you so thrilled about my divorce? Did Selena win you over, or are you just backing Callum?"


    Jaime immediately raised his hand, swearing his allegiance, "I''m on your side, I swear. That''s why I don''t want to see you mess up. Look at the chaos you''ve stirred; no wonder Josh took a swing at you!" Everett had been waiting, hoping Selena would regret her decision and withdraw the divorce papers. She was someone who always kept up with the news; she must have seen his actions, yet she hadn''t flinched. For Callum''s sake, she was willing to forgo her pride, dignity, and wealth-everything. Her indifference infuriated him; even with this grand victory, he felt hollow and irritable.


    He didn''t want to hear any more of Jaime''s irritating truths and wished he''d just shut up. Right then, an oblivious business partner approached, asking, "Mr. Everett, why isn''t Mrs. Bet here tonight?" Jaime, quick on the draw, quipped, "Why ask? He''s almost single."


    The business partner awkwardlyughed and made a hasty retreat.


    Everett chuckled bitterly, each word tinged with menace: "You''re asking for it!"


    Jaime stepped back to stay out of harm''s way but still offered his advice, "Everett, just as a friend, women are the most precious beings and deserve to be cherished.


    If you really care about someone, go win her back and stop sabotaging yourself!"


    Care about her? Why should Everett care for a woman whose heart wasn''t his? He couldn''t stand her ingratitude and betrayal. No one had ever treated him like this!


    Late into the night, as the party wound down, Alex helped a tipsy Everett into the back seat. She was a bit out of it herself, instructing the driver to take him home and opting not to apany him. The driver, recently hired and respectful, asked, "Mr. Everett, where to?"


    Everett, eyes closed and leaning back, murmured, "Home."


    el


    The driver, remembering Alex mentioning Mr. Everett and his wife''s separation, knew ''home'' wasn''t Moon Bay. With rumors of his affair with Margot swirling around, the downtown apartment seemed like the right call.


    With that, he merged into the traffic. Upon arrival, he helped Everett to the apartment door. Margot opened the door from her wheelchair, her eyes lighting up with joy at the sight of the handsome, albeit slightly inebriated, man.


    "Come on in."