Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81 No More Running

Don’t you think it makes sense?

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Finished

It did. But Arden just didn’t want to see Dorian anymore. She wanted distance. As far away as possible.

“Best

“No buts,” Warren said, cutting her off. “If you quit without company approval, you’ll be on the hook for a penalty. You signed the contract on day one, remember? And this isn’t some random department, it’s one of the most critical divisions in Vale Group.”

He leaned forward. “You haven’t even gotten your first paycheck yet. You really wanna start your post–grad life by going into debt just to cover breach–of–contract fees?”

“And just so you know,” he added, “the penalty isn’t cheap.”

Arden looked like she was faltering, Warren seized the moment, “I’ll hold off on submitting your resignation. You take some time to think it through. I’ve got work to do, head back to your desk.”

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced down–Eugenia. She stepped out to take the call.

Eugenia’s warm voice came through, “Sweetheart, is someone giving you a hard time at the office?”

“No, Grandma. Everyone’s been nice.

“Then why the sudden idea of quitting? You just graduated. Wouldn’t it be better to build some experience at Vale Group before going back to help your brother at Wynn Group? Don’t quit just yet. I’ll talk to Dorian and have him back you up.”

The moment she heard his name, Arden rushed to say, “Grandma, he’s really busy. Don’t bother him. No one’s bullying me.”

“Then tell me why you’re quitting.”

Arden didn’t know how to explain that she simply didn’t want to see Dorian. But seriously–why did she keep avoiding him? Why was she even scared?

If she didn’t care anymore, shouldn’t she be able to stand in front of him like he’s just another stranger? Why did she have to run?

She drew a long breath. “Grandma, I’m not quitting. I’ll keep working hard.”

Eugenia chatted with her for a while longer, then asked when she’d be coming to the old estate for d Arden said she’d been busy, but would visit when she could.

After hanging up, she found Talia waiting to head down to the cafeteria. Clark tagged along, too.

Arden turned to Sienna. “You coming?”

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Sienna didn’t even glance up. “Ordered takeout. You go

ahead.”

On the way down, Talia whispered, “Sienna’s a bit cold, but she’s solid. At least she doesn’t mess with

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Chapter 81 No More Running

newbies. You’ll come to see she’s good people.”

Arden nodded. She already knew. Sienna had defended her when it mattered–this mentor of hers was one of the good ones.

Lucien laid out a file in front of Dorian.

“Lacey Wren,” he began. “The Wren family’s barely clinging to aristocracy status in Avalen. They’re practically out of the circle.

“She’s her dad’s lovechild from an affair. Brought into the house at twelve. The family’s legit daughter, Alice Wren, never let her have a moment of peace.

“No love from her father, none from her mother either. Constantly bullied by the legitimate kids.

“She’s an F–list actress now. Barely keeping herself afloat.”

Dorian narrowed his eyes. His thoughts drifted to that night in Northmere, the night he was bleeding out and that girl helped dress his wounds.

The scent on Lacey’s body last night–it was that same subtle, familiar fragrance.

Even after all these years, he recognized it instantly.

To him, that girl had always represented something pure, kind, and good. How else could she have looked at a stranger covered in blood, and instead of running, gone to buy medicine and come back to help?

So when Arden and Lacey clashed last night, he instinctively believed Lacey.

He remembered Arden’s face–the way she’d looked at him with that quiet, bitter certainty. Like she knew this would happen. Like she never even expected him to believe her.

No hope, no pleading, just the desolate acceptance of someone already disappointed beyond repair.

Now that he thought about it, Arden had never lied to him–not about Vivienne, and definitely not about that homemade hangover fix.

He’d been wrong–again and again.

Lucien noticed his furrowed brows. “What should we do about Lacey?”

Dorian’s voice was low. “Send her a check. Five million. Call it a thank–you for saving my life.”

Lucien hesitated. “Do you believe Mrs. Vale didn’t push her?”

Dorian didn’t answer. Instead, he looked up with a chill in his eyes. “Getting brave, aren’t you?”

Lucien pressed on. “But what if she really was framed? Then you’ve been punishing the wrong woman this

whole time.”

He wanted to add, “Last night you dropped five billion on a sapphire necklace for Mira without blinking… But your own wife—who’s taken care of your family for three years–never even got a wedding ring. It’s not like you’re short on money.”

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Chapter 81 No More Running

But he didn’t say it. He knew if he did, Dorian would tell him to get the hell out.

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One day, Mrs. Vale will stop caring altogether. And when she does? You’ll be the one chasing a woman who wants nothing to do with you. Can’t wait to see that day come.

“After work, pick Arden up and bring her back to the villa.”

Lucien winced. He’d seen her eyes at the auction last night. She looked at Dorian like he was a stranger. No love. No hate. Just… nothing.

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