Chapter 8
Everett's anger was like a storm brewing, and a noticeable darkness shadowed his face. He grabbed Selena's chin, forcing her to look him in the eye.
His rage twisted into a bitter laugh, his voice cutting and ruthless. "Selena, are you losing your mind over money? You've been lounging around since we got hitched, living it up and spending like there's no tomorrow. And now you talk about splitting assets? Have you ever earned a dime?" Selena's hand clenched tightly.
Something clicked in Everett's mind, and mockery filled his gaze as his words cut through like a cold wind. "You're in such a rush for divorce. Are you heading back to your dear uncle to find another fool to swindle?"
Selena's chest heaved with fury. She'd given up on expecting anything decent to come from his mouth, but still, he managed to sink even lower.
Her eyes turned red, and tears threatened to spill, but when Everett looked at her, she masked it all with a casual smile. "You don't think you can scare me out of splitting the assets, do you?"
Then, something dawned on her, turning her gaze icy. "Given what you've done to me, even half feels like a loss."
If she hadn't escaped that night, she wouldn't be here discussing divorce and assets. She would bring him down with her as well.
Everett's brow tightened, confusion flickering in his dark eyes. What had he done to her?
Selena yanked herself free from his grip, her voice strong and unwavering, "We didn't sign a prenup, so from the moment you signed that marriage certificate, half of every penny you've made is mine. If you're not clear on that, I don't mind having my lawyer teach you a thing or two about marriage law!"
Why should she back down? That would just leave everything for the mistress, and she wasn't about to play the martyr.
Everett laughed in pure frustration, a hint of red at the corners of his eyes as he glared at her, his teeth grinding. "Fine, let's see if you can actually take half of my fortune!"
Everett stormed off, and Selena leaned against the wall, gathering her strength before seeing Brook emerge from the private room loaded with bags.
She didn't know how much he'd overheard, but she didn't bother asking, waiting for him to speak first.
Brook, however, seemed unfazed and simply said, "Let's go. I'll drive you home."
On the way back to her apartment, Brook chatted about her health, how to take the supplements, and how devoted his wife was to seeking fertility blessings. Not a word was said about the argument. They acted like nothing had happened. Before leaving the car, Selena couldn't hold back, "Uncle Brook, I'm divorcing Everett." As she said it, she braced for a backlash.
But Brook shrugged it off. "Every time you two fight, you mention divorce. But how long before you're back together? I give it three days this time. Just go and make up with him. Everett's not completely at fault for being mad. You did embarrass him..." Selena was stunned.
It wasn't about the public embarrassment or the fact that their divorce papers had been revealed at a senior meeting. It was the realization of how insignificant she was in this marriage.
She'd cried wolf too many times about divorce, only to end up begging for reconciliation. No one took her seriously now-not her uncle, and certainly not Everett.
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Back at the apartment, Joy was
sifting through the pricey supplements, letting out a low whistle. Your aunt only gets excited about you having kids. She's usually so stingy but splurged on these for you."
With a wry smile, she added, "Makes e sense, though. She wants to catch a big fish. If you have the Bennett family heir, you'll be set, and she'll get a piece of the pie, too."
Selena forced a smile, staying silent.
Joy, realizing she might've overstepped, quickly changed the subject. "You've really ticked off Everett today. He might not agree to the divorce so easily. What's your plan?" Selena hugged a pillow, shrugging casually, "Keep ticking him off, of course."
The next day at 5:30 AM, Selena was roused by ten alarms, picked up her phone, and dialed Everett.
His internal clock was precise; no
matter when he slept, he was up by
6:30 AM and wasn't exactly cheery in the mornings. So when he answered, his voice was deep and irritable, "What is it?"
Selena got straight to the point, "When are we sorting out this divorce?"
"Selena, do you even know what time it is?"
Unfazed, Selena hung up.
The next day, at the same time, she called again with the same question.
Annoyed, Everett retorted, "Do you need to see a psychiatrist?"
On the third day, after being blocked, she switched to the landline without hesitation.
"Selena, are you okay? Is this ever going to end?"
Selena replied, "Agree to the divorce, and I won't be calling you."
Five days later, when he picked up the phone, she barely got a word in before he cut her off, his voice cold and biting.
"Tomorrow morning, 9 AM, at the office."
Selena's mood soared, and her voice turned sweet. "Okay, darling. Sleep well, darling."