Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Selena's mind was racing when she heard Everett's words, thinking, "What would I do without Ava?"

Taking her chance, she chimed in, "Yeah, Ava's got a knack for this stuff. You should definitely learn from her."

Everett's gaze flicked over to Ava, who was all eager and attentive. Normally, she had a sharp sense, but today she seemed completely clueless. Was he really here to learn how to bake pies? No, he was just trying to add some fun to his marriage with Selena. With deliberate intent, he said, "Mrs. Bennett, I want you to teach me!"

As he spoke, Everett's eyes were locked onto Selena's soft profile, leaving her no room to escape his gaze.

Ava finally caught on that something was off, realizing the couple had their own dynamic going on. What was her role in all this, anyway? Despite her recent grievances about Mr. Bennett's behavior and her sympathy for Mrs. Bennett, she still held on to the hope that if he truly committed to his wife and ignored outside distractions, it would be great to see them reconcile, especially with a kid involved.

Thinking quickly, she wiped her hands on her apron and feigned a stomachache, saying, "Oh dear, I've got a stomachache and need to hit the restroom. You two carry on!"

Without waiting for a response, she hurried away, leaving Selena speechless at Ava's over-the-top performance. It was so obvious she was just making an excuse to leave.

So much for loyalty!

Everett, on the other hand, was quite pleased. With a sly grin, he grabbed an apron off the wall, slipped it around his neck, and approached Selena. Looking down at her, he said, "Selena, mind tying this for me?"

Selena shot him a look, his self-satisfied grin making her itch to punch him. Holding back her annoyance, she wrapped her arms around his trim waist to tie the apron strings.

With her so close, Everett could catch the scent of her hair and admire her long lashes and perfectly fair skin, which seemed impossibly soft.

As he watched her, his thoughts began to drift, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.

Once Selena finished, she stepped back, picked up a piece of pie crust and some filling, and slowly demonstrated the process for him.

After she completed one, she asked, "See how it's done? Give it a try."

Everett nodded and tried to follow

anything

her lead. But what seemed so simple in her hands was anything but for him-his pies ended up a messy pile every time.

Unfazed, he kept at it, but the results were the same.

Selena couldn't help but giggle. Who would've thought the mighty CEQ of stumble

Bennett Corporation would of

over something as simple as making pies?

She couldn't resist teasing, "Mr. Everett, can't even make a pie? That's pretty silly!"

Everett felt a flicker of annoyance, glancing at her sharply, but his irritation melted away upon seeing her smile.

Her eyes danced with laughter, her

smile was gentle, and those little dimples on her cheeks appeared," like a beautiful flower blooming in the snow.

Her beauty struck him deep.

It had been ages since Selena had smiled at him like that, so open and unguarded.

A strong urge surged through Everett, a desire to pull her close and never let go.

With a decisive move, he gripped her waist and lifted her effortlessly onto the kitchen island.

Selena let out a surprised gasp, her eyes wide, "What are you doing?"

Everett's lips curled into a mischievous grin, completely unashamed, "Mrs. Bennett, I want you!"