Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

To avoid upsetting her again, HaleySelena decided to host a small gathering at her place that day.

Brook showed up in the afternoon, and maybe it was the years catching up with him, but he was all about the kids, holding little Haley as if he'd never let go. Even Mateo, who usually got a bit jealous, couldn't help but dote on his sister, trailing after her like a devoted little brother.

Ricky didn't come solo this time; he brought his girlfriend along. She'd been his secretary from the very start of his business journey, sticking by him through thick and thin. Now, they were officially together, and Selena couldn't be happier for him.

Playing the role of the big sister who's like a mom, Selena picked out a beautiful jewelry set as a welcome gift for her. The girlfriend hesitated, thinking it was too much, but Selena wouldn't take no for an answer. It took Ricky's gentle coaxing for her to finally accept it.

Blaine came in fashionably late, but his gift stole the show-a winery in France. After all, a little princess deserves to be pampered.

Everyone quietly avoided mentioning family matters in front of Uncle Ricky. Without his love and support, Selena wouldn't have had the childhood she did. She was forever grateful and always considered him family.

Callum and Joy showed up too, bringing their own lavish gifts for Selena.

The last one to walk in was Alex. She handed over a piece of jade, claiming it was a token of her affection. But anyone could see it was worth a fortune, far beyond what she could afford.

Whose affection it truly represented was clear without words. But really, what good are expensive gifts if you don't show up yourself?

Selena accepted it with a cold smile. It was meant for Haley, and she'd keep it safe until Haley was old enough to decide what to do with it after learning its backstory.

Without much fanfare, another year quietly slipped away.

The first snow of the year started falling up north. Selena was sitting in the living room with Mateo, catching a TV show, when she caught sight of it. Her gaze lingered a moment longer than usual.

Mateo, blissfully oblivious to the adult stuff, was just excited that Christmas was around the corner and couldn't wait to dig into a Christmas feast.

Naturally, Selena was going to make that happen. She called up a restaurant to reserve a spot, planning to take the kids out for a big Christmas Eve dinner to lift their spirits.

The streets were decked out in festive lights, Christmas tunes filling the air, bringing a sense of joy to everyone around.

Mateo and Haley were dressed in bright red today, looking festive and cheery themselves.

The mountaintop restaurant had

rolled special Christmas menu,

which

outnoveldrama

a hit not just with kids but with couples too, making it almost fully booked.

After stuffing themselves, Mateo wanted to see the fireworks from the terrace. So, Selena asked Ava to keep an eye on Haley while she took Mateo for a little fun before heading back home.

With that, Selena held Mateo's hand and walked out of their private room.

As they strolled through the lobby, Mateo suddenly tugged at Selena's hand, exclaiming, "Mom, look, it's Dad! It's Dad!"

He pointed with his tiny finger towards a booth by the big windows.

There sat the dashing and timeless Everett, across from a stunning

Who was laughing a

, twirling her hair toner

eye.

his

Everett was lounging there, looking relaxed, his deep eyes giving nothing away.

But it was clear they were on a date.

So... that blind date must have gone well, leading up to this.

Was he on the brink of getting married again?

Selena's grip tightened without her even realizing it.

Meanwhile, Mateo, eager to see his dad, let go of his mom's hand and toddled

over to Everett with his little legs.