Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 177

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 177 He Knows No Shame**

Michael’s gaze darted away, a clear reflection of the guilt etched across his features. “Back in those days, the Lincoln Group was crumbling,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “But that was my father’s company, and I was meant to be its heir. It should have been mine.”

His voice trembled, an unconvincing attempt at righteousness. Adriana could see through the facade; he wasn’t merely weak—he was fundamentally corrupt, his very essence tainted.

She stepped closer, her fingers intertwining with Curtis’s, squeezing his hand tightly as if to anchor them both amidst the chaos.

In that moment, a realization dawned on Adriana. This was the weight that had burdened Curtis for days, the source of his tension and unrest.

So, this was the shadow that had loomed over him.

“Dad, if you really ran away when the Lincoln Group was crumbling, then we should just head to the fishing village,” Denton declared, his grip tightening on Michael’s arm. His voice quivered, yet it held steady resolve. “We can return to our old lives. I can earn scholarships for school. Eventually, I’ll make enough to support you and Mom. We don’t need to claim what isn’t ours. This life doesn’t belong to us.”

Juliet’s eyes flared with indignation. “Are you serious?” she bellowed, disbelief dripping from her voice.

This was the Lincoln Group—a colossal empire, billions at stake—and her son was prepared to walk away?

To her, surrendering now was sheer madness. Even a fraction of that wealth could sustain their family for generations to come.

And Harold had only one son. Michael.

Michael’s expression darkened as he shot a glare at Denton, his voice slicing through the air. “You’re just a kid. Do you really think hard work and morals will pay the bills? You haven’t seen the world yet.”

“You’re still too young to understand, boy.”

Michael’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, laced with menace. “Be silent. This is rightfully yours. The Lincolns owe you, and you will claim it.”

Denton’s fists clenched at his sides, frustration bubbling within him. His voice trembled as he replied, “You gave it all up back then. So why should I take what you discarded?”

Curtis, sensing the argument spiraling out of control, redirected his focus to Belinda. “You don’t need to linger here,” he said, his tone icy and unyielding. “Go home. Adriana showed you mercy this time, but there won’t be another chance. You won’t have the opportunity to hurt her again.”

Belinda’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She hastily wiped them away with the back of her hand, understanding that prolonging her stay would only exacerbate the situation.

She turned to Adriana, offering a small, respectful bow before walking away without glancing back.

Curtis then shifted his attention to Michael’s family, his voice flat yet heavy with authority. “This house has nothing to do with the Lincolns. It’s under my wife Adriana’s name. If you step foot inside again, I’ll have you arrested.”

Harold’s decision to allow Michael back into the Lincolns had cut deep for Curtis.

Yet, even amidst his anger, he couldn’t bring himself to sever ties completely. Not because he was unable, but because he wouldn’t. He knew it would devastate Harold if he did.

After all, Harold had raised him when no one else would.

He had no parents. That man had given him everything. Such a debt was not easily forgotten.

In the living room, Adriana’s eyes met Curtis’s, worry etched across her features.

“That man… is he truly your father?”

Curtis drew her close, resting his chin atop her head. “Forget about him,” he murmured softly. “He’s not worth your thoughts.”

Adriana clutched his shirt, her voice shaky. “Was this Matthew’s idea? Did he send them here to provoke you?”

Curtis sighed, brushing his hand over her back reassuringly. “Stop overthinking. This has nothing to do with you. Matthew’s schemes are inconsequential to me.” He tilted her face gently, his tone soothing. “I need to step out for a bit. Stay here and wait for me, okay?”

“Alright,” Adriana whispered, nodding in agreement.

Curtis had barely left when her phone buzzed across the coffee table. The screen illuminated with a name that made her heart constrict. Matthew.

She hesitated for a moment, then answered. “What do you want now?” she asked, her voice icy.

“Adriana,” Matthew’s voice flowed through the line, smooth yet insincere, saturated with feigned concern. “I heard you fell down the stairs. Are you alright?”

“That’s none of your business,” she shot back. “Why are you trying to meddle with Curtis?”

“Adriana,” Matthew’s tone shifted, softening as if he were trying to coax her. “You and Curtis lost the baby. There’s nothing keeping you tied to him anymore. The Lincolns are a mess. Michael is just one of his many problems, and he barely makes it into the top ten. You don’t belong in that chaos. Come back to me. I’ll take care of you.” His voice dripped with honeyed persuasion, as if he were attempting to lure Adriana back into his grasp.