Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 Unbothered

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44

Finished

Everyone knew Eugenia and Theresa were kind to Arden. So no one said anything. Made sense

anyway.

Dorian didn’t like Arden. Of course he wouldn’t want to see her.

He had an empire to run. Arden was just another junior employee. The chances of bumping into each other were slim.

Back at the Wynn estate, Arden actually felt pretty at ease. She spent most of her time with Elise, keeping her company, helping her feel better.

With Arden around—and the truth about the video finally coming out–Elise’s mood and energy lifted significantly.

On her first day home, Arden slipped into the kitchen, asking Agnes to teach her how to make something warm for her mom to eat.

Agnes smiled as she waved her out. “You’ve got delicate hands, Miss. Just sit and wait to be served, okay? I’ll take care of it.”

“I want to learn, Agnes. Teach me.”

Agnes had always been soft with Arden’s sweet tone. She gave in. “Alright then. Just don’t touch the

pot. It’s hot.”

Arden glanced at her phone and saw a message from Dorian on WhatsApp. She didn’t feel like replying.

She’d already watched the press conference where he tried to clear things up. But honestly? It didn’t move her.

Three years ago, he knew full well the baby Vivienne was carrying wasn’t his. And now? He was still being photographed escorting her to hospitals.

Maybe all those tabloids weren’t just rumors. Maybe it was his way of sending a message, “You don’t matter.”

Even without his press conference, the truth had already come out. That reversal video was enough. Everyone now knew she hadn’t pushed anyone.

Whether the baby was his or not–it no longer had anything to do with her.

Arden spent the day resting at home, then got up early the next morning, ready to return to work.

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At Vale Group, Dorian had just walked into his office when Lucien came in to report. “Mr. Vale, she passed the interview. She’s officially starting tomorrow.”

Dorian gave a faint nod. “Mm.”

Lucien eyed him carefully. The man looked tired. “Rough night? Didn’t sleep well without her around?”

Dorian shot him a look. Lucien wisely backed off and left.

All day, Dorian buried himself in work. Vivienne held another press conference–this time to publicly apologize to Arden.

Isla called Arden the moment she saw it online. Arden barely reacted. “Okay.” She didn’t even bother watching.

She hadn’t done anything wrong. The truth was out. That was all that mattered. She didn’t need Vivienne’s apology. She didn’t want to be tied to her in any way.

That evening, Dorian was in a foul mood and decided to meet up with Cassian and Theo for drinks.

When they saw the dark circles under his eyes, they exchanged a look. “Did someone lose sleep over guilt?” Cassian teased.

Dorian kicked his chair. “Get lost.”

But of course, they didn’t. Cassian leaned in, smug. “Word is Arden’s back at the Wynn house. She ghosting you, Dorian?”

Dorian lit a cigarette, leaned back in his chair, and stayed quiet.

Cassian poured him a drink. “Yeah… you really messed that one up. I’d be pissed too if someone accused me of pushing a pregnant woman.”

Theo chimed in. “You’ve got time to drink with us but not enough time to fix your marriage? Priorities, man.”

Even Damon didn’t spare him. “Come on, this is Dorian we’re talking about. He’s never had to chase anyone in his life. Women line up to please him.”

Dorian stayed silent, just kept drinking. But every so often, he glanced at his phone.

Nothing from Arden. No usual “goodnight” texts. Not even a “have a nice day.”

Radio silence. Bored, half–drunk, and annoyed, Dorian stood up and grabbed his coat. “I’m out.”

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Chapter 45 Unbothered

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Cassian glanced at the time. “It’s barely eleven. Arden texted you to come home?”

“No.”

“Then what, going home to enjoy the silence?”

Dorian didn’t respond. He walked out of the lounge into the buzz of the bar.

He looked sharp–tall, lean, collar slightly undone, giving off that unbothered, dangerous energy. A few women turned their heads, some bold enough to brush up against him.

He dodged them all without so much as a glance.

Lucien had been waiting outside with the car. When he saw Dorian coming, he jumped out to open the door.

Dorian climbed into the backseat, cracked the window open, and sat there, brooding. Lucien looked at him in the rearview mirror. “Heading back to Silverbay?”

“Yeah.”

Lucien turned the car toward the villa. Dorian glanced at his phone again. Still nothing from Arden.

He typed a message, “Lucien will pick you up for work tomorrow.”

He didn’t phrase it as a question.

But a few minutes later, Arden replied, “That’s not necessary, Mr. Vale. The driver’s taking me.”

Dorian stared at the screen, expression unreadable. Lucien felt the tension spike but wisely said nothing.

The next morning, Arden got up early, did her makeup, and headed to work with her bag in hand.

Agnes had packed her a little container of sweets and a bottle of milk. “Something light for breakfast. Don’t skip it,” she’d said.

She liked sweets, so she brought them along. She arrived at Vale Group a bit early–8 AM sharp for an 8:30 start. The building was still quiet.

She stood near the elevator and hit the up button, waiting. Someone approached behind her. She didn’t turn, not really paying attention.

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Everything Was a Deal Until Divorce

Chapter 46 Elevator Pressure