Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 256

Chapter 256 Dinner

“Grandma.”

Finished

“Arden, come have Christmas Eve dinner with us, okay? It’s been too long. Your mom–your aunt and uncle–they all miss you. Celine’s back too.”

“But…”

“Dorian won’t be there,” Eugenia cut in quickly. “He’s not coming home this year.”

“…All right.”

If Dorian wasn’t there, then she didn’t need to feel awkward.

She would always remember how much kindness Eugenia had shown to her and her family.

On Christmas Eve, Arden drove herself to the Vale estate with a few gifts in hand.

She’d bought a car recently–nothing fancy, just a cheap little one she could afford with her salary and a small loan.

When she walked in, Eugenia smiled and waved her over. “Arden, come sit with me.”

She pushed all the best food in Arden’s direction. Eugenia looked her over carefully. “You look good. Even a little more filled out.”

“Yeah, Grandma. I’ve been cooking for myself after work. I eat pretty well now.”

“Not traveling as much these days?”

“Mm. The project’s been going smoothly.”

Arden looked around the living room. No sign of Dorian, and nothing that suggested a child had been around either.

She pulled out the gifts, including a few children’s toys. “I wasn’t sure what kids are into these days, so I just picked up a few things at the store.”

Eugenia had, of course, already heard from Celine about what had happened at the café.

She scoffed. “I told Dorian he’s not bringing that woman into this house. And I’m not recognizing that baby either.”

Arden sensed her mood darkening and quickly shifted the topic. “Where’s Celine? Didn’t she come home?”

“Arden, I’m right here!”

Celine came barreling down the stairs and hugged her tight. “You’ve definitely put on a little weight, Arden. But honestly? You look better for it.”

“Oh really? I’ve actually been cooking a bit more lately. My mom’s been teaching me her recipes. I usually

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Finished

make something warm after work. That’s probably it.”

5

The two of them chatted non–stop.

Eugenia had told the kitchen to prep lunch early, knowing Arden had dinner plans with her family later.

Theresa and Gideon came home too. Arden smiled. “Hi! It’s been a while.”

Theresa couldn’t help missing the days when Arden used to call her “Mom.”

She let out a soft sigh, but still pulled her in warmly, chatting with affection.

They all sat down together for the meal. Celine took photos and even asked the butler to snap a group picture.

Lunch was warm, easy–like nothing had ever changed.

When it was time to leave, Eugenia, Theresa, and Gideon each handed Arden a small gift bag. She tried to decline, but Eugenia waved her off. “Just a little something for the holidays. Take it, sweetheart. Hope next year treats you well.”

Arden accepted them. Inside each bag was a simple card and a small gift card–thoughtful, but not over the top. Just enough to show they cared without making things awkward.

After lunch, Arden stayed for a little while to watch TV with them, then got up to go.

Avalen was deep in winter. Snow covered the ground.

Celine walked her out. The two of them ended up building a snowman in the yard, laughing like kids. They snapped a few photos before saying goodbye.

As soon as Arden drove off, Celine posted to her feed.

“Home for the holidays. Christmas Eve dinner wrapped, made a snowman, feeling the holiday magic.”

One photo showed the dinner table. Another had her and Arden holding their gift bags. The third was the snowman. The last was a shot of them smiling in front of it.

Meanwhile, the guys‘ group chat was blowing up.

Cassian dropped a photo. “@Dorian Arden went to your house for dinner? Too bad you weren’t there. Would’ve loved to see your face.”

Theo sent another photo. “She looks great, man. Smiling, glowing. @Dorian Mr. Vale, heard your little meet–up with your mistress at the café didn’t end well. Got blocked, huh? Bet you can’t even see these pictures.”

Caleb chimed in, “Keep Arden out of your jokes.”

Damon wrote, “Dorian, must be nice celebrating Christmas abroad. Where’s the baby? Send a pic. Do they look like you?”

Theo added, “Yeah, seriously. You never said if it’s a boy or a girl. Baby should be two, three months old

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