Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everyone was caught off guard.

Joy felt like she must have misheard, so she quickly grabbed Everett's arm. "Everett, what... what are you saying? This isn't the time for jokes..."

Ms. Joy and Ann exchanged confused glances, while Carolina's expression shifted.

"Everett, everyone's here today. Watch what you're saying."

Everett took a slow look around at them, his expression calm and collected. "I said, I'm calling off the engagement. I'm not here to discuss it; I'm here to let you all know."

With those words, he stood up with a sense of finality. "I won't be staying for dinner. I've already settled the bill as a small apology. The partnership between Bennett Corporation and Kesler International will remain as is. Of course, if Kesler International wants to end the collaboration, they can do so at any time."

Everett gently removed Joy's hand from his arm, gave a polite nod, and began to walk away.

Carolina was livid, slamming her hand on the table. "Hold it right there! Everett, there's a limit to this nonsense!"noveldrama

If Everett walked out today, it would mean a complete rift with the Kesler family, leaving Joy and her family embarrassed. How could they ever become in-laws after such an incident?

What could have caused this sudden change? Was it that Selena stirring things up again?

Everett paused and turned to face his mom, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Mother, it's out of respect for Grandpa and the long-standing bond between our families that I'm here personally to end the engagement, making sure things are wrapped up properly without harming Joy's reputation."

"I've spent some time with Joy, but it was just that time. Nothing more. It's better to end things now if they're not right, for both families' sake."

"Even in arranged marriages, mutual agreement is essential. What is it? Does the Kesler family want to force this?"

His straightforward words left Ms. Joy and Ann feeling embarrassed, their faces flushed with discomfort.

In reality, it had been Joy pushing for this marriage, leaving them with no strong argument to counter him.

Joy's cheeks turned bright red with a mix of hurt and frustration. She never expected such a curveball at the last minute, making it hard for her to accept.

"Everett, if I did something to upset you, just tell me and I'll change. I really do care about you. Let's not talk about ending the engagement, okay?"

Ignoring everyone around, Joy pleaded, clutching Everett's sleeve once again. Her voice was soft and sincere We've grown up together; doesn't our childhood friendship mean anything to you? Besides, love can grow over time. I believe I can be the wife you're looking for."

Tears brimmed in her eyes. "Everett, if you think setting a wedding date now is too soon, that's alright. Let's keep seeing each other, give us a chance. Maybe you'll come to love me, and then we can talk about the wedding date, okay?"

The main thing was to get Everett to rethink things, to stop mentioning calling off

the engagement so they might have a future.

She didn't mind showing vulnerability or pleading, as long as it got her closer to her goal.

Seeing this, Carolina felt a pang of

e'

sympathy for Joy and quickly added, "Everett, Joy is head over heels for

you. Finding someone like her is a blessing you should hold on to."

She decided to suggest a middle ground. "We can push back the wedding date

and think about the cancellation more thoroughly."

Pausing for a moment, she added with a bit more emphasis, "Joy's brother will be here soon; let's not make this situation any worse."