Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76 Not a Ring, Not Even Once

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Finished

Gasps echoed through the room at the sudden two–hundred–million jump. Then the murmurs began again.

“Oh wow, that’s Dorian. Figures.”

“He’s the Vale heir. What’s a few hundred mil to him?”

Isla shot a glare across the room, then let out a cold laugh.

He won’t even buy Arden a ring. But for her? Five hundred million like it’s nothing. Pathetic. And I actually thought this man was worth fighting for.

The moment the auction wrapped, the host took the mic again. “Ladies and gentlemen, we now invite our honored guests to the sixteenth floor for tonight’s banquet.”

The words had barely left his mouth when Arden stood up, Isla rising with her. From start to finish, Arden hadn’t looked at Dorian once.

Dorian saw her stand, finally catching a full view of her dress.

Her hair had been dyed a soft brown, long and silky down to her waist. The curve of her back, the bare skin at her shoulders–smooth and glowing. That tiny waist. Long legs. A perfect silhouette.

He waved Lucien over and said quietly, “Go get her a jacket.”

“We only have yours,

“Then bring that.”

sir.”

Lucien nodded and left. Arden took Isla’s arm and headed toward the elevator.

Isla whispered, “Those ruby earrings are yours now. If he won’t buy you jewelry, someone else will.”

Arden smiled softly and leaned against her shoulder. “You’re the best, Isla.”

The banquet hall on the sixteenth floor was already buzzing with chatter and clinking glasses.

But the moment Arden and Isla stepped inside, heads turned.

Isla raised an eyebrow. “Told you. You’re the main event tonight.”

Before Arden could reply, more whispers began.

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14:53 Tue, Feb 3

Chapter 76 Not a Ring, Not Even Once

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Finished

She turned and saw Dorian walk in–with Mira still on his arm. He walked like he owned the room. And maybe he did.

“Did you see? He bought that five–hundred–million sapphire necklace. Definitely trying to impress her.”

“Classic Dorian. Always goes big.”

Arden gave them one glance, then turned

away.

Isla got swept into a group of wealthy daughters she knew, and Arden–never much for crowds -nodded toward the dessert table.

“I’m gonna grab something to eat. I’ll wait for you over there.”

“You sure?”

“I’m good.”

Isla let her go. Upstairs, Lucien spotted Arden instantly, standing near the dessert table, focused on picking out something to eat.

She was stunning, almost distractingly so. Like a spotlight found her no matter where she went.

Meanwhile, Dorian stood with a drink in hand, chatting with a small circle of men. Mira hovered at his side.

Lucien made his way over. “Mrs. Vale, sir asked me to bring you his jacket.”

Arden glanced at the black blazer he held out. “I’m fine. Not cold.”

Lucien cleared his throat. “He specifically said to give it to you.”

“And I said I’m not cold.”

He was stuck. Dorian had been watching. He saw her refusal, then excused himself from the group and started heading her way.

But just then, another woman bumped into him mid–turn.

She gasped and stumbled, grabbing his arm for balance. Instantly, a scent hit his nose–faintly familiar.

She looked up in surprise. “Wait… it’s you?”

Dorian stepped back, frowning. “Do I know you?”

14:53 Tue, Feb 3

Chapter 76 Not a Ring, Not Even Once

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Finished

“You don’t remember me? Four years ago, in Northmere? At that hotel? I helped you–I cleaned your wounds, bought you meds…”

His heart skipped. “You… that was you?”

“Yeah. You even threatened me afterward,” she teased.

He looked at her again. There was something familiar in her face. She looked a little like Arden. Same sweetness. Same softness.

“Why’d you leave back then?”

“My family called. Said they were picking me up. You were fast asleep, so I didn’t wake you.”

“What’s your name?”

“Lacey. Lacey Wren.”

He stared at her. She looked genuinely concerned. “You didn’t have any long–term side effects from those injuries, did you?”

“No.”

“That’s good.”

Someone waved her over. She raised her glass slightly. “Someone’s calling me. Excuse me.”

She turned and walked away. Her silhouette… It really did resemble the one in that old surveillance video.

Dorian stood there, dazed. Cassian walked over with a few others and saw where his friend was looking.

He clapped him on the shoulder. “What’s got you all spaced out? You checking her out?”

Dorian took a sip of his drink. “She said… she’s the one who saved me in Northmere. Four years ago.”

Cassian glanced at the girl. From behind, she almost looked like her. “She’s not the one who saved you? That wasn’t Arden?”

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