Selena knew Joy wasn''t just bragging. As the head honcho of PR at Bet Corporation, she was in tight with all sorts of media folks. Her smooth-talking, generous gestures, and knack for getting along with people,bined with the Bet Corporation clout, meant the press was always ready to y ball with her.


    Getting front-page headlines was a walk in the park for Joy, but what really set her apart was how these media outlets acted as her eyes and ears. She could easily get the scoop on anything she wanted and dig into any story effortlessly.


    Even though Selena was a journalist with her ownwork and channels, there were some things she preferred to keep at arm''s length.


    "Joy, there''s no way Lydia''s dodging a legal bullet, so let''s not waste time on her. I actually need your help with something else."


    Joy perked up right away. "Name it, and I''ll get it done!"


    "Remember when I told you how Everett used me to butter up a business partner?" Selena said, her eyes dropping as she idly turned her teacup. "He swears it wasn''t him and promised to get to the bottom of it."


    "I figured. Everett wouldn''t sink that low," Joy replied, not surprised but a bit relieved. Still, she noticed the worry on Selena''s face.


    So, she asked, "If it wasn''t Everett, why the long face?"


    Selena met her gaze with a slight lift of her eyelids, countering with, "If not Everett, who else could it be?"


    The answer was implied: who else but the ambitious Margot?


    Even though Everett promised to investigate, she worried he might not bepletely unbiased.


    Joy got the hint. But she knew they needed facts, not guesses. She vowed, "Selena, I''ll dig deep for you! If Margot''s behind it, Everett will see her true colors!"


    Just then, Everett strolled down the stairs, each step exuding a model-like grace, even in casual loungewear.


    Yet, fresh from a cold shower, his face was like a thundercloud, as if the world owed him big time.


    He sat next to Selena, casually draping an arm around her waist, and looked at Joy with half-open eyes. "What''s so pressing you had toe all this way?"


    His tone was cool and neutral, but those who knew him could feel the storm brewing underneath.


    Joy turned meek, her voice trembling. "Everett, it''s just... well..."


    Words failed her.


    Selena


    push


    about to let Everett


    not oriend around, especiallet


    something that was his own to doing. Content belong


    She shot back, "I asked her here. If you''ve got beef, take it up with me!"


    Everett''s eyes, simmering with barely hidden frustration, locked onto hers, his emotions a tangled mess. He was her husband, but whose side was she on?


    Selena met his gaze unflinchingly. Suddenly, he pinched her waist. "Only you dare to rile me up like this."


    Who was really riling who?ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Selena wanted to fire back but held her tongue, mindful of Joy''s presence.


    Joy, watching it all unfold, felt hershes flutter.


    This wasn''t a spat; it was more like a lovers'' quarrel...


    As dinner time rolled around, Selena invited Joy to stay for a quick meal. Joy nced at Everett, unsure.


    His gaze was cool, revealing nothing, yet she caught the vibe: vanish now!


    Joy quickly stood, made a polite excuse about another engagement, grabbed her bag, and left in a hurry. That night.


    After showering and her skincare routine, Selenay in bed. She was exhausted but too restless to sleep.


    Everett, slipping in unnoticed, slid in beside


    er and wrapped her in his


    arms His warm kissesnded near her ear.


    "Can''t sleep? How about we pick up where we left off earlier?"