Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 121

Chapter 121 White Shirt, Sharp Tongue

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Finished

Dorian pulled the shirt on, tucking it neatly into his slacks. The crisp white fabric hugged his broad shoulders and narrow waist perfectly. While adjusting his tic, he asked without looking up. “Is Arden having breakfast?”

Lucien nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Vale is cating. Would you like some too?”

“Bring it over.”

Once the shirt was on and the tie was straightened, Dorian glanced at himself in the full–length mirror.

Vincent, you think you can compete with me? In a white dress shirt, I look even more polished than you ever will.

Lucien came back with the breakfast, and the second he saw his boss in white, his eyes lit up. “Boss, you look great in white. You should wear it more often.”

Dorian sat down, one leg relaxed over the other as he casually rolled up his sleeves. “Yeah?”

“I’ve never seen you wear white before. You look like some fresh–out–of–college golden boy. Total heartthrob.”

Dorian smirked. “You think Arden would like it?”

Lucien nodded hard. “With your face and your bank account, of course she would.”

If only you aren’t so damn cold, he thought.

After breakfast, the two of them headed out. Dorian stood in the hallway and signaled for Lucien to knock on Arden’s door. She had just finished eating and was already waiting.

The moment she heard the knock, she opened it immediately. Dorian stood there with one hand in his pocket, looking at her. Arden didn’t look back.

But the second he saw her in that fitted blazer and skirt combo, his eyes flicked from her face to her waist and lingered there.

Today’s look was more mature. The blouse tucked neatly into her high–waisted skirt, accentuating that tiny waist. Her legs–pale and straight–peeked out below the hemline. That muted red lip color brought out a new energy in her face.

He looked away before she noticed.

Arden, however, did notice. She glanced up and froze when she saw what he was wearing.

The white shirt softened his usually cold presence. It was perfectly fitted, clean and sharp, pulling him away from the usual distant aura. For a second, he looked younger–more human.

“Let’s go,” Dorian said, not bothering to wait.

Arden followed a few steps behind.

Dorian noticed the distance and slowed down, shooting her a glance. “You always move this slow, or is it just when you’re trying to avoid walking next to me?”

Arden gave a polite smile. “I had breakfast.”

11:38 Sat, Feb 7

Chapter 121 White Shirt, Sharp Tongue

“Could’ve fooled me.” He kept walking.

She picked up the pace, catching up just enough to stop the sarcasm.

Finished

Once they were in the car, Dorian put on his noise–canceling headphones and opened his laptop. He didn’t say a word, fully focused. Arden sat quietly, hands folded, as if she were invisible.

But her profile caught his attention. That little curve to her cheek still had a trace of softness. She looked like the kind of person whose face you’d instinctively want to reach out and touch.

He closed his laptop. “Arden.”

She turned. “Yes, Mr. Vale?”

“What do you know about Intervia Technologies?”

Was this a test?

Arden sat up straighter. “They’re developing several advanced materials for ships and aircraft, but the details are classified, so there’s little public information. Because of the long R&D cycle and heavy investment needs, their funding dried up. They’re actively looking for investors.”

She grew more animated as she spoke, “Is this company critical to the Vale Group? You’re even showing up in person to check it out?”

Of course it was important. The proprietary tech had massive implications for defense.

“You should be honored you’re coming along,” he said.

She nodded. “I am. Thanks to you, Mr. Vale.”

“Who’s the project lead? Why didn’t you bring them along?”

“You’re here. Isn’t that enough?”

Arden wisely chose not to answer.

An hour and a half later, they arrived at Intervia Technologies. Arden followed closely behind Dorian.

He glanced sideways. In her business attire, she looked every bit the junior executive, but there was still a youthful softness in her features. Petite and poised, she stood beside him, looking both capable and… touchable.

He hadn’t even adjusted to the image yet when a black Mercedes rolled up outside the building. The back door opened, and Vincent stepped out, followed by a young male assistant.

Vincent was also wearing a white shirt and black slacks.

“Arden?” he called out, clearly surprised. A warm smile tugged at his lips.

Arden turned and smiled when she saw him. She was about to say hi when Dorian’s voice cut in, low and sharp. “You say his name out loud, and we’re going to have a problem.”

She froze.

11:38 Sat, Feb 7

Everything Was a Deal Until Divorce