Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299 Blocked

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Dorian glanced at his grandmother. “So now you’re all micromanaging my life? Even the company?”

“It was fine when you two got married,” Elias said, cutting in. “But you insisted on a secret wedding, no ceremony, and then went cold on her. Now she divorced you, let her go.”

Elias had watched Dorian rise in the business world, ruthless and brilliant. But maybe that was the problem. He’d become too cold. If he never hit rock bottom, he’d never know how to cherish anything.

If he really wanted to win her back, he needed to suffer a little first.

Dorian didn’t argue. He was kept under house arrest at the Vale estate, watched by Elias and Gideon, while Felix came by to check on his injury.

Dorian didn’t resist.

For the next two weeks, he was stuck there. Under the watch of Elias, Eugenia, Theresa, and Gideon, he wasn’t allowed to return to Vale Group. Just “focus on recovery.”

Gideon, however, did make a company visit. Not for business–but to order Warren to transfer Arden back to the project team.

So Arden only worked as Dorian’s assistant for a single day before she was reassigned to work under Sienna again.

She was swamped, and with Dorian being cared for by a whole houseful of Vales, she pretty much forgot about him–or maybe chose to. Either way, she didn’t check in. Didn’t ask how his injuries were healing.

With him out of the way, her days became busy, fulfilling–like they used to be.

That Friday evening, Ruby dropped a message in their group chat.

uby chimed in, “Weekend’s here! Girls‘ night out? Theo just opened a new bar–it’s his grand opening

night.”

Celine added, “I’m in.”

Isla teased, “Theo opened another bar? Of course we’ve gotta show up.”

Arden didn’t see the messages until after six–she’d been stuck working late.

By then, the whole group had already started tagging her.

Ruby nudged, “@Arden You better come! We haven’t seen you in forever.”

Isla chimed in, “Yeah, come blow off some steam!”

Celine teased, “You’re not seriously still working overtime, are you? My brother isn’t that much of a control freak, right?”

Arden finally replied, Arden typed, “I’m in. Send me the location and time?”

10:10 am PCM

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Ruby replied, “Seven–ish. Still working? I can pick you up.”

Arden answered, “No need, I’ll drive myself. See you there.”

She quickly packed up, headed downstairs, drove home, showered, did her makeup, and was out the door.

Ruby shared the location.

It was in Avalen’s bustling city center. Ruby was dressed to kill, humming to herself as she stepped out of her place in knee–high boots and a sleek coat.

She didn’t get far before a hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her sharply around the corner and pulling her into a firm chest. An arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

Her expression instantly darkened–her reflexes kicked in. She aimed a strike behind her.

But the man caught her hand.

She was shoved back against the wall. His voice came low and fast. “It’s me.”

She recognized it immediately. Ares.

He pinned her wrist above her head, one hand still wrapped around her waist, his leg braced in between ners to block her in.

She’d gone all out tonight–heavily–lined eyes, dramatic makeup. A black coat over a fitted dress, boots to her knees, and a touch of red on her lips. Wavy light brown hair fell loose, framing ruby rose earrings that caught the light with every breath she took.

She slowly lifted her gaze, expression cool and slightly amused. “Mr. Sinclair?”

That name made Ares press his lips together. “You used to call me Ares.”

Ruby leaned back lazily against the wall, as if she had nowhere better to be. She reached up to touch one of her earrings, flicking her hair over her shoulder to expose the pale curve of her neck.

Her tone was ice–cold. “Used to.”

She glanced down at his hand on her waist, then brushed it off. “I didn’t know any better back then. But now? I do. Mr. Sinclair.”

The waist he’d been holding was delicate and soft.

Ares stepped closer, trying to read her face. She smiled again. “What’s this supposed to be, exactly?”

“You’ve been ignoring my calls.” He inched closer. Their bodies nearly touched.

Ruby jabbed his chest with a finger.

He still had a scar just under his collarbone–barely visible under his shirt. Wild, rough.

“Why should I take your calls, Mr. Sinclair?” Her eyes were clear, gaze unwavering. “We’re not close.”

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