Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222 Lines That Shouldn’t Be Crossed

“What do you think I’m looking at?”

Celine and Ruby exchanged looks, clearly enjoying the scene.

Arden had no idea what he meant. “Mr. Vale, do you need something?”

At the way she addressed him, Ruby couldn’t help laughing.

Dorian turned his head slightly and glanced at Ruby. She didn’t bother hiding her amusement and teased, ‘Mr. Vale? Arden, you really know how to put distance between people. It’s been a while, and you two sound more like strangers every day.”

Dorian pressed his lips together and stared at Arden for a moment before calling her name. “Arden.”

Yes? Is there something you need?” she asked politely.

The air–conditioning is blasting. Go get something to cover up.”

Arden shook her head. “I’m not cold. I actually feel a bit warm.”

Her long curls, which had been resting naturally over her chest, were swept aside as she moved. She was only wearing a thin silver necklace, making everything even more visible.

If you won’t wear a shawl, then wear my jacket,” Dorian said, extending an arm. A black suit jacket was iraped over it.

Arden recoiled immediately. “No. I spent time dressing up. Your jacket would ruin the look. And wearing a nan’s suit jacket like that would just be weird.”

Celine nodded vigorously. “Exactly. It’s not cold at all. This dress is gorgeous. Covering it up would be >ointless.”

Dorian shot her a cold look. “This was your idea? What kind of dress is this? You think this is appropriate?”

Celine was baffled. “Are you serious? It’s beautiful. I had it custom–made to Arden’s measurements. She ooks stunning, like something out of a fantasy.”

sla walked over and looped her arm through Arden’s. “Exactly. Arden looks amazing. If she wears your acket, what’s the point? There are so many eligible men here tonight. Mr. Vale, wouldn’t covering her up

uin her chances?”

sla had a problem with Dorian, and it showed.

This guy actually thinks he owns her. She shows a little skin, and suddenly he’s on high alert.

Dorian’s face darkened completely. “Chances?”

“Yes,” Isla said. “Arden’s wonderful, and she’s at the age where she should experience a sweet, normal relationship. You don’t like her, and you’re not pursuing her. How she dresses isn’t your call.”

173

:58 am D

Chapter 222 Lines That Shouldn’t Be Crossed

Finished

Out of the corner of his eye, Dorian saw Martin approaching. He pulled his arm back, leaned against the railing, and returned to his usual distant, indifferent composure. “You’re right. I don’t get a say.”

Arden found his words and behavior strange and added calmly, “Mr. Vale, don’t worry. I don’t like you either.”

Martin had overheard the exchange and looked between them.

Dorian’s expression was cold, clearly in a foul mood.

Arden’s gaze was cool and detached as well, with none of the devotion or admiration he’d imagined. She even called him Mr. Vale.

Maybe he had misread things before. Perhaps Dorian’s connection to Arden only existed because of Vivienne’s scandal three years ago.

Martin adjusted his tie, slipped one hand into his pocket, and approached with a glass of red wine. “Miss Wynn, are you single?”

Celine’s smile vanished instantly. “Arden has plenty of admirers, and all of them are better than you. Don’t get any ideas.”

Martin didn’t seem offended. He raised an eyebrow, looking at Arden, Isla, and Ruby. All three were easy on the eyes.

Any one of them would be enough.

Ruby had history with Ares. If she ended up with him, Martin was curious to see Ares’s reaction.

sla was from the Cheng family, Damon’s sister, one of Avalen’s four major families. A match there would benefit the Ash family.

As for Arden, she wasn’t Dorian’s woman. Even if he couldn’t use her to strike back at Dorian, and even if it didn’t satisfy his darker impulses, she was still beautiful.

The Wynn family had fallen to the edge of high society after the engineering scandal three years ago, so she wasn’t politically useful.

But she was undeniably attractive. Raised gently, fresh out of college, untouched. The kind of woman who would be deeply satisfying to have.

Dorian watched Martin closely. Seeing his eyes roam over all four women, something dark flickered in his gaze. He spoke sharply, “Martin, the women standing here are guests of the Vale family. Watch your thoughts.”

Martin lifted his glass. “Dorian, what are you talking about? I’m just being polite.”

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