Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

When Alex finally confirmed the time, Selena was so excited she nearly squealed, but she managed to keep it under wraps, though her voice couldn't hide her happiness.

"Thanks, Alex, for all the legwork you've done these past few days."

Alex responded in his usual business-like tone, "It's my job, ma'am."

Selena sensed a distance from Alex, but she got it. After all, with Derick's story still fresh, she wasn't about to try and get too close. Besides, if her escape plan worked, she wouldn't want to drag anyone else down with her.

Feeling upbeat, she called Ava upstairs after hanging up to start packing their bags together. They had to play the part to the hilt!

Ava hadn't seen Selena this happy in ages and joined in her cheer, folding clothes into the suitcase while saying, "Ma'am, you look stunning when you smile. You should do it more often."

"And once we're in France, you won't have to deal with that shameless homewrecker anymore. You'll be all smiles, and maybe even have another little princess who giggles just as much!" Selena chuckled softly, saying nothing.

She felt a pang of guilt towards Ava; she had unknowingly been pulled into Selena's scheme. During the showdown with Margot at the café, Selena had used Ava's protective nature to escalate the drama, which ultimately messed with Everett's head. But Selena was determined to make it up to her.

Ava was working herself to the bone to support her family, paying off two mortgages on her own wasn't easy. Selena had already made arrangements with Ricky to send Ava some money once everything blew over.

It was a small way to thank her for all her care over the years.

And Ava was completely in the dark about the escape plan. While Everett might be tough, he was fair to his own, as long as there was no betrayal.

Suddenly, Selena's phone rang, and it was Joy.

She answered with a smile, "Hey Joy, what's up?"

"I heard you're heading overseas soon to have the baby. Let's grab dinner, a little send-off."

Selena raised an eyebrow, "You hear things fast! Sure, what are you in the mood for? Dinner's on me."

Instead of hitting up a fancy spot, they went back to their old haunt near the university-a cozy little diner they used to love. It was run by a charming husband-and-wife team, with him cooking and her handling the register.

As they settled in, Selena remarked, "This place hasn't changed a bit in ten years."

"Yeah," Joy said with nostalgia in her eyes, "Time's flown by. We've been out of school for ages, and you've been married four years now."

Selena laughed, "And you're about to tie the knot too! It's wild, we went from carefree girls to married women in the blink of an eye. Time's a real thief!"

After a few laughs, the waiter brought out a spread of delicious dishes.

Thinking about the long stint abroad, Selena knew she'd miss the local flavors, so she dug in.

Lost in her meal, she didn't notice Joy picking at her food, looking distracted.

l.ne

Joy looked down, then suddenly asked, "Selena, are you really going abroad for the baby? Won't you miss Everett? What if Margot pulls something while you're gone? You'd be handing him over on a silver platter." Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

Hearing Margot's name soured Selena's mood a bit.

Kon?

She took a sip of her soup and replied calmly, "If a guy wants to stray, he'll find a way, no matter how closely you watch him. Haven't you seen the news? Some guys can't even make a cigarette run without causing trouble."