Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253 Don’t Look Back

Finished

Dorian didn’t look too happy. Arden didn’t bother glancing his way. She clinked glasses with the others. then tilted her head back and downed the drink in one go.

Dorian let out a long sigh watching her drink like that.

Of course. Just perfect.

Strangely, Dorian started peeling shrimp and crab, quietly setting the meat on Arden’s plate. Noah and Vincent exchanged a look, then joined in with a chuckle, tossing her extra pieces like it was some kind of game. Arden blinked, thrown off. “You guys should eat too,” she said. “Noah, Vincent, seriously. Help yourselves.”

Then, without a word, she slid the plate back toward Dorian. She didn’t touch any of it. Instead, she picked up two shrimp and started peeling them herself–slowly, like she was making a point.

The group stayed out grilling until past eleven. Eventually, the guys had to leave.

Isla was heading home with her brother. Celine had Dorian with her, so she was going home too.

Ruby originally planned to stay the night, but Ares noticed Arden’s flushed cheeks. She was clearly drunk.

and held Ruby gently by the arm. “I’ll take you home.”

Not wanting Ruby to disturb her, he stepped over

Ruby had drunk quite a bit herself.

She could usually hold her liquor, even took a few shots of bourbon tonight–but now it was catching up to her.

S

Barry added, “Let me take Ruby, Mr. Sinclair.”

Drunk Ruby was a far cry from her usual ice–queen aura. Her eyes had softened, full of a sort of innocent vulnerability.

Alluring. Every look, every slight smile could tug at someone’s heart.

Ares slipped his hand around her slim waist, a flicker of heat flashing through his eyes. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. He turned to Barry.

“No need. I’ll take her. You can head back, Barry.”

Barry hesitated. “But…”

Cassian clapped a hand on Barry’s shoulder.

“Come on. Ares knows where Ruby lives. Do you? He’s known her for over a decade. Relax.”

Reluctantly, Barry let it go. Still, he couldn’t help glancing back at Ruby multiple times.

Theo noticed and nudged him. “Dude, let me give you some advice. Ruby’s way out of your league. Don’t even try. Best thing for you? Go home and marry whoever your family’s picked out for you.”

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Chapter 253 Don’t Look Back

Finished

Barry turned to look back just in time to see the way Ares was gazing at Ruby, the longing so thick it nearly burned through the air.

Even if he was slow, he could see it now. “Is Mr. Sinclair… involved with Ruby?”

Cassian kept walking, dragging him along. “Let it go. If you’re smart, you won’t ask. Or you can go dig into what Ruby did years ago that had the whole city talking.”

Barry had been away from Avalen for years. He had no clue how intense things had been when Ruby chased after Ares.

Back at the house, Celine was waiting on her brother. Dorian was watching Arden.

Vincent and Noah hadn’t moved either, so Dorian decided to speak up.

“You two planning on leaving, or what? Waiting for Arden to walk you to the door? She’s drunk, in case you haven’t noticed. You’re grown men. Go on, get moving.”

Noah frowned, worried. “Arden can’t handle her liquor. She’s more than a little drunk.”

“Her brother’s here. She doesn’t need you babysitting her.”

Vincent asked, “You’re not heading out, Mr. Vale?”

Dorian’s eyes flicked toward Arden, who was lounging on the couch, singing softly. “Whether I leave or not is none of your business. She’s drunk. She needs to rest.”

That finally got Noah and Vincent moving. Before leaving, Noah walked over to Caleb. “Arden looks kind of out of it. Think you can get her some water and maybe an aspirin?”

Caleb nodded, giving his shoulder a light pat. “Yeah. Got it. Drive safe.”

The two finally headed out.

Celine was still waiting. Seeing her brother hadn’t come out yet, she called out, “Hey, let’s go already.”

“I’m sending Lucien to take you back.”

“You’re not coming?”

“No.”

She was feeling lightheaded, but with Lucien around, she felt safe enough. She left without further fuss.

Now, only Caleb and Dorian remained in the house.

Caleb glanced over. “You’re not leaving?”

Dorian glanced toward the couch again. “She’s drunk.”

“I’ve got her. You should go. You staying here… doesn’t look great either.”

Still, Dorian didn’t move, so Caleb walked over and shoved him out the door. Then he shut it behind him.

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