Chapter 5
The message was crystal clear: once the divorce was finalized, she would no longer be Mrs. Bennett, and all the perks that came with that title would vanish. We're talking about the lavish clothes, the designer handbags, the sparkling jewelry, and that unlimited credit card that felt like a magic wand.C0ntent © 2024 (N/ô)velDrama.Org.
"Do you really think I'm going to be like those noble heroines in novels who walk away from a divorce empty-handed?"
Selena had thought this through. For three years, she had dutifully played the role of Everett's wife, the quintessential Bennett family daughter-in-law. Sure, Everett wasn't exactly head over heels for her, but it didn't stop him from sharing her bed. They were, after all, a legitimate couple. She took care of the home, doted on her in-laws, and kept up appearances for him in public.
Plus, let's not forget the reason for the divorce: his cheating. He was even about to have a kid with someone else! She was stepping back, letting him and his mistress have their fairy tale. All she was asking for was half of his assets in return. In her mind, that was more than fair.
Once the divorce went through, she'd be joining the ranks of Forbes' wealthiest women. With money, beauty, and free time, and no longer having to cater to some ungrateful man, what could possibly trouble her in the future?
Joy, hearing her out, snapped to attention and gave her a genuine thumbs-up. "Girl, you've got your head on straight! I was thinking way too small."
With a playful salute, she added, "Let's not forget each other when you're rolling in dough! Here's to the future lady tycoon!"
...
Selena sent the divorce papers to both the Bennett Corporation and their home in Moon Bay, making sure Everett would come across them wherever he was.
Everett stumbled upon them during a company meeting. His assistant, Derick, accidentally mixed them with other documents, and before they knew it, the divorce papers were projected for all the top executives to see. The bold demands not only asked for half of Everett's assets but also laid out the reasons for the split.
[Cheating during marriage, persisting on keeping a stay-at-home wife while enjoying a mistress. A man who doesn't respect himself is like a bad egg in society!]
[Plus, Everett couldn't satisfy his wife in their married life, and after three years, he still hadn't gotten her pregnant. His family is not satisfied with the failure of not having an heir. His wrongdoings justify a divorce.]
The executives exchanged glances and then turned their sympathetic gazes to Everett. The always capable and heroic boss seemed to have his flaws...
No wonder he looked for validation elsewhere; those who felt inadequate often tried to overcompensate.
Derick quickly turned off the projector, glancing nervously at Everett. He noticed his boss' face darken with anger and thought, 'I'm finished.'
In the CEO's office, Everett sat in his
chair, staring coldly at the divorce papers for a long time before letting out a scoff and tossing them aside. "Her tricks just keep getting more complicated."
Derick was puzzled. Sure, the missus had thrown around the divorce card a few times before, but it was usually just empty threats. This time, though, it felt serious, didn't it?
He tentatively asked, "Mr. Bennett, is there a chance she actually means it this time?"
"No way," Everett replied, his voice icy but confident.
Derick thought it over and agreed. Over the last three years, Mrs. Everett's devotion to him was obvious to everyone.
As Everett's childhood friend once put it, she was obsessive and clingy. She would never leave him even if the world ended!
Just as Derick was about to leave, he stopped, another thought crossing his mind.
"So many people were in the meeting. Maybe we should manage the narrative to stop rumors about Mrs. Bennett wanting a divorce?"
If word got out, it could lead to wild speculation about Bennett Corporation and possibly even affect stock prices.
Derick thought he was being smart, but his boss dismissed it without a second thought. "There's no need to address baseless rumors. Get back to work!"
...
Selena waited and waited, but days passed with no word from Everett. Annoyed, she took him off her block list and dialed his number.
It rang once, then cut off. Patiently, she tried again, only for him to immediately hang up.
Grinding her teeth, she told herself
not to stoop to his level. Once the divorce was finalized and she had
the money, she'd hire a PR team to tarnish his reputation online
QUMS
Just as she was about to try calling again, her phone buzzed.
Selena raised an eyebrow. Had he decided to work with her?