Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 257

Chapter 257 Blood and Snow

Finished

If Kade and the others didn’t find him tonight, with weather this cold, his chances of survival were slim. But he wasn’t willing to die.

He opened WhatsApp and typed a message to Arden. “Merry Christmas, Arden.”

A red exclamation mark popped up.

Message failed to send. He stared at the screen. She’d shut him out. He couldn’t even reach her if he wanted to.

He dialed her number.

The robotic voice echoed in the quiet, “The number you have dialed is powered off.”

He tried again. Still the same.

Outside, mountain winds howled, slicing through the walls like knives.

He scrolled back through their old chats, pulling up messages Arden had sent him during the three years he was in Soutaria.

Christmas Eve, three years ago. “Babe, Merry Christmas. We’re having dinner together–did you eat anything?“Attached with a photo.

Christmas morning, same year. “Merry Christmas, babe. Wishing you good health, peace, and everything wonderful this season.”

She’d even sent him a holiday gift card. Every year, for three years, she messaged him. Every year, she sent something.

Back then, he ignored the messages. Didn’t even open them. Never touched the gift cards.

Now, he deserved every bit of this.

His fingers brushed his side, and came away sticky with blood. He let out a low grunt.

Footsteps echoed nearby. He slipped his phone away, grabbed his gun, and his gaze turned sharp.

He raised the gun toward the entrance. The figure crouched in with a weapon raised too, cautious and alert.

“Boss,” the man called.

Dorian lowered his gun. “I’m here.”

Kade quickly holstered his weapon. “Boss, we’ve found the hostage.”

“Tell our people,” Dorian said, “track every last one of Sevra’s men. No survivors.”

Kade and Lucien stepped in, flashlights cutting through the dim space. In the corner, a man slumped

Everything Was a Deal Until Divorce

Chapter 257 Blood and Snow

う

5

Finished

If Kade and the others didn’t find him tonight, with weather this cold, his chances of survival were slim. But he wasn’t willing to die.

He opened WhatsApp and typed a message to Arden. “Merry Christmas, Arden.”

A red exclamation mark popped up.

Message failed to send. He stared at the screen. She’d shut him out. He couldn’t even reach her if he wanted to.

He dialed her number.

The robotic voice echoed in the quiet, “The number you have dialed is powered off.”

He tried again. Still the same.

Outside, mountain winds howled, slicing through the walls like knives.

He scrolled back through their old chats, pulling up messages Arden had sent him during the three years he was in Soutaria.

Christmas Eve, three years ago. “Babe, Merry Christmas. We’re having dinner together–did you eat anything?“Attached with a photo.

Christmas morning, same year. “Merry Christmas, babe. Wishing you good health, peace, and everything wonderful this season.”

She’d even sent him a holiday gift card. Every year, for three years, she messaged him. Every year, she sent something.

Back then, he ignored the messages. Didn’t even open them. Never touched the gift cards.

Now, he deserved every bit of this.

His fingers brushed his side, and came away sticky with blood. He let out a low grunt.

Footsteps echoed nearby. He slipped his phone away, grabbed his gun, and his gaze turned sharp.

He raised the gun toward the entrance. The figure crouched in with a weapon raised too, cautious and alert.

“Boss,” the man called.

Dorian lowered his gun. “I’m here.”

Kade quickly holstered his weapon. “Boss, we’ve found the hostage.”

“Tell our people,” Dorian said, “track every last one of Sevra’s men. No survivors.”

Kade and Lucien stepped in, flashlights cutting through the dim space. In the corner, a man slumped

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Chapter 257 Blood and Snow

Finished

against the wall, his abdomen drenched in blood.

5

Kade rushed forward. “Boss, you’re hurt?”

“Yeah. Got slashed.”

Kade spoke into the comms, “Boss is injured. Move the helicopter to northwest coordinates. Provide aerial cover for evacuation.”

The reply came fast. “Copy.

“Helicopter ready.

“Snipers standing by.

“Mortar team ready.”

Kade helped Dorian to his feet. Dorian gave another command, voice low.

“Ares is still up there. Snow’s too heavy, Sevra’s men are on him hard. We lost contact. Find him. Whatever it takes.”

“Got it. Boss, don’t talk too much.”

In the flashlight beam, Kade saw how pale Dorian’s lips were–completely drained of color.

His chest tightened. He was scared. Really scared.

Gunfire cracked in the mountains. Helicopter blades thundered overhead. Dorian was evacuated successfully.

Kade pressed against the wound to stop the bleeding. Lucien was already on the phone.

“Boss is stabbed, possibly shot. Alert the medical team. Surgery might be necessary.”

Back in Silverbay Villa.

Because Dorian had spent so long in sub–zero temperatures, with blood loss from a stomach wound and a possible bullet, he lost consciousness as soon as they arrived. The medical team rushed in to save him.

It was Christmas Eve in Avalen. The TV was counting down to midnight. Houses all around were glowing with lights and ornaments, wreaths on doors, candles in windows, families gathering for the holiday.

The Wynn house was just as festive.

Arden and Caleb were both home, spending Christmas with Gareth and Elise. The house buzzed with warmth and laughter, just like it used to before Arden got married.

Now that the five billion debt to the Vale family had been paid off, the family owed nothing to anyone. They’d let go of the housekeeper, the driver, and the staff.

But they’d started preparing Christmas dinner early.

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Chapter 257 Blood and Snow

Caleb and Gareth helped in the kitchen. Every dish was made with all our of them pitching in.

Finished

Arden and Caleb helped Gareth decorate the house, stringing lights in the front yard trees. They changed into warm new sweaters, shared a big meal, then watched classic Christmas movies together on the couch.

Elise, Caleb, and Gareth each handed Arden a holiday card with a small gift card tucked inside. Arden had just gotten paid, and gave each of them one in return.

For her, nothing mattered more than having the people she loved together, safe, and happy.

It had been a long time since she’d spent Christmas like this. Arden took pictures and videos throughout the day.

Even Caleb, who hadn’t posted on Instagram in years, couldn’t help but upload a photo dump.

There were shots of Arden cooking with their parents, hanging lights, playing in the snow, giving gifts, and watching movies together.

A video of her holding a sparkler in the backyard, smiling. Dorian didn’t wake up until the afternoon of Christmas Day.

Kade, Colton, Lucien, and Boey had all stayed at his side.

His lashes fluttered. Kade leaned in. “Boss, can you hear me?”

Dorian opened his eyes. The

were bloodshot. His lips still a ghostly white.

“Ares,” he rasped. “Did you find him?”

“Yeah. We got him out. He took shots to the back and shoulder. Still in surgery. Don’t worry, Felix is operating.”

“Okay.”

Colton held out a cup of water. “Boss, take a sip. Your lips are cracked.”

Lucien helped Dorian sit up. He drank, then closed his eyes again.

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