Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

The person coming up the path wasn't Everett-it was Derick. Instantly, the light in Selena's eyes dimmed, and her hand, which had been resting lightly on the railing, slowly tightened into a fist. Noticing her disappointment, Derick felt a wave of sympathy wash over him. He wished he could change things, but he was just a messenger today...

Selena took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Derick, what brings you here? Did you leave some documents at home again?"

Derick shook his head, hesitating as he tried to find the right words, worried about hurting her feelings.

"It's okay, Derick," she said gently. "Just say what's on your mind."

Pressed for time, Derick couldn't linger. He spoke softly, explaining that Everett had sent him to collect some clothes from the villa because he planned to stay at the downtown apartment for a while.

Even though he was trying to be gentle, Selena felt a sharp pang in her heart. Everett wasn't just avoiding her; he was moving out altogether?

She lowered her gaze to her pale fingertips, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is it the apartment where Margot stays?"

Everett did have a downtown apartment, but Margot had always lived there. Was he moving in with her to support her through her grief?

Women have a knack for sensing these things. Derick had hoped to gloss over the details to spare her more pain, but it was clear he couldn't hide it from her.

Reluctantly, he nodded.

Quickly, he added, "Please, don't read too much into it. The apartment is over 2,000 square feet. It's plenty big. Mr. Everett and Ms. Margot have separate rooms, and there's medical staff with them. They're not there alone."

"Ms. Margot lost her child, and she's in a terrible mental state. She refused to stay in the hospital and even tried to harm herself. The doctors thought she'd do better at home, somewhere she felt safe and comfortable." "Mr. Everett really had no other choice but to be there for her."

Derick emphasized this last part, hoping it would ease her mind.

Selena understood Derick's good intentions, but she felt oddly numb at that moment. Whether Everett loved Margot or not, the truth was right there in front of her, wasn't it?

She wanted him to come back, just to clear up the medication issue and tell him about the baby. Beyond that, she had no other expectations.

"Come on, Derick. His clothes are in the walk-in closet. I'll help you pack them," she said, turning slowly and heading back to the master bedroom.

Packing Everett's clothes was second nature to her. She quickly paired and folded everything neatly, placing them into a suitcase.

Handing it to Derick, she made a request, "Please, make sure he gets this message. Tell him... if he wants to stay with Margot, that's his choice, but he needs to find some time to come back. It won't take long. Just tell him I have something important to discuss."

Derick nodded earnestly, "Don't worry, I'll make sure he gets the message."

"Thank you."

Selena stood there, watching as Derick descended the stairs and left. She returned to the master bedroom, where the absence of a few clothes made the space feel strangely empty. She sat on the sofa, her thoughts scattered.

...

In a top-floor apartment downtown,

Derick walked in carrying the suitcase. He found Everett standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, a cigarette burning low between his fingers.

Derick couldn't help but worry. Mr. Everett was usually so composed and strong-willed, not easily rattled Unlike Jaime, who always had a cigarette or drink in hand, Everett rarely indulged unless it was for business.