Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 50

verything Was a Deal Until Divorce

Chapter 50 New Faces, Old Games

Talia lit up instantly. “Yes. Absolutely.”

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Arden’s desserts were amazing–made by a trained housekeeper, perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. After one bite, Talia was hooked.

Plus, Arden just gave off that raised–right kind of energy. Polite, soft–spoken, and calm. It only made Talia like her more.

Work resumed at 1:30.

But not even an hour in, a woman named Bonnie Shaw came striding into the office and immediately called out, “Arden, could you grab my package from the front desk?”

Arden, thinking it might be something project–related, stood up without hesitation.

But Talia pulled her right back down.

She glanced at Bonnie, her tone sharp. “She’s here to work, not to be your assistant. Go get your own delivery.”

Bonnie, dressed in a tailored suit and perfectly done makeup, raised an eyebrow. “We were all new once. She’s not exactly drowning in tasks. What’s the harm in asking?”

Talia didn’t hold back. “You don’t pay her. So no–she’s not running errands for you.”

She leaned in and whispered, “Ignore her. We answer to Mr. Lowe, not her. You’re not her assistant. Trust me–once you do her one favor, she’ll have you running her errands all week.”

Arden sat back down. But she could feel Bonnie’s glare from across the room.

Still, it didn’t bother her much. People were complicated. Some liked you at first glance, some never would. No reason. No logic.

Meanwhile, Cassian and Dorian were discussing recent venture capital targets when Lucien

walked in.

He looked unusually serious. “Boss. We found the person who leaked the reversal video. His name’s Vincent.”

That name wasn’t familiar. Even Cassian frowned. “Who the hell is that? Never heard of him.”

Lucien explained, “He’s based out of Eloria and overseas. He only recently started shifting business toward Avalen. He’s pretty well known over there.”

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Chapter 50 New Faces, Old Games

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Something clicked for Dorian. The guy from the arcade. The one Arden had tried to hug while gaming. The one who had looked at her with… something more than casual curiosity.

Dorian narrowed his eyes. “He knows Arden?”

Lucien shook his head. “Everything we found suggests she doesn’t know him.”

“Then why help her?”

“Caleb looked into it too. He’s planning to invite Vincent out to dinner tonight to thank him. He’s probably going to ask Arden to come along.”

Cassian let out a low whistle. He lit a cigarette but didn’t light it–just spun it between his fingers.

“Well, well, Dorian. Sounds like your competition’s making moves. Guy saved Arden and didn’t even take credit for it. Low–key hero.”

Then he glanced up. “Lucien, the guy at least good–looking?”

Lucien didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. He’s not bad.”

He handed over a folder and slid it across the desk. Dorian flipped it open.

First photo: Vincent in a white button–down and black slacks, cufflinks worth a fortune, tall with a sharp jawline and classic features, polished and effortless.

Cassian leaned over to look. “Damn. Alright. I see it.” He looked at Dorian. “You’ve officially got competition.”

Dorian didn’t react. His face stayed blank, cold.

But Cassian watched him carefully. He wasn’t sure what Dorian was thinking–but seeing the most emotionally unavailable man he knew show even a flicker of possessiveness? That was

new.

And entertaining.

If this turned into a full–blown chase–your–wife–after–blowing–it saga, Cassian was absolutely here for it.

Then Dorian turned to Lucien. “Call my grandmother and my mom. Tell them Arden and I are coming to the estate for dinner tonight.”

Cassian raised his eyebrows. “Oh? Trying to block her from meeting Vincent already?”

Dorian said nothing. He sat back, legs stretched out, looking every bit the man in control.

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At 4 p.m., Caleb texted, “Arden, I found the guy who posted the video. I want to thank him in person. Come to dinner tonight?”

She replied right away. Arden texted, “Really? That’s great. Yeah, of course.”

Caleb texted, “What time do you finish work?”

Arden replied, “5:30.”

Caleb texted back, “I’ve got a surprise for you tonight.”

Arden asked, “What kind of surprise?”

Caleb replied, “You’ll see.”

Arden texted, “Tease.”

Caleb asked, “How’s your first day? Didn’t run into Dorian, right?”

Arden texted back, “All good. Met some nice people. Didn’t see him.”

He didn’t message back–didn’t want to interrupt her work.

Arden sat at her desk, staring blankly at her screen for a second.

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