Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48 Cafeteria Chaos

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Talia linked arms with Arden as they got in line. “Alright, Arden, what are you in the mood for?”

“Maybe some rice,” she said.

“Perfect, I’m feeling rice too. If we each grab a different meat, we can split and get four dishes

total.”

“Sounds good.”

Arden appreciated Talia’s energy–warm, open, friendly. Being new, everything still felt unfamiliar. She was grateful Talia was the only one who thought to show her around.

They were quietly chatting about which options to get when suddenly the cafeteria got noticeably louder.

People at the front of the line kept glancing behind them. Talia turned too, curious. The whispers started immediately.

“Cassian and Dorian are here.”

“Oh

my God, they’re both so hot.”

“Isn’t this the first time Dorian’s ever eaten here?”

“Even Cassian’s here. He usually goes straight to the exec floor. Why’s he slumming it today?”

“Look at those shoulders. That build. Unreal.”

“Whoever ends up with them is the luckiest woman alive…”

Talia spotted the pair and let out a low gasp. “Arden! Look! Mr. Vale is in the cafeteria. This is historic.”

She nudged her with an elbow. “Come on, admit it. He’s insanely good–looking, right?”

Arden had been focused on her empty stomach and the smell of hot food. But when she turned, she caught sight of Dorian and Cassian entering the room.

Dorian was dressed in black–shirt tucked in, sleeves rolled, one hand in his pocket. His vibe screamed “don’t talk to me.” Tall, broad–shouldered, lean–waisted–intimidating as hell.

Next to him, Cassian was the opposite. Flirty eyes, easy grin, all charm. The cafeteria was packed. But Arden stood out. Tall, fair–skinned, and poised–Cassian noticed her immediately.

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Chapter 48 Cafeteria Chaos

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He let out a low whistle and elbowed Dorian. “So this is why you’re slumming it today. You came for your sweet wife.”

He nudged him again. “What, she still mad about the video? Didn’t make up yet?”

Dorian’s gaze landed on Arden the second she turned. Their eyes met–just for a second. Then she looked away. All he saw was her ponytail swinging as she turned back around.

He said quietly, “She hasn’t been back to Silverbay Villa since that video went viral.”

The cafeteria manager rushed over, clearly flustered. “Mr. Vale, we weren’t expecting you. Is there something I can get for you?”

Dorian said, “No.”

The manager stammered, “Why don’t you and your guest sit down? I’ll have someone bring your meals over.”

Dorian glanced at the girl standing in line. “No need. We’ll wait.”

“Sir, you really don’t need to-”

One look from Dorian shut him up. Lucien clapped the guy’s shoulder. “Relax. Go do your thing. We’ll call you if we need anything.”

The manager nodded quickly and retreated. Lucien glanced at Arden from a distance.

He couldn’t believe it. So this girl really is different to him. Here he is, the boss himself, showing up in the company cafeteria just because of her. No one can tell what he’s planning.

Cassian whistled again, stealing another glance at Arden. Then he leaned closer. “Okay, real talk. Most of the women here are all glam–bold makeup, heels, tight skirts, Sexy, sure. But Arden? She’s like… elegant. Effortless. She stands out.”

“You really came down here for her?”

“This her first day?”

He had questions. “Why not just make her your assistant and keep her close?”

Dorian gave him a sideways look. “Do you ever stop talking?”

Cassian held up both hands. “Just trying to help, man.”

Back in line, Arden turned back around. She thought the women in the office were totally over- the–top. The second Dorian showed up, their eyes practically turned into cartoon hearts.

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If they knew how cold and distant he really was, would they still be that obsessed?

No wonder they dressed up like they were going to the Met Gala. They were probably all hoping to catch his eye.

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Talia saw Arden glance back and asked, “So? What do you think? Mr. Vale’s not bad, right?”

Arden said, “He’s alright.”

Talia’s jaw dropped. “Just alright? That body? That face? You’re telling me that’s just ‘alright“?”

Arden shrugged. “Mmhmm.”

That answer put Talia at ease. She looked at Arden with more warmth. She wasn’t one of those girls throwing herself at Dorian. Talia liked her even more now.

Their turn came up. They each grabbed different meat dishes.

Talia pointed. “They’ve got iced lemonade over there. Perfect for this heat. Let’s grab some.”

“Sure.”

Funny enough, the lemonade stand was right next to where Dorian and Cassian were lining up.

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