Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 236

Chapter 236 Her Own Person Now

“Mom, you don’t need to wake up so early,” Arden protested. “The office cafeteria has good food. You should sleep in.”

ished

Elise tilted her head. “Do you still want to work at Vale Group? If not, just quit. We’ll figure something else

out.”

“No, I actually like the job,” Arden replied. “Dorian’s on the 28th floor in a separate office. I hardly ever see him. Plus, he’s heading overseas again. His business trips usually last a year or more. By the time he’s back, I’ll probably have resigned on my own.”

She wasn’t hiding from anyone.

Given the current state of the Wynn family, this wasn’t the right time to quit. She’d only been in the workforce for two months, had just gotten her hands on a project. If she jumped now, she’d still be a junior -no leverage to negotiate pay.

She wasn’t a pampered heiress anymore. She was just an ordinary person now. Living off her own efforts.

Elise nodded. “As long as you’ve thought it through, I support whatever you decide.”

After finishing the milk, Arden got up to head to bed. Before going upstairs, she reminded, “Mom, if Lilith comes by tomorrow, don’t let her in.”

Her uncle’s family had learned they’d signed everything over to the Vale family. With no assets left, Arden knew they’d come to cause trouble.

Lilith, especially, would probably come to mock and sneer. Her mom was too kind and always swallowed the insults.

“I know, sweetheart. Go on, get some rest. You’ve got work tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Mom.”

The next morning, Arden headed to work by rideshare. She didn’t see Dorian at the office.

She’d also asked Caleb to put the apartment near her office up for sale. She wanted to rent somewhere cheaper and give Caleb the money to rebuild their company.

But Caleb refused. He messaged her, “That place is under your name. No matter what happens in the future, even if you remarry, it’ll still be your property. Your safety net. Don’t worry about me, I’ve still got funds. That apartment is in a good location and secure–no rental compares.”

So Arden dropped the idea. At work, she messaged the group chat:

Arden sent a message. “BBQ night at my place–my treat! You guys still haven’t seen my apartment.”

She followed up, “Ruby, you still in Avalen? Want to come?”

Ruby replied, “Still here! Not leaving yet. Backyard BBQ? Count me in.”

1.3

9:25 am DDOM.

Chapter 236 Her Own Person Now

Isla chimed in, “Tonight it is, then!”

ished

Celine added, “Arden, I haven’t had a real BBQ in forever. And I’ve never hosted one myself. I’m so in.”

Arden messaged back, “Perfect. I get off at 5:30. There’s a big grocery store right across from Capitol Plaza -we’ll swing by and grab the food together.”

She followed up, “Also–just got paid. Let’s go big tonight.”

The others were all heiresses, used to being served–not cooking. But they knew Arden’s situation.

Now that she was divorced, and the only one working a 9-5, they were more than happy to do it with her.

When work ended, Arden grabbed her bag and rushed out with Talia.

Talia had never seen her so energized. “What’s the hurry, Arden?”

“BBQ night!” Arden beamed. “Friends are waiting downstairs.”

Clark overheard and perked up. “Is Isla coming too?”

“Yep!” Arden nodded. “Gotta go, though. Don’t wanna keep them waiting!”

She dashed off.

Outside the Vale Group building, Isla, Ruby, and Celine were leaning against a car.

The moment they spotted her, “Arden! Over here!”

At the same time, the CEO elevator doors slid open. Dorian and Ares stepped out. Dorian saw her first.

Ares followed his gaze. “Well, looks like your ex–wife’s doing great. Celebrating her freedom?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify