Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36 Not Worth It

But this wasn’t just about her anymore. It hurt her mom. It hurt her whole family.

Right as she reached the hospital, her phone rang.

It was Dorian. She glanced at the screen, didn’t pick up, and put her phone on silent.

When she got to the private room, Elise had just woken up, her face still pale.

##Finished

Gareth was helping her with some oatmeal. Caleb was sitting off to the side with his laptop open, still working.

Arden saw the three of them together–her mom and dad quietly caring for each other, Caleb helping without a word—and her chest tightened.

That was the kind of marriage she used to dream about. Two people who loved each other, sharing little things, big things. Someone who’d bring her her favorite snacks after work, just because.

Someone whose patience, warmth, and love were all hers. That was what she wanted.

She stepped closer. Her voice was still a little hoarse. “Mom… are you feeling better?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart. Don’t worry.“”

All three of them looked at her–Elise, Gareth, Caleb–and they all noticed the same thing. Her shoes were still wet.

Gareth frowned. “Why would you come here like this? You’ll catch a cold. Come here. Take them off.”

Caleb pulled out his phone and called his assistant. “Buy a pair of flat shoes from the mall. Something comfortable. Bring them to the hospital, now.”

Only then did Arden notice the chill in her feet. She glanced down and said softly, “It’s warm out. I’ll be fine.”

Her family exchanged a look, all hearts aching for her. No one mentioned Dorian. Not in front of her. Not

now.

Arden walked to the bed and hugged Elise. Then she took the bowl from Caleb’s hands. “Dad, I’ll feed her.” “Alright.”

Gareth asked, “Have you eaten?”

“No.”

Caleb stood up. “I haven’t either. I’ll take her out later.”

Arden looked at him, then gave a small nod. “Okay.”

Once Elise finished her oatmeal and started to look better, Arden whispered, “Mom… I’m sorry I made you

Chapter 36 Not Worth It

Finished

worry.”

Elise touched her forehead gently. “Sweetheart, I know you’d never do something like that.”

She looked her daughter in the eyes. “Elise, I never cared about titles or money. We just want you to be happy. That’s all that matters. These past three years, Arden… have you been happy?”

The Wynn family wasn’t like other dynasties. They didn’t raise their daughter to be a pawn, a bargaining chip, or someone to be married off for power.

Other rich families might ignore their husbands‘ affairs, pretend not to see the mistresses, and focus only on maintaining status.

Not them.

Elise added softly, “Dorian’s the type no woman can ever reach. He’s too cold. Too calculated. Do you still love him? If you don’t… let him go. Divorce him. Your dad and Caleb can pay back the five billion. So we live in a smaller house, without drivers or maids. As long as we’re together, it’s enough.”

Arden lowered her head and nodded. “Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Caleb.”

Just then, the door opened. “Hey, I heard you were in the hospital. Heart trouble again?” It was Lilith Wynn, Arden’s cousin from her uncle’s side.

Arden looked up at her but said nothing.

Lilith smiled, all innocence. “Arden, did you see the video? You’re all’over the internet–with Dorian and Vivienne. How’d that happen?”

Arden’s face turned cold. “If you’re here to see my mom, fine. If you’re here to gossip–leave.”

“Oh come on, Arden. You’re being so sensitive. I’m just saying, people are calling you the other woman. They’re saying Vivienne’s pregnant with Dorian’s baby, and you tried to sabotage it. That’s… insane.”

Caleb’s face darkened. “Lilith.”

“What? You haven’t seen the news?”

Even Elise, who was usually the calm one, looked fed up. “I’m fine. Tell your parents they don’t need to come, either.”

Lilith sighed. “My parents and my brother are busy. That’s why they sent me.”

She dropped off a fruit basket, then dragged over a chair and sat like she belonged there. “Was it the video that set you off? Is that why you fainted?”

Arden couldn’t take it anymore. “You’ve said enough. You can go now.”

Lilith stood and looked her over. “You’re not really planning to cling to Dorian, are you? You think a man like that would ever look at you twice? You think our family’s even in the same league as the Vales?”

Arden’s eyes sharpened. “Funny. You keep talking about Dorian like you want to be in his life. If I’m not good enough, you’re even less so. Go. You’re not welcome here.”

Chapter 36 Not Worth It

Finished

Gareth stood up as well, face stiff. “She needs rest. You can see yourself out.”

Lilith got what she wanted. She turned and left.

Arden watched her walk away, eyes narrowing. Then she asked, “That construction case… does it have something to do with Uncle Jack?”

Caleb nodded. “We found some evidence. All signs point to their side.”

。