Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 291

Finished

“Behave yourself,” Dorian said quietly, “and I’ll make sure Caleb’s life doesn’t get difficult.”

Arden turned away. She didn’t even want to look at him.

Looking at him made her feel sick. Tight in the chest.

She didn’t say another word the entire ride back. Instead, she stayed busy on her phone, typing long messages. Once or twice she even smiled at the screen.

Dorian caught the smile. Then the phone. Then looked away.

When they arrived at Silverbay Villa, Arden followed behind. She had lived here for over three years. But now, she was just a guest.

Martha spotted her and beamed. “You’re back, Mrs. Vale? With Mr. Vale?”

Arden smiled faintly. “Just call me Arden, Martha. I’m not Mrs. Vale anymore.”

A flicker of pity crossed Martha’s face. She looked at Arden warmly. “I’ll get some warm milk and supplements going for you.”

She turned to Dorian. “And you, sir? What would you like?”

“Ice water.”

Arden gave

him a look. “It’s winter, you’re recovering from gunshot wounds, and you want ice water? What, are you trying to catch pneumonia just to prove a point?”

She turned to Martha. “Ignore him. Just bring him warm water.”

Dorian didn’t object.

Martha looked between the two of them, a little surprised.

But Dorian’s face had softened. The cold front was gone. There was something warmer in his expression–something she hadn’t seen in a long time.

She quickly turned to go to the kitchen. Arden stopped her.

“Martha–wait.”

“Yes?”

“I’ll take just warm water, no milk or supplements. I’m just here as Mr. Vale’s assistant tonight.

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Chapter 291 Still the Same House.

This is work, not a visit.”

:

Martha looked at Dorian. He was seated now, playing absently with his lighter. He didn’t

comment.

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Finished

Martha smiled. “It’s fine. Milk and supplements are good for you. It’s cold out–something warm will do you good.”

“No, seriously. Don’t trouble yourself.”

Dorian finally looked up. “Didn’t you used to love supplements?”

“That was a long time ago. Things are different now. I’m just your secretary.”

The lighter clicked.

A flicker of flame bloomed from it. Dorian stared at it, half–lidded. “Different how? We’re not divorced. This is still your house.”

She didn’t even dignify that with a reply. Arden sat down, far from him.

“When do you plan to get your dressing changed? After that, I assume I’m free to leave?”

“Nope,” Dorian said smoothly. “You’re my assistant now. A very close one. You’re supposed to be on call, twenty–four hours.”

He looked casually amused. “You’ve lived here for three years. Don’t pretend you don’t know how many empty guest rooms we’ve got. It’s safe. Private.”

“You’re the dangerous one here.”

“I’m stabbed and shot and barely able to stand. What am I going to do? Ask you to hand me a bandage?”

Arden stayed standing. Dorian stayed seated.

She stared at him for several seconds. “Why not call your medical team?”

“They’re not as good at this as you.”

“You’re doing this on purpose.”

“Yes.”

He didn’t even hesitate.

He glanced at her again. “If it makes you uncomfortable, go take a shower. All the guest rooms

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Chapter 291 Still the Same House

are stocked with your sizes. I had Martha

prep

them.”

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Finished

His voice was relaxed–like nothing had ever happened. Like there were no arguments, no tension. No threats about her brother.

It was disturbingly domestic.

Arden sat down again–on the opposite end of the sofa. “Not showering.”

Dorian raised a brow. “Suit yourself.”

Martha came in with warm milk, supplements, and water. Arden drank the milk. She didn’t touch the supplements.

Dorian drank the water. He watched her. “Arden,” he said.

She looked up. “What?”

“That’s yours. The supplements. Do I look like I eat supplements for fun? Drink it. You’re all skin and bones.”

She set the milk down. A little white drop stuck to her lower lip. She licked it off without thinking.

Dorian’s gaze darkened.

“My weight,” Arden said, “is none of your concern, Mr. Vale.”

“Of course it is. It’s more comfortable when I—”

“Dorian.” She was stunned. He really had no filter.

“What?”

“Shut up.”

Just then Martha walked into the kitchen to start prepping dinner. Arden got up to help.

She needed air. “Martha, I’ll give you a hand.”

Dorian called out, “Finish the supplements first.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“I’ll call Kade and Colton and ask them to pick up Caleb.”

Arden froze. “Fine, I’ll drink it. Leave my brother alone.”

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