Derick was lounging in the passenger seat, eyes glued to his iPad as he tracked the stock market. When Everett''s question broke through his focus, he responded without thinking, "I have no idea, Mr. Bet. Didn''t you once say your wife was a bit of a nuisance? You told me not to bring her up, so no one''s been keeping tabs."


    Everett snapped back, "I want answers, not excuses!"


    Derick felt a jolt of urgency and sat up straight. Double standards were a boss'' privilege, and as Everett''s top assistant, it was Derick''s job to handle whatever came up. "I''ll find out right now!"


    He snatched up his phone, ignoring the time zone difference, and dialed Ava. As soon as the call connected, Everett ordered, "Put it on speaker."


    Derick nodded. "Yes..."


    Ava''s voice chimed in, "After finishing herst project, she''s been prettyid-back. Besides visiting Josh every few days, she''s had plenty of downtime. She''s back to her usual routine, early to bed and early to rise, and she looks much better now."


    Everett''s lips pressed into a thin line. Was she really having a good time without him? And with all this free time, hadn''t she thought to drop him a call or even a message? Did she forget she had a husband?


    Barely holding back his frustration, he asked coolly, "Has she mentioned me at all?"


    As always, Ava was honest. "No, not really. We watched a TV series together the other day and chatted for hours-about Josh, her uncle and brother, even her aunt. She asked about my daughter-inw''s pregnancy, promised to get her a gift, and even inquired about our dog''s breed. But no, you didn''te up."


    Everett was left speechless. "She''s something else!"


    Once, Selena considered Everett to be at least as important as a dog, but now, she did not even believe that. Derick let out a stifled chuckle, which earned him a sharp re from Everett, making him swallow his amusement swiftly.


    Ava went on, "Sir, if I may, maybe you should reflect a bit? She stopped asking about you because it used to upset you. Now you''re upset she''s not asking, so what exactly do you want from her?"


    Inwardly, Derick was cheering for Ava''s blunt honesty.


    Everett had enough and felt his patience wearing thin. "Hang up."


    "Wait, wait Ava quickly interrupted. "Sir, tomorrow''s you and Mrs. Bet''s third wedding anniversary. Are you nning toe back? She doesn''t say it, but I think she''s hoping you will."  en


    Their anniversary?


    Everett''s eyes hardened. He''d never cared for anniversaries, much less remembered them, and now it was happening tomorrow? Going back would mean skipping tonight''s exclusive dinner.


    Was Selena really worth missing out on all thoseworking opportunities for some trivial anniversary?Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Everett tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, weighing his options.


    ...


    Selenay in bedte at night, unable to sleep after her bath. She picked up her phone and scrolled through social media.


    Her feed was stered with news about the Bet Corporation and K Corporation coboration, dominating the day''s headlines.


    Her gaze lingered on a photo of Everett, who looked sharp and confident in his suit-almost too handsome to be real. Below, fans gushed, calling him their "hubby."


    Then, a fresh update popped up: [the


    CEO of K Corporation was trying to set his daughter up with Everett Bet, the most eligible bachelor, and insiders said Mr. Bet had agreed to attend tonight''s private dinner.]


    Selena''s fingers paused, and then she abruptly set her phone aside.


    ''Ah, men,'' she thought.