Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 262

Chapter 262 Not a Date

Finished

Bonnie, on the other hand, was all jealousy. Arden’s phone started buzzing like crazy the moment she left the meeting.

Their WhatsApp group, Vale Group’s Rebels, was blowing up. Talia had created the group. Members: Arden, Sienna, and Clark.

It was mostly for venting about bosses or sharing gossip.

Talia typed, “Arden, are you sure it was Lucien who wanted to talk, not Mr. Vale?”

Clark wrote, “Exactly. I’ve never seen Mr. Vale ask anyone for coffee before. Lucien always makes it, or the secretarial team if he’s not around. But he asked you twice. That’s not normal.”

Sienna chimed in, “Arden is a good girl. She wouldn’t mess with a man like Mr. Vale. You two are nosy.”

Arden replied, “Lucien just asked how I brewed the coffee. Chill, everyone.”

Right after she sent the message, Dorian called out, “Come to the office with me.”

“What? Weren’t you just asking about coffee? Can’t we do that here or in the break room?”

Dorian stood there, one hand in his pocket, towering over her. “Arden, it’s been a while. Do I really need to repeat myself?”

He was standing way too close. She had a dress under her coat. The hem of her coat was brushing against his trousers.

She stepped back quickly. “I heard you.”

“Then follow me.”

Dorian walked off first. Arden and Lucien followed behind to the elevator. Lucien glanced at his boss.

The guy wouldn’t even rest to recover. He’d shown up to work just to see her–pretending he wasn’t hurt, pretending this was all business.

Kind of pitiful.

Lucien looked at Dorian’s pale lips, at how he forced himself to stand tall, his back straight. He shook his head.

Manhood. What a burden.

Inside the executive office, Dorian took his seat. He wasn’t fully healed. Standing too long risked reopening the wound.

Arden remained standing.

“Sit,” he said.

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11:41 pm P

Chapter 262 Not a Date

Dorian leaned back, gaze fixed on her without even pretending to be subtle.

“I’m fine. If there’s anything, Mr. Vale, please say it.

Finished

All he wanted was a moment to see her, to stay near her a little longer. But now, with her tone like that, it sounded like he had no right to ask.

So he put on the act. “Tell me your thoughts on the projects you’ve been involved with lately.”

Arden walked through them one by one. And Dorian, for once, listened carefully. She’d come a long way in the last few months.

Once she finished, she asked, “Mr. Vale, may I leave now?”

“Yeah.”

She left. After work, Noah invited Arden out to dinner.

They’d majored in the same field, and since starting work, Arden had often asked him for help or advice.

Every time she had a question, she’d ask Noah to meet–usually over coffee or dinner.

Noah, being both a partner and general manager, was busy, but he always made time for her.

They’d developed a rhythm. For example, when eating out–Arden insisted on splitting the bill.

Noah respected that. One time she paid, the next time he did. Back and forth, it became a thing. Now they were much more familiar with each other.

It was right after Christmas. Noah had gone home to spend the holidays with his parents, and he came back with a bunch of treats from his hometown. He’d texted Arden, asking if she wanted to meet up–he’d brought something for her.

They were gifts he had picked out–she couldn’t say no. Plus, they were from his hometown. She happily accepted.

Sometimes when her mom baked extra desserts, Arden would pack some up for Noah too.

Elise, Caleb, and Gareth all liked Noah. So after work, Arden left with Talia right on the dot.

At the elevator, Talia teased, “You’re not working late tonight? That’s rare.”

“It’s the first day back. No overtime.”

Talia nudged her, “Be honest. Is this a date?”

“No! Noah brought me some stuff from his hometown. We’re just having dinner.”

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