Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Ever since Josh found out Selena was having a baby boy, he couldn't shake off this inexplicable sense of joy. Whether it was the uplifting news or just sheer luck, his health seemed to have taken a turn for the better. He looked more spirited than ever. Clutching Selena's hand, he couldn't stop talking about sticking around long enough to see his great-grandson make his grand entrance into the world. He promised her that his entire estate would be theirs, a fortress against anyone who dared to mess with them. "I'll always have your back," he reassured her, "as long as I'm around, you've got nothing to fear!"

Selena felt her emotions welling up, "I hear you, Grandpa. But you need to hang in there, not just to see the baby but to watch him grow and help guide him into someone amazing. You have to stay fit and live to a ripe old age!"

"Pinky swear!" she said, holding up her little finger. "It's a promise from me and the baby!"

Josh, indulging her, hooked his finger with hers. "Alright, a promise with my future great-grandson."

Then, with a warm glance at her belly, he added, "Don't worry, little one. Great-grandpa will keep your mom safe, and you better arrive safely to meet me, okay?"

Selena, mimicking a child's voice, replied, "I will, Great-grandpa, just wait for me!"

Everett showed up shortly afterward to take Selena home. Josh seized the moment to give him a stern warning, threatening to personally deal with him if he ever let Selena and the baby down.

Everett, unable to help his helpless grin, replied, "I wouldn't dare."

He gently supported Selena, letting her lean into him, and with a teasing tone, said, "I've got her so spoiled now, isn't that right, Mrs. Bennett?"

Spoiled in more ways than one...

Selena's mind wandered to less innocent thoughts, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. Not wanting to entertain Everett's teasing, she quickly bid Josh farewell.

Josh, confused, asked, "What's with her?"

Everett, with a mysterious smile, said, "Nothing, Grandpa. We're just heading back."

"Alright then, make sure to look after Selena and my great-grandson!"

Everett caught up with Selena, ignoring her protests as he wrapped his arm around her and led her to the car.

Callum stood watching them leave from the hallway, lost in thought.

Later that night, a leg cramp startled Selena awake, something that had become all too frequent as her pregnancy advanced.

In the past, Everett had been woken by her discomfort and had gotten pretty good at helping her ease the painoso, instinctively, she reached out to nudge him awake.

"Everett, wake up, my leg's cramping again!"

But her hand met empty sheets.

She blinked in surprise, realizing Everett wasn't beside her.

Was he off burning the midnight oil again?

With no other option, she managed

Wop herself up, stretching herdeg g deep breaths. Gra subsided.

the pain

Feeling clammy from sweat, she got up to change into a fresh nightgown.

She was about to crawl back into bed when she noticed the clock reading past three in the morning. Worried about his late-night work habits, she decided to head to the study.

But when she got there, it was pitch black and empty.

Selena stood there, puzzled.

Where on earth could Everett be at this hour?

Back in the bedroom, she picked up her phone, found his number, and was about to hit call.