Everett picked up the document, carefully flipping through it, his fingers trembling with a slight, uncontroble shake.


    After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice hoarse and strained, "Is this real?"


    His gaze at ine was sharp, as if challenging him to dare present any falsehood or face serious consequences.


    Alex watched from the sidelines, having been by Everett''s side for years, yet still feeling weak-kneed when Everett''s temper red.


    But ine remained calm and collected.


    He lifted his teacup, gently blowing on the leaves before taking a measured sip.


    "Mr. Everett, with your extensive resources, checking the authenticity of this document should be a breeze. Why would I need to y tricks?"


    As he spoke, the carefree look in his eyes disappeared, reced by a serious demeanor.


    "Whether you want to pursue this divorce or not, I''ll be waiting for your decision."


    ine stood up, elegantly brushing off his trousers where no dust existed, chuckling quietly before turning to leave.


    Bill reflexively raised his hand to stop him.


    But he was halted by his boss''s calmmand, "Let him go."


    Although surprised, Bill always followed orders, immediately stepping aside to make way.


    ine smirked slightly and walked out without further ado.


    A crisis was effortlessly defused. Alex had thought today would end in anything but peace.


    Curious, he craned his neck to get a peek at the document in Mr. Everett''s hand.


    What on earth could make Mr. Everett concede so easily, like a rooster bested in a fight?


    This was so unlike their usually steadfast boss!


    Everett stood at the window, hands behind his back, lost in thought for what seemed like ages...


    Winter gave way to spring, the worlding alive again.


    Compared to her first pregnancy with all its challenges, Selena found her second one much easier, apart from feeling a bit sleepier than usual.


    Ava jokingly said it must be a girl, given how calm everything was.


    In truth, Selena hadn''t checked the


    baby''s gender yet. She secretly hoped for a sweet and adorable daughter toplete the family, but she''d love the child regardless.


    en


    In the evening, Selena lulled her son to sleep. Mateoy with his ear pressed against her belly, iming he could hear his sister saying hello, whether he truly did or was just imagining it.


    Selena chuckled, chatting lightly with him.


    As they talked, Mateo suddenly asked, "Mom, why isn''t Dading home again?" Selena paused, her expression faltering briefly before she regained herposure. After theirst argument, he hadn''te back for days, and she hadn''t asked.


    But naturally, the child missed his father.


    She thought for a moment, then decided to be honest, "Mateo, your father and will be living separately from now on. If you stay with me, you won''t see him as often. But he will always be your dad. You can call him whenever you miss him, or have hime pick you up. That won''t change."


    Mateo was silent for a long time before speaking in a downcast tone, "Like when we were abroad, just you and Ava, without Dad?"


    Though it was hard, Selena couldn''t offer him false hopes. She nodded.


    Instantly, his face fell, tears welling up in his eyes.


    Selena''s heart ached too, but... she had alreadypromised once for the sake of the child, only to find it was a mistake.


    Everett had never truly prioritized them, always finding excuses to leave.


    Mateo might be sad now, but that was temporary. It was better than growing up in a household filled with constant arguments and discord.