Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 54

Chapter 54 House Rules

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Theresa and Eugenia both noticed it–Dorian’s lips. Then they glanced at Arden, whose mouth looked just as flushed.

Theresa asked, “Dorian, what happened to your lip?”

Dorian shot a look at Arden, his lips still stinging from her bite. He gave a lazy grin. “Let’s just say someone got a little feisty.”

Arden shot him a glare. He raised a brow, amused.

Eugenia stepped in, clearly catching Arden’s little show of temper. She smiled and reached for Arden’s hand. “Sweetheart, first day at work–tired?

“If you are, then don’t bother going back. You could stay home, read, visit some art exhibits, hit the mall, get facials…”

Arden looped her arm through hers and leaned in playfully. “Grandma, I’m fine. Everyone at the office has been really kind.”

Besides, how could she not work? She needed to start saving. If she and Dorian ended up divorcing, she had to have her own way out.

After the way he’d acted–controlling, unpredictable–and remembering how cold he used to be to her, Arden had started seriously thinking about leaving him.

Her brother, her dad, her mom–they’d all back her if she did. Maybe tonight, she could try testing the waters with Eugenia.

“Don’t lie to me, now,” Eugenia teased.

“I swear I’m not,” Arden smiled. “I even had lunch with coworkers in the cafeteria.”

She walked between Eugenia and Theresa, one arm looped through each, listening as they chatted away. Dorian followed a few steps behind, eyes fixed on her the whole time.

Theresa brushed a piece of hair behind Arden’s ear. “Was the food any good?”

“It was,” she said with a nod. “Lots of choices, even pasta and sandwiches.”

Eugenia chuckled, patting her hand. “I’m sure it’s nowhere near as good as the meals here at i estate. Tomorrow, I’ll have them pack you lunch to take with you.”

“Oh no, Grandma, that’s really not necessary.”

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Chapter 54 House Rules

“It absolutely is. Work takes a toll, you need proper meals.”

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Finished

As they reached the living room, Eugenia tugged Arden toward the couch. “Tonight, you’re staying here. Tomorrow morning, ride with Dorian to the office.”

Arden immediately turned to Dorian, hoping–praying–that he’d say something decent for once. But no.

He looked right at her and said, “Sounds good.”

Arden wanted to strangle him. She quickly tried to protest. “Grandma, my mom’s been missing me. I was hoping to go back to the Wynn house tonight.”

Eugenia waved a hand. “It’s late. I’ll call your mom and let her know you’re staying with me.”

Yeah, exactly what she’d expected. Once you came to the estate, there was no escaping.

Just then, Elias came down the stairs. Arden stood up straight. “Hi, Grandpa.”

“There’s my girl!” he beamed. “You’ve been gone too long. Tonight, you’re playing chess with me. You still owe me a rematch.”

Arden laughed. “Only if you promise not to go easy on me this time.”

Elias chuckled. “Easy on you? Please. You always beat me fair and square.”

Dorian sat down nearby, legs stretched out, arms draped casually–but his eyes never left Arden. His parents and grandparents were absolutely taken with her.

She does have a way of pulling people in.

Not long after, Gideon walked through the front door. His usually serious face softened the moment he saw Arden. “You’re home.”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

“How was your first day?” he asked.

“It was good, Dad.”

Gideon glanced toward Dorian, who was scrolling on his phone. “Dorian, make sure you keep an eye out for her. Don’t let anyone give her trouble at the company.”

Dorian didn’t even look up. “Everyone gets treated the same. If she’s working at the Group, she follows the rules.”

Then he looked up slowly, eyes locking on Arden. “Late clock–ins still get docked. And if she

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Chapter 54 House Rules

doesn’t pass probation, she’s out.”

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Everyone in the room turned to stare at him. Arden just smiled, walked over, and handed Gideon a cup of coffee. “Dad, it’s okay. I’m doing fine. Besides, he’s busy. No way he has time to micromanage someone like me.”

Then she looked right at Dorian and added, “He’s right. Company rules are company rules, Mr. Vale.”

Gideon’s jaw tightened. Mr. Vale? Seriously? That’s his wife, and she can’t even call him her babe?

Eugenia sighed. “Arden, why don’t you work directly under Dorian? Be his assistant. That way, no one dares mess with you.”

Arden nearly choked on her orange slice. She coughed, waving her hands. “Please don’t! Grandma, I love my department. I’m happy where I am.”

There was no way she’d survive being his assistant. She’d probably end up quitting by lunch on the first day.

Having to see that cold face all day? No thanks. That was a level of misery she wasn’t volunteering for.

The housekeeper called everyone to the dining room, and the family sat down for dinner.

Everyone took turns asking Arden about her day.

Dorian barely said a word, but his eyes kept drifting to her–quietly, steadily watching.

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