Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 11

11 Adriana No Longer Obeys Him

The grand ballroom of the Haldoria Business Gala buzzed with quiet conversations and the clinking of glasses, the air thick with polished ambition and subtle power plays. Among the distinguished guests was Harold Lincoln, Curtis’s grandfather and the former chairman of the chamber of commerce. Though his age was evident and he arrived in a wheelchair, his presence still commanded respect. After sharing a few brief words, Harold excused himself early, unwilling or unable to linger in the intense atmosphere.

Curtis arrived just as Harold was preparing to leave, accompanied by Adriana. The older man’s eyes brightened as he caught sight of them. “Curtis, is this your girlfriend? After all these years, you finally—” Harold’s gaze shifted to Adriana, his smile warm and genuine.

Adriana’s heart fluttered nervously, glancing at Curtis to gauge how he might introduce her.

Curtis interrupted smoothly, “She’s my plus one, Grandpa. Not officially my girlfriend yet—I haven’t won her over.”

Harold chuckled softly, nodding approvingly at Adriana. “Lovely girl. Take your time, you two.”

The assistant gently wheeled Harold away, and Curtis turned to Adriana with a sheepish smile. “Sorry for dragging you here just as an excuse.”

Adriana shook her head, brushing off the apology. “It’s fine.”

Before they could move on, a group of businessmen approached, their smiles wide and eyes curious. “Mr. Lincoln! This is the first time I’ve seen you bring someone to one of these events. Whose daughter is she? Must be someone special.”

Another chimed in, “She’s stunning. Of course, Mr. Lincoln would have impeccable taste.”

Adriana felt the weight of their gazes like a predator’s stare. These men were powerful, their smiles masking sharp edges. She didn’t want to get tangled in their world. She hated this crowd—the scheming, the false pleasantries—it all felt suffocating.

She thought bitterly of Matthew, and even Curtis, wondering if they too belonged to this ruthless circle.

Curtis, sensing her discomfort, offered his arm. “She’s young, a little shy. I won’t force her to meet everyone here.”

Grasping his arm tightly, Adriana felt a surge of relief. She longed to escape this place.

The conversation around them continued, light and teasing. “Mr. Lincoln, seeing you here—are wedding bells in the air? Your grandfather said his biggest wish is to see you married soon.”

Curtis smiled but said nothing, the hint understood and the topic dropped.

Then someone whispered excitedly, “Did you hear? Matthew’s getting married. He proposed to Natasha Jones last week. Might beat all of us to the altar.”

Adriana’s chest tightened involuntarily, and she clutched Curtis’s arm a little harder. He noticed but offered only a quick, understanding glance.

“Why didn’t Natasha marry him before? She ran off to marry that guy from Moweland, of all places. Four years away, divorced, and now she’s back,” another whispered.

“Well, she’s confident. Even after the divorce, Matthew only has eyes for her,” came the reply.

Back when Natasha had left, gossip about Matthew was silent. Everyone knew his devotion to her was rare, especially among the wealthy elite, making their story the talk of the town.

Suddenly, laughter broke out near the entrance. “Speak of the devil! Matthew, you’re late. Three shots as punishment!”

Matthew appeared, arm in arm with Natasha. Tonight, Natasha was breathtaking in a custom champagne-colored gown, her poised and mature beauty lighting up the room effortlessly.

Adriana couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy—envy of the confidence that privilege seemed to grant Natasha.

Curtis leaned in, voice low. “Are you scared?”

He meant, was she afraid of running into Matthew.

Adriana shook her head firmly. There was nothing left to fear. Their lives no longer intertwined.

Matthew explained politely as he approached, “Natasha’s brother got injured, and there was a traffic jam on the way from the hospital.”

He smiled at Curtis. “It’s been a while, Mr. Lincoln.”

Originally, Matthew had intended to bring Adriana tonight to assert his claim, but Natasha insisted on coming, forcing him to change plans.

“Friends?” Curtis sneered, turning to Matthew. “I didn’t realize you were into that sweet little act, Mr. Langford.”

The room fell silent, shocked by the sudden tension between Curtis and Matthew. The Lincolns ruled Harborton, the Langfords were at the top in Haldoria—these families never clashed. So why the fireworks tonight?

Matthew said nothing, his eyes fixed intently on Adriana.

She refused to meet his gaze—not out of fear, but because she simply didn’t want to.

“Natasha, why don’t you go mingle with your friends?” Matthew suggested softly, offering her an exit.

Though her face betrayed her discomfort, as a proper heiress, she had no choice but to comply.

Before walking away, Natasha cast Adriana a sharp, resentful look.

Matthew turned back to Adriana. “Come with me.”

His voice was low, commanding, as he headed toward the restroom, fully expecting her to follow as she always had.

For four years, no matter how unreasonable his demands, she had obeyed without hesitation.

But this time was different.

After a few steps, Matthew glanced back, searching for her.

Adriana made no move to follow. Instead, she gripped Curtis’s arm tighter and whispered, “Mr. Lincoln, your grandfather already left… can I go home?”

A wave of nausea swept over her.

Seeing Natasha and Matthew again stirred a sick feeling deep inside—one she couldn’t shake.