The Bet Estate was buzzing with excitement, its grand mansion lit up like a beacon, signaling something big was happening. The courtyard was packed with luxury cars of all makes and models, as movers and shakers from the business and social scenes made their entrances, adding their own sparkle to the night.


    Ever since Josh passed away, the Bet family hadn''t hosted any gatherings. Everett, in particr, had been buried in work, too busy to make any social appearances, leaving folks with no chance to connect orwork with him.


    But tonight, things were about to shift.


    After three long years, Everett was introducing the new Mrs. Bet to society, along with their three-year-old son. A man with a family is a man looking to reconnect with his loved ones, which also means he''s more likely to show up at social events. Plus, it opened up the possibility of influencing him through his wife.


    Everett, dressed to the nines in a formal ck velvet three-piece suit, looked every bit the noble gentleman. He mingled with the guests, champagne in hand, but his eyes kept darting towards the entrance.


    Upstairs, in one of the rooms.


    Little Mateo sat sulking on a small sofa, his cheeks resting on his hands, clearly not in a party mood.


    Alex walked in and saw the tiny suit she''did out for him still untouched on the bed, and she couldn''t help but chuckle softly.


    Kneeling down to his level, she gently asked, "Hey champ, the party''s about to kick off. Why aren''t you dressed yet?"


    Mateo gave her a look, then suddenly blurted, "Alex, is Dad really going to get engaged to someone else?"


    He hadn''t quite grasped what engagement meant at first, but after hanging around his dad at the Bet Corporation and overhearing some chatter, he had put two and two together. Engagement meant his dad would live with another woman, and if his mom couldn''t get him back, he''d have to call this stranger ''Mom'' and be her son.


    He didn''t want anyone else; he just wanted his mom.


    Alex sighed internally at this. The kid was too young to get tangled up in adult drama. Mateo clearly favored his mom, and if he spilled anything to Selena, Alex would have to face Everett herself.


    So she gently patted his head and


    smoothly changed the subject, "Come on, little man, we need to get you dressed. Otherwise, Mr.


    Everett''s going to have that stern


    look again. You''re the star of nex


    tonight''s show; it''s your time to shine."


    Mateo wasn''t having it, though. He turned his head away, stubbornly silent.


    But Alex was patient. With a smile, she tapped his nose and said, "Don''t you want to see your mom? If you cooperate tonight, I''ll have a word with Mr. Everett and see if we can arrange a meeting."


    And just like that, Mateo''s eyes lit up.


    He hadn''t seen his mom in ages, and his dad wouldn''t even let him call her. He missed her like crazy.


    "Really?" he asked, still a bit wary.


    Alex reassured him with a warm


    smile, "When you grow up and take


    over your dad''s spot, you''ll be


    my


    oss. I wouldn''t dare lie to you."


    That convinced him, and without needing Alex''s help, he hopped off the sofa and hurried to change.


    Kids really are the sweetest, Alex mused as she stood up to help Mateo get dressed.


    Meanwhile, a sleek ck limo quietly slipped into a corner of the Bet Estate''s courtyard, drawing little attention.


    Inside, a woman dressed to the nines sat patiently.


    Yasmine checked herself in a small mirror, thinking about whaty ahead.


    After tonight, she''d officially be Mrs. Bet.


    Mr. Everett would finally be hers.