Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84 She Took the Drinks

Sienna leaned in, speaking softly, “Can you drink? If not, don’t force yourself.”

Arden couldn’t stand seeing them treat Sienna like this. And if she didn’t drink, Sienna would.

She nodded, picked up the glass, and raised it toward Charles. “A toast to Mr. Allen.”

She downed it quickly, though her heart was pounding. Charles grinned, leaning closer. His hand grazed her arm.

She stiffened and scooted away immediately. “Now that’s more like it,” he said, smug. “Business and drinks go hand in hand. And one glass a night is good for your health, isn’t it?”

He poured her another.

Sienna caught the move. Her gaze turned cold. Men like him never change. Predators in expensive suits.

She shifted her seat subtly to block Charles‘ line of sight to Arden and smiled with practiced charm.

“Mr. Allen, everyone knows you’re a straightforward man. Arden just joined the company, and Mr. Vale values her highly. He personally told me to look after her tonight. I’ll drink on her behalf. Three glasses. My

treat.”

Charles smirked but relented. He knew Sienna was bluffing–but he didn’t want trouble. Arden was too young. If something happened, it might blow up.

So Sienna drank. One glass after another. By the time the dinner ended, Charles move the negotiation forward. They’d meet the project leads the next day.

es

was satisfied and agreed to

Outside the restaurant, Sienna’s face was flushed. She rushed to a trash can and started gagging.

Arden panicked and rubbed her back gently. Her eyes went red as she patted her mentor. Sienna drank for

her.

“I’ll get you some water, stay here!”

She dashed back into the restaurant, bought a bottle, and ran out again. Sienna was sitting on a low brick ledge near a flower stall, heels off, staring up at the stars.

Hair tousled, cheeks flushed. There was something captivating about her. Arden unscrewed the bottle. “Here, drink a little.”

“You okay?” Sienna asked..

“I’m fine. My face just gets red when I drink. But are you alright, Sienna? I’m sorry, I should’ve handled that.”

Arden’s eyes welled up. Sienna smiled faintly, took a sip of water. “Silly girl. What are you crying for? Men like that are disgusting. But they’re everywhere. That’s why we have to protect ourselves.

“This world has a million double standards. If a woman wants success, she has to fight ten times harder.

“Trust me, no one wants to sit across from those creeps and drink. But if you want the project, want the

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18:21 Wed, Feb 4 M GG.

Chapter 84 She Took the Drinks

promotion, you don’t always get to choose.

Finished

“I was like you once. Couldn’t drink a drop. But I wanted to survive in Avalen. I wanted a car, a house. So I forced myself to learn.”

She was clearly tipsy. Words came easier now. And they hit Arden right in the chest.

At least Arden had her parents and brother in Avalen. Even though the Wynn family almost went bankrupt, they still protected her. And she had Theresa and Grandma Vale too.

“I’m lucky I had a mentor like you,” Arden whispered. “Anyone else probably would’ve thrown me under the

bus.”

It was from this moment on that she fully accepted Sienna–not just as boss, but as someone she respected deeply.

Sienna looked at her flushed cheeks and sighed. “You’re still protected. Still untouched by how ugly the world can be. Stay that way if you can. I’ll take the hits for now.”

She got up. “Time to go. I’ve had too much, can’t drive.”

“I’ll call a driver for you,” Arden said. “I’ll take a cab. You should get some rest.”

“I already called one. You sure you’re okay getting home?”

“I’m fine. Let me walk you to the car.”

When the driver arrived, Arden helped her in. “Text me when you get home.”

“I will. You head back too.”

Sienna’s car pulled away. Arden walked slowly, letting the night air clear her mind. Then someone called her

name.

She turned and saw Dorian, cigarette dangling from his lips, one hand in his pocket. She looked away and kept walking.

“You didn’t hear me?” He moved in front of her, blocking her path.

Tall, composed–and probably a little drunk. A couple buttons undone, his collarbone barely visible. He looked unfairly good.

“What do you want?”

He noticed her flushed cheeks and red ears and leaned in. “You’ve been drinking?”

“Whether I have or haven’t, what’s it to you?”

She sidestepped, trying to put distance between them.

“You really have to talk to me like this?” he asked, grabbing her wrist.