Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 17

17 It Felt Like Ages Since Curtis Had Touched Adriana

Adriana had made the right decision by refusing the engagement and choosing to pursue her dreams overseas. Her architectural talent was undeniable, too remarkable to be overlooked.

Curtis loosened his tie and collapsed onto the couch with a heavy sigh. “Find out which university Adriana is applying to, and get me the contact information for her advisor,” he ordered.

His assistant nodded quietly but hesitated before speaking. “Mr. Lincoln, are you planning to intervene on her behalf? The woman who secured her placement is connected to the Jones family. Matthew is supporting her.”

Curtis’s jaw tightened, a shadow of anger crossing his face.

So, Matthew had handed Adriana’s placement to Natasha.

“Understood. Just do as I said,” Curtis replied, his tone cold and indifferent to who he was crossing—even if it meant going against Matthew.

Meanwhile, in her modest motel room, Adriana sat up in bed, scrolling through the trending page on her phone. The entire class had turned against her. They were praising Cheryl like some kind of saint—claiming she was smarter, better, and had a superior attitude. Some had even posted a photo of Adriana getting into Matthew’s car, accusing her of trading favors for attention.

Adriana bit her fingers until the pain was sharp, then flung the phone aside. Her body trembled as she wrapped her arms tightly around herself.

So this was Matthew’s first move.

He was using the internet as a weapon to tear her down.

The cruel words online were like invisible blades—wounds no one could see, but they cut deeply.

He knew she was vulnerable, yet he still went this far. That alone spoke volumes about how determined he was to remove her from the picture for Natasha’s sake.

Just then, her phone buzzed again. It was Lydia from the orphanage.

“Lydia…” Adriana answered, her heart pounding. A call this late never brought good news.

“Adriana, some inspectors came today,” Lydia’s voice trembled with worry. “They said our fire safety systems don’t meet code, and the building is too old. We either have to move or rebuild. But we barely have enough money for the kids’ medicine and food. We can’t afford something like that.” Her voice cracked with emotion. “They said they know you. Told me to call you because you’d understand.”

If the orphanage shut down, the children would be scattered to different places. Many had disabilities or struggled to fit in—they’d likely be bullied all over again.

Adriana’s hands clenched into fists, her eyes stinging with tears.

Matthew… he didn’t care what he ruined.

He knew every vulnerable spot she had and was targeting them all.

“Don’t worry, Lydia. I’ll handle this,” Adriana said, her voice hoarse but resolute.

After calming Lydia and ending the call, she immediately dialed Matthew.

If he had a problem with her, fine. But why drag the orphanage into this?

“Hello?” a voice answered, but it wasn’t Matthew—it was Natasha. “Anna?”

Her eyes searched his, silently asking for a kiss.

He leaned forward, ready to respond—but then Adriana’s face flashed in his mind.

He remembered all the times she had reached out to kiss him—and how he had always turned away.

That memory hit him hard. Without thinking, he pushed Natasha away.

She fell back onto the bed, stunned. Her pride was wounded, and tears welled in her eyes.

Matthew immediately panicked. “Sorry, Natasha. I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… you’re not my wife yet. I don’t want to rush things.”

Natasha stood, turning away with red-rimmed eyes. “Just go to sleep.”

She left the room.

Alone, Matthew kicked the trash bin in frustration and ran a hand over his forehead.

What’s wrong with me? Why am I thinking about Adriana at a time like this?

It had been so long since he’d touched her. And every time he did, it left him feeling restless, heated, and even more irritated than before.