In the afternoon, ine showed up at the house. He''d already caught wind that Everett was set on protecting Yasmine.


    In the living room, Ava brought him a cup of coffee, but he didn''t even take a sip before diving straight into the matter. "What''s your n?" he asked Selena, assuring her he''d back her all the way.


    Selena shook her head gently. "No need, I''ll be dropping the charges."


    ine frowned, "You don''t have to lose hope so quickly, we could still..."


    "In Newport, if he wants to shield her, we''re not likely to win," Selena cut in,ying out the harsh truth. She was well aware of the influence the Bet family and Everett had in Newport. Having been around Everett for so long, she knew the


    score.


    ine understood too, but he couldn''t just let it go like that. His expression turned serious, ready to argue, but Selena shifted gears, "How''s your power in France?"


    ine was taken aback for a moment, then it clicked. Smart folks always catch on fast. He leaned back on the leather sofa, a sly smile ying on his lips. "Just so happens, that''s my turf."


    Selena caressed her belly, smiling softly. "That''s good to know."


    Just then, Mateo burst in from school. He ran up, careful not to jump on his mom with her growing belly, and snuggled into her arms, greeting both her and his unborn sister.


    "So, this is Mateo," ine said, sitting up straight, his sharp demeanor melting into something softer as he gazed at the kid.


    Mateo looked up, curious. "Who are you?"


    ine grinned, "I''m your mom''s guardian angel."


    Mateo, puzzled by the term, made a quick connection. "Are you like Ultraman for Mom?"


    ine chuckled, cradling his chin with one hand, looking every bit the sly fox. "You could put it that way, Mateo. You''re sharp."


    J.ne


    He gestured for the boy toe over. Mateo looked at his mom, and after Selena nodded, he approached. ine, like a magician, pulled a plump envelope from his suit jacket and handed it to Mateo. "Here''s a little wee gift."


    Selena raised an eyebrow, "There''s no need to go overboard."


    ine shook his head, "It''s just a token."


    Selena didn''t argue further, turning to Mateo. "Uncle likes you, go ahead and take


    it."


    Later that night, Yasmine stepped out of the police station, spotting a ck Bentley parked nearby. Her face lit up, and she rushed over, only to find Alex in the passenger seat instead of the man she longed for.


    She pouted, "Mr. Everett isn''t here to pick me up?"


    Alex, feeling a twinge of disdain, kept a professional front, replying with a question


    of her own, "What do you think?" The sarcasm was unmistakable.


    пе


    Yasmine felt a bit embarrassed, but the fact that Everett was still willing to protect her spoke volumes about her ce in his life. It gave her a boost of confidence. "I''ll head back to France and keep out of trouble, Alex. Let Mr. Everett know I''d love for him to visit when he can


    Once her ne took off, Alex returned to Bet Corporation to deliver her report.


    In the CEO''s office, Everett stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city lights against the pitch-ck sky.


    After Alex finished reporting, she was about to leave when Everett''s deep voice broke the silence. "Pull all of Yasmine''s bodyguards in France. Leave none behind."


    Alex was momentarily stunned. But working with Everett so long, she wasn''t clueless. She quickly pieced together his intentions. "Understood."


    Everett''s care for his wife and son was evident, but still...


    She hesitated, then asked the question that had been on her mind. "Mr. Everett, if


    you don''t n on letting Yasmine off the hook, why let your wife get the wrong idea?"