Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97 The Secretary Has Sharp Teeth

Finished

Arden wiped her mouth with a napkin and looked sideways at Mira, her smile cool. “So what did you think it was?”

“I’m Mira. My brother, Barry, and Dorian grew up together. They’re the same age, and I’ve been tagging along behind them since I was a kid.”

Arden gave a small laugh. “Oh, childhood sweethearts with Mr. Vale, huh?”

“Exactly. What’s your name?”

“Arden.”

Mira suddenly remembered the scene from the auction–the one where Lacey claimed Arden had pushed her. Dorian had even questioned Arden afterward. Arden had looked pretty pathetic then, covered in red wine. But Mira also remembered Arden throwing the wine right back.

She figured Arden and Dorian didn’t have much going on. He didn’t even defend her. But that Lacey girl? Dorian had clearly protected her behind the scenes.

Mira perked up. “Dorian can be a bit cold. Not great at expressing himself.”

She said it like she knew him well. Arden didn’t respond.

“Arden, why don’t we add each other on WhatsApp?” Mira held out her phone.

Arden declined, “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Come on, it’s just WhatsApp.”

Annoying. But Arden was curious why she was so insistent. She pulled out her phone. “Sure.” They scanned and added each other.

Dorian returned just in time to hear the end of their conversation. His expression soured. Standing in the aisle with one hand in his pocket, he said, “Arden, when are you taking me off your blocklist?”

At the sound of his voice, Mira stood up in shock. Arden had blocked Dorian?

Arden calmly put her phone away. “I don’t think that’s necessary. If you need anything, you can call.”

“You blocked my number too.”

Mira was stunned. “Then text,” Arden said..

Dorian noticed Mira was still in his seat and shot her a look. She awkwardly moved back to her own. He sat down beside Arden, watching her put in her earbuds. She turned toward the window, not speaking.

Annoyed by the silence, he tried to start a conversation. “Arden, is this how you treat your boss?”

But she didn’t hear him–music playing. Dorian leaned over and plucked out one earbud.

eblinked up at him. “Mr. Vale?”

18:22 Wed, Feb 4 M GG.

Chapter 97 The Secretary Has Sharp Teeth

“Is this how you act as my assistant?”

46

Finished

Arden shot him a look. “I never agreed to be your assistant. You used your power as CEO to force me on this trip.”

“If you’re so dissatisfied, Mr. Vale, I’ll book my return ticket as soon as we land. Just have your executive assistant take over.”

Dorian leaned back lazily, legs stretched, expression unreadable. “No. I want you. I’m your boss. You should be paying more attention to me.”

Arden blinked. Yep. Being a corporate mule is one thing, being this man’s corporate mule is something else entirely.

“What kind of attention do you need?” she asked, removing her other earbud and turning to him. They were sitting very close. Dorian caught a whiff of her jasmine perfume. Subtle and intoxicating.

“Are you cold, Mr. Vale? Would you like a blanket?” Arden propped her chin in her palm. “Or thirsty? I can fetch you some water.”

Dorian asked, “You really insist on calling me Mr. Vale?”

“Not necessarily,” she said.

His eyes lit up. Maybe she’d finally call him- Arden continued, “Boss, do you have any other commands? If I’m too slow and incompetent for your liking, feel free to fire me.”

Dorian replied, “Arden, are you threatening me?”

She shrugged. “How would I dare? I’m just a lowly employee scraping by on crumbs. Threatening the boss? Never.”

“You’re the only one in the company brave enough to talk to me like this.”

“Oh. I’m honored. Thanks for the privilege.”

To be honest, Arden didn’t care about the job. Worst–case scenario? She gets fired. Nothing to lose.

“I didn’t realize you were this sharp–tongued,” Dorian said.

She smirked. “Thanks, Mr. Vale. We’re not close. You wouldn’t know.”

Yep. This girl really knows how to get under my skin.

Arden, now wide awake thanks to his nonsense, stared out the window. But from Avalen to Zevia was a three–hour flight. She eventually dozed off.

She had started off sleeping toward the window, but the sunlight must’ve bothered her. She shifted and curled up, facing Dorian instead.

He glanced over. The sunlight turned her hair gold. Strands fell softly against her cheek. Her lips were slightly pursed. Her skin was pale, her lips a natural pink. Her lashes were long, brushing her cheekbones.

he looked just like a doll.