Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 252

Chapter 252 Too Close

“Arden, come outside with me.”

It was Dorian again.

“I’m not done yet.”

“I’ve got work stuff to talk to you about. Caleb’s in here helping.”

“Arden, I’ll handle this,” Noah said, waving her off gently. “Go on.”

“Okay.”

Finished

Arden had no choice but to step out. The moment she exited the kitchen, Dorian told her, “Come with me to the balcony.”

“For what?”

She didn’t want to go. But Dorian grabbed her wrist and pulled her over. He slid open the balcony door, nudged her inside, then stepped in and shut it behind them.

Arden was pressed back against the wall. Dorian placed one hand above her head and leaned in- effectively boxing her in.

His voice dropped from above. “You planning to quit and jump ship to Noah’s company?”

“No.”

He was too close. The air was filled with his scent–sharp and dominating.

“You better remember this. When you joined Vale Group, you signed a binding agreement. If you walk away within three years, you’ll owe a massive financial penalty. We’re talking six figures, minimum.”

Each word came closer, until the last one was right by her ear.

“You’re too close.” Arden pushed him. Both hands against his chest.

He didn’t budge. Instead, he added, “And if Rayfront dares to poach you, I’ll buy the company outright and merge it into Vale Group.”

Arden quickly said, “I didn’t say I was leaving.”

Dorian looked at her for a long moment, then finally stood up straight. “When I get back from this trip, you better still be with Vale Group.”

Arden didn’t bother replying. She turned and left the balcony. Dorian followed, watching her nearly bolt out of the room.

The smell of grilled seafood and meat was beginning to fill the air. Garlic butter and smoke mingled with the warmth of the evening. People moved between the backyard and the living room, laughing and settling into their seats.

1/3

11:22 pm PP

Chapter 252 Too Close

Finished

“Come sit here with me.” Ruby called to Arden.

She’d saved a seat beside her. On Ruby’s other side was Celine, and next to Celine, an empty seat Cassian.

then

As long as she didn’t have to sit next to Dorian, Arden was happy. She walked over and sat down quickly.

Dorian came up and stared at Celine.

Celine felt the pressure instantly. “What? Sit down already. Why are you staring at me?”

Dorian glanced at Arden on her left and the empty seat on Celine’s right, then started walking.

Cassian seemed to catch on and called out, “Celine, come sit over/here. I need to tell you something.”

He threw her a look. Finally, she got it. She was sitting next to Arden. If she shifted one seat, her brother could sit next to Arden.

Ah. Got it.

She jumped up. “Hey, you sit here. I’m going to talk to Cassian.”

And just like that, Dorian sat beside Arden.

Arden was speechless. I was totally fine. Now I’m tense as hell.

He, of course, looked entirely at ease.

Caleb and Noah were the last to join. They took the remaining seats.

But Caleb noticed Dorian sitting next to Arden and narrowed his eyes, staring for a long while.

Dorian casually met his gaze as he poured a glass of wine. “Caleb, want a drink?”

Caleb nodded, and Dorian handed him the glass.

“Let’s all have one. Rare to get everyone together like this.”

Despite Dorian being there, Arden was genuinely happy tonight. So many friends gathered in her home- it felt full and warm.

Thankfully, they’d bought enough wine glasses. It would’ve felt wrong not to raise a toast.

She took out her phone to snap a picture. Everyone agreed–it was rare to have such a cozy scene.

Arden poured a glass of red for each person, including herself.

“This place new?” Cassian asked. “You just moved in?”

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