Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 281

Chapter 281 Avoiding Dorian

Finished

Ever since the divorce, Arden started packing her own lunch. If she didn’t eat at the company cafeteria, she got an extra meal stipend–over a thousand a month.

Saving money had become her new addiction.

Only her savings made her feel safe now.

That fake divorce decree Dorian handed her? It only made her more determined to leave–for good this time.

She’d wanted to wait out the three–year clause quietly. But life had other plans.

Once he recovered, she’d bring up the divorce again.

She showed up at work with dark circles under her eyes. Talia walked over, teasing, “Arden, what’d you do on your day off–pull a heist? Those eye bags could carry groceries.”

“Huh? That obvious?”

Arden touched her face. She’d definitely used concealer.

“Yeah, and you look like someone unplugged your battery. You’re usually full of energy.”

“I do?” Arden blinked. “I don’t feel that off.”

Talia handed her a mirror. “See for yourself.”

Just then, Sienna walked in. Talia called out, “Sienna, doesn’t Arden look totally out of it today?”

Sienna gave Arden a quick glance and nodded, “Yeah. You look a little run–down. Didn’t sleep well?”

“Had some insomnia,” Arden admitted.

By 8:30, the office was running at full steam. Arden was busy too. She’d been given her own smaller projects lately–Sienna was training her to work independently.

She was getting the hang of it.

Around 11, Warren called her into his office.

She figured it was work–related and stood quietly, waiting for instructions.

Warren looked her over with a smile. “Arden, do you cook? I see you bring lunch every day.”

“A little. I live nearby, so it’s convenient.”

“Great. Head up to the 28th floor. Mr. Vale wants to see you.”

Arden pointed to herself. “Me? He’s here today?”

Chapter 281 Avoiding Dorian

“He comes in almost every day when he’s not traveling. Always on time.”

He got shot and stabbed and he still insists on showing up to work?

Warren added, “Lucien called just now. Said Mr. Vale specifically asked for you. Go on.”

“I’ve got something important on my desk. Arden hedged.

“If Mr. Vale calls, it’s probably more urgent. Don’t worry about your deadlines. I’ve got your back.”

Arden was speechless. Back at her desk. Talia leaned in again, “What’d Warren want?”

“Told me to go to the executive office.”

Talia smirked. “You think Mr. Vale’s hooked on your coffee? Gonna make you his new secretary?”

0401

Finished

Arden shook her head. “Please. You’re giving me way too much credit. You know how hard it is to land a secretary spot in the exec office? They’re trained, tested, practically bulletproof. I wouldn’t last a day.”

She and Dorian had never been on the same wavelength.

Talia patted her shoulder. “Well, good luck, soldier.”

Arden left with a reluctant face.

At the elevator, she ran into Bonnie. Seeing Arden press the 28th–floor button, Bonnie asked, “You headed to the exec office?”

“Yeah.”

Bonnie stopped. “What for?”

Arden looked at her for a second, then got an idea. “Oh, Warren asked if I could cook. Maybe Mr. Vale’s sick of takeout and cafeteria food. Wants something homemade.”

Bonnie’s eyes lit up. “I can cook! I’m really good.”

She’d taken all kinds of etiquette and domestic skills classes–cooking, flower arranging, posture, even painting–just in case she ever needed them.

Seeing her so eager, Arden asked, “Wanna go up instead?”

Bonnie smoothed her blouse. “Sure, I’ll go. You can head back.”

Arden let out a breath of relief and returned to her desk.

Talia looked surprised. “You’re back already?”

“Bonnie’s going up for me.”

“Of course she is. Arden, why’d you let her take this one? You know how hard it is to get face time with Mr. Vale? Could’ve been your raise right there.”

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53 pm

Chapter 281 Avoiding Dorian

Arden waved her off. “No thanks. Mr. Vale’s not exactly a joy to be around.”

Dorian sat at his desk, signing papers.

He heard a knock, set down his pen, and adjusted his collar–feeling unreasonably tense.

After eating Arden’s pasta the night before, he’d actually slept well. For the first time in a while.

Finished

He stood up, checked his reflection by the window–tailored suit, perfect tie. His face was a bit thinner, but till sharp.

Satisfied, he sat back down and picked up the pen. The door opened. Footsteps approached.

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