Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75 That’s Not His Wife

Firushed

Whispers began to ripple through the crowd. “Damn, Mr. Vale looks extra good tonight. But… who’s the woman with him?”

“Doesn’t he always bring someone to these events?”

“Yeah, but she’s gorgeous. Anyone know who she is?”

“Pretty sure that’s Mira Luce. Didn’t she go overseas though? Guess she’s back.”

“The Luce family? Huh, makes sense. That’s a perfect match, status–wise.”

“They do look good together.”

Isla heard the chatter and turned to Arden. “Dorian’s here too. And he brought someone?”

For a moment, Arden felt frozen, her mind blank. She checked her phone. Nothing. Her expression dimmed. “He didn’t tell me.”

Of course he didn’t. He has a wife… and still chose to bring someone else. God, I really am pathetic.

Isla gently squeezed her hand. “Forget him. He’s just a guy. Don’t let him mess with your head. If he can bring a date, so can we. I’ll call a couple guys right now.”

Arden glanced to her right. There he was.

Dorian wore a perfectly tailored black shirt tucked neatly into matching black slacks. His tie was sharp, one hand casually in his pocket, the other resting on the arm of the woman clinging to him.

His expression was as aloof as ever, like the whole world bored him.

The woman beside him was glowing, eyes sparkling as she looked up at him, her smile full of affection.

Under the soft golden lights, they looked like they belonged together. Arden folded her hands tightly and forced herself to look away.

Dorian was walking toward them. Naturally, he had been given the best seat–he was the head of the Vale family, after all.

As he got closer, his eyes finally landed on Arden.

By then, she’d already composed herself. Her face was unreadable, and she didn’t so much as glance in his direction. Her profile was calm, cold… and breathtaking.

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Chapter 75 That’s Not His Wife

Finished

As they approached, Arden and Isla stood to let them pass. Dorian’s gaze lingered as he passed Arden, taking in her outfit. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes–followed by a sharp chill.

And then he sat down, right next to her. Arden’s heart tightened.

Isla leaned over. “Want to switch seats?”

Arden shook her head. “No.”

What’s coming is coming. I’m not running anymore. And besides… something in me just snapped. Maybe I’ve been naive all along. Maybe that one perfect moment was never meant to last.

Dorian had expected her to turn and say something. But she never did.

He pulled out his phone and sent her a message, “Lucien has my jacket. Go grab it and wear it.

Arden glanced down at the notification, tapped it open, read it… then locked her screen and went right back to talking to Isla.

Dorian’s hand rested on the armrest between them, tapping idly. Mira leaned over, whispering something with a soft, flirty tone Arden could clearly hear.

Soon, the auction began.

Isla won a necklace she liked and was thrilled. Then she spotted a pair of ruby earrings she thought would look perfect on Arden—and bid on those too, planning to gift them.

The final item of the night was a stunning sapphire necklace.

The stones sparkled brilliantly. The piece was custom–made by a famous designer, one of a kind. Mira’s eyes lit up.

Dorian asked, “You like it?”

She smiled, “Yeah. I love it.”

No woman could resist jewelry like that–and Mira was no different. More than anything, she wanted him–this magnetic, powerful man–to buy it for her in front of everyone.

The bidding started at 70 million.

Dorian chuckled. “If you like it, it’s yours.”

He motioned for Lucien. “One hundred million.”

Arden watched the glittering necklace on stage, then heard Dorian casually tell another woman

14:52 Tue, Feb 3

Chapter 75 That’s Not His Wife

to just take it if she liked it. She glanced at her own bare hand.

Right. People always spoil the ones they actually care about.

They were married… and she didn’t even have a ring.

Finished

Sure, Eugenia and Theresa had gifted her expensive jewelry, but none of it came from him. For a moment, as she stared at that dazzling necklace, her eyes stung.

Men like Dorian have endless money–and endless ways to impress the women they want.

The bidding climbed fast–300 million. Dorian seemed bored now. He raised it again.

“Five hundred million,” Lucien called out.

Lucien instinctively glanced at Arden. She was turned away, still chatting with Isla, long lashes lowered. He couldn’t read her expression.

Then he looked at Mira–blushing and radiant—and his boss, who still looked like stone. Five hundred million for Mira? Not for his wife?

The auctioneer’s face lit up with excitement.

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