Brook was fumbling over his words, clearly flustered.


    Selena closed her eyes for a moment, piecing it all together. "What did he give you?" she asked, her voice calm but firm. "Be honest. Don''t make me pry."


    That tone of hers always did the trick. Brook couldn''t keep anything from her and spilled the beans. "Thend in the south of the city..."


    Selena knew that persuading her uncle wouldn''te easy, but even she was startled by the magnitude of Everett''s offer.


    As a journalist, she was always on top of thetest news and trends, so she was well aware of how prized that piece ofnd was.


    She never would have guessed that Everett would go so far as to use it to shut her uncle up, sparing her from further hassle.


    He used to get so annoyed when she turned to him for every little thing and often reacted with impatience or a biting remark. She had just wanted to get his attention and have something more to talk about with him. This time, without a word from her, he had stepped in and handled it.


    Both pleased and relieved, Brook chimed in, "Selena, Everett still cares about you. I know things got rocky because of that pianist, whatever her name is, but what guy doesn''t mess up? Especially a guy like Everett! It''s okay to make mistakes as long as he knows how to make things right ande home. That still makes him a good husband. He told me he''s serious about working things out with you now. Selena, don''t be so stubborn, or you''ll just push him further away."


    Selena''s hand trembled slightly as she held her phone, feeling a bit dazed.


    His voice took on a more serious tone. "Your parents left us early, and as your uncle, it''s up to me to say this. Every marriage has its ups and downs-it''s ridiculous to talk about divorce at every bump. Think about it. Give Everett another chance, or you might regret itter!"


    Before, Selena would''ve tuned out this kind of talk. But after finding out that Everett wasn''t at fault, her once-steeled heart had softened. She couldn''t help but wonder-if Everett was genuinely turning over a new leaf and ready to nurture their marriage, would she be open


    to it?


    Her thoughts were a jumble. She wasn''t sure what she felt. But if Everett kepting home every day, doting on her, ying the part of the perfect husband, she knew she''d be hard-pressed to resist.


    She was scared of the past repeating, of diving back in without thinking, just like she had three years ago.


    Hugging her knees, she got lost in thought.


    Herptop suddenly pinged with a new email. Selena nced over and saw it was from her boss. She quickly opened it. Boss: [Got a new assignment for you-a short trip, maybe 3-5 days. Interested?]


    Without a second thought, Selena replied: [I''m in!]


    This was the perfect chance to step away for a few days, away from e Everett''s influence. It would give her space to sort out her feelings. After all, a bit of distance can be the best way to test one''s feelings.


    Her boss sent over the details right away.


    After skimming through them, Selena booked her flights and hotel and packed her bags. An hourter, she was on her way to the airport.


    Meanwhile, Everett was out on the golf course with Jaime and another business partner.


    With a casual swing, he nailed a hole-in-one, drawing apuse and cheers from everyone around. The young female caddies, in particr, seemed unable to look away.


    In his suit, Everett was the picture of


    refined elegance, but in his casual sports gear, he exuded a rugged


    charm. As he swung the golf clubetConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    the muscles on his arms were undeniably captivating, and his hands, with their slender, perfectly defined fingers, were like a work of art.