Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 Fallout

When her brother wouldn’t answer, Celine called her mom.

Theresa answered, “Celine? Isn’t it the middle of the night over there? Why are you still up?”

Finished

“How could I sleep, Mom? Did Vivienne really have Dorian’s baby three years ago? Did you see the video? If he already had a kid with her, why did he marry Arden?”

Theresa blinked. “What video?”

Celine clicked her tongue. “Buzznet posted it–our own damn company. What is Dorian trying to do? Divorce Arden to protect his little crush? No wonder he insisted on a secret wedding. Arden has the patience of a saint. If it were me, I’d never marry a heartless jerk like him.”

Theresa was speechless. “He’s still your brother.”

Celine said, “Yeah, and still a jerk. He already had a kid with another woman and still went after Arden. Arden’s gorgeous–doesn’t even need him. I swear, she must’ve been half blind three years ago.

“And now Vivienne’s holding a press conference. She admitted the baby was his. She’s unbelievable. Three years later, and she suddenly wants to come out with this? The kid’s gone. What’s she trying to prove? That she should marry him now?”

Theresa frowned. “What press conference?”

Celine said, “Just watch the damn news, Mom. I’m texting Arden.”

And she hung up. Downstairs, Theresa found Eugenia pacing after slamming her phone down, furious.

She rushed over. “Mom, what happened? Don’t get so worked up.”

Eugenia downed a glass of water. “That damn boy must’ve gotten involved with some woman again. Arden’s brother just told me he wants them divorced.”

Theresa froze. “Celine just called me. She said Dorian posted the video of Arden pushing Vivienne–and Vivienne just confirmed in a press conference that the baby was his.”

Eugenia’s face darkened. “Does that girl have no shame? Dragging Arden into this again, trying to cling to Dorian? What’s her angle? That baby was not Dorian’s.”

She shouted, “Someone! Bring me my laptop.”

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. When the video and Vivienne’s interview finished, she was trembling with rage.

“He used our company to post this? What kind of woman is he even after? Someone like Vivienne is not stepping foot into this family!”

She grabbed her phone and called Gideon.

She said, “Tell your son to delete that video off the entertainment site. Have him give an interview and

5:30 am

Chapter 38 Fallout

clear Arden’s name. If he doesn’t, I’ll hang myself at his damn villa!”

Finished

Gideon had seen the video. He was neck–deep in damage control. He’d already gone to the office to find Dorian, but the boy was cold as ever. He hadn’t even gotten to speak with him.

He said, “Mom, calm down. I’ll go talk to him right now.”

Eugenia snapped, “If he drives Arden away, I’m telling you–no woman will ever be good enough to step into this house again.”

He spent another few minutes trying to calm her before hanging up.

Meanwhile, Lucien had seen Vivienne’s interview–and the moment she claimed Dorian was the father, he broke into a cold sweat.

He rushed to the CEO’s office and knocked. Dorian said, “Come in.”

Lucien said quickly, “Vivienne gave her press conference. She implied the missus pushed her.”

Dorian said, “Upload the reversal video.”

Lucien hesitated. “Sir, she also said the baby was yours. If the missus sees this and takes it the wrong way… it might be hard to fix things.”

Dorian paused. His fingers tapped the keyboard. Vivienne’s interview appeared on screen.

He watched silently, his expression darkening with each second. When she looked straight at the camera and said those words, the veins on the back of his hand popped.

He slammed the laptop shut. He said, “Post the reversal video. Now.”

Then he stared at his phone–at Caleb’s message.

He actually had the nerve to ask Dorian to let Arden go and agree to a divorce. Dorian typed back, “I’m not divorcing her.”

Caleb was mid–conversation with Arden when he saw the reply. He actually laughed.

He typed, “Dorian. You posted that video to humiliate Arden. You’ve been whining for years about being forced into marriage, and now that you’ve got the perfect out–you still won’t take it?”

Dorian replied, “I don’t feel like it. So I won’t.”

Caleb said, “Our entire family supports Arden leaving you.”

Dorian replied, “It’s not up to you. Most people try to fix a marriage–not blow it up. Why are you pushing for divorce?”

Caleb said, “Can’t believe I ever called you a friend.”

Dorian replied, “But I’m still your brother–in–law. That makes us even closer, doesn’t it?”

Caleb said, “Screw you.”

#:36 am GP pp.

Chapter 38 Fallout

Finished

He sent another message, “Dorian, let me remind you. My sister may be kind, but if you hurt her enough, she’ll shut down completely. And when she does? She won’t come back. Even if you’re on your knees begging.”

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