Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 106

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The stuff they were involved in wasn’t just high–risk–it was life–and–death. But at the same time, it was all for their country.

Dorian and Ares had shared life–or–death moments before. He might seem cold on the outside, but when it came to national defense, he never hesitated to put himself on the line.

Back in the lounge, Arden sat quietly. She was starting to get bored. She pulled out her phone and messaged Isla.

Arden texted, “Isla, there’s a guy in our department who asked for your number. Should I give it to him?”

Isla replied, “Wait, who? He better be worthy.”

Arden sent a photo. “This one. His name’s Clark. Remember the time you picked me up from work? He saw you and completely lost it. Been asking about you ever since.”

It was a photo Clark had sent her earlier. After a long pause, Isla finally replied.

Isla texted, “No.”

Arden texted, “Can I ask why? He’ll probably follow up.”

Isla replied, “I’m too busy for that, and anyone working under Dorian probably has no soul left. Not boyfriend material.”

Arden didn’t reply right away. She knew Isla was just looking out for her. Still looking down at her phone, she noticed someone approaching–a stunning woman with wild features, holding a glass of red wine.

“Arden?”

Arden looked up.

The woman was striking. Smoky eye makeup, bright red lips, oversized hoop earrings–fashion–forward and full of presence. Arden was sure they’d never met.

She put away her phone and gave a polite smile. “Hi, do I know you?”

The woman smiled. “Ares thought you might be bored. He asked me to keep you company. I’m Ruby Dawson.”

Oh.Ares–that cold, gruff guy Dorian calls a friend. Arden returned the smile. “Thanks.”

Ruby sat down next to her, immediately getting to the point.

“So… are you with Mr. Vale?”

Arden blinked, then shook her head. “No.”

Ruby grinned. Her teeth were perfect, her energy confident. “First time I’ve seen him bring a woman to one of Ares‘ meetings. First time I’ve seen him peel crab for anyone. The way he looks at you? It’s different.”

Arden knew exactly what kind of image she had in Dorian’s eyes. She picked up her glass of juice and took a slow sip. “Ruby, I think you’re misreading things.”

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Chapter 106 Only She Gets Close

Ruby shook her head. “No way.”

Arden didn’t argue. Instead, she tilted her head. “Do you like Dorian?”

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Ruby gave a short laugh, then leaned in like she was telling a secret. “That cold, emotionally repressed man? Definitely not my type. I like Ares.”

She said his name with a little sparkle in her eyes. The kind that only came when someone really liked someone. Arden saw it. She recognized that look instantly.

“You two seem like a great match,” she said sincerely.

Ruby’s eyes lit up. “You think so?”

“Yeah.”

“Too bad,” Ruby sighed. “Ares is just as cold. Not exactly the easiest person to fall for.”

Arden could guess what that meant–Ruby liked Ares, but it probably wasn’t mutual. She didn’t know what to say.

Luckily, Ruby was good at keeping conversations light. She quickly changed the subject, and they ended up chatting about other things.

By the end, they had added each other on WhatsApp. Ruby smiled. “If I ever come to Avalen, you owe me dinner.”

Arden liked her bold, straightforward energy. She nodded. “Deal.”

It was already ten when Dorian came back out. No one knew what business they’d discussed in the back, but it was obvious from the scent of alcohol on him–and the flush around his eyes–that he’d been drinking.

His shirt was unbuttoned a few notches, showing his collarbone and part of his neck. It was flushed too. Even in that state, he didn’t look sloppy.

Standing in the crowd, he was still the one everyone noticed. He glanced around the room, searching. Then his eyes landed on Arden.

He leaned against the doorframe and called out lazily, Arden. Come help me.”

Ruby raised her eyebrows and looked at Arden. “He’s calling you,” she said. “Mr. Vale never lets women near him. Never seen him let anyone touch him, let alone ask for it.”

Ruby’s gossip instincts kicked in. “He’s definitely into you.”

Arden didn’t take it seriously. A man like Dorian had no shortage of women.

Vivienne. Lacey. Mira. The list went on.

“He has Lucien. He doesn’t need me to help him walk.”

She’d barely finished speaking when a beautiful woman umped up, eager to help. “Mr. Vale. I’ll help you.”

Dorian narrowed his eyes, voice sharp and cold. “Get lost. Don’t come near me.”

That one line was enough to send every eager woman in the room right back into their seats.

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