Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 181

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 181: Cautious**

Eva lifted her gaze from the sink, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Of course! I’ll head out right now and pick up the freshest ingredients they have.”

Adriana nodded, her eyes following Eva as she slipped out the door, leaving behind an unsettling silence that enveloped the house like a thick fog.

As soon as Eva disappeared, Adriana snatched her phone and dialed a number with urgency. Her voice was low but unwavering as she requested a technician to come over without delay.

Curtis had already installed surveillance cameras in the living room and hallway, but the kitchen had remained untouched.

That was about to change. She needed solid evidence. She had to ensure that everything coming out of that kitchen was safe for consumption.

The technician arrived swiftly, his movements efficient as he gathered his tools. Just as he finished, the front door creaked open once more.

Adriana’s heart raced, her fingers instinctively gripping the edge of the couch. Too quick.

“Eva, back already?” she called out, striving to keep her tone light and casual.

Eva chuckled softly, the sound warm and inviting. “Yeah. The market right outside had exactly what I needed. I figured you’d be hungry, so I didn’t bother going further.”

Adriana managed a polite smile, but a knot of suspicion twisted in her stomach. Eva typically sourced all their ingredients from a high-end grocery store that Curtis personally approved of. He was fanatical about food quality. So why was she cutting corners today? Why the rush? Was she afraid of something?

Eva’s gaze drifted toward the hallway. “I saw a man leaving when I came in. What was that about?”

Adriana’s expression remained unchanged, a mask of calm she had perfected. Thankfully, she had prepared for this moment. The technician was briefed on what to say if anyone inquired.

“Oh, that was just someone checking the air conditioner in the main bedroom,” she replied smoothly, her voice steady. “It’s been acting up again. Nothing serious.”

Eva nodded, her smile unwavering. “Got it.” With that, she vanished into the kitchen, her presence a blend of familiarity and growing unease.

Adriana settled onto the couch, her heart still racing. She opened her phone, launching the camera app. The live feed flickered to life, revealing the kitchen in crisp detail.

The footage was clear. Every counter, every movement was captured in real-time.

Adriana leaned in, her posture tense, her breath shallow.

Eva moved with an elegance that spoke of years of practice. Her knife skills were swift and precise, each motion deliberate and controlled. It was as if she danced through the routine of chopping, stirring, tasting, and washing, a rhythm honed over countless hours.

For a fleeting moment, Adriana felt her shoulders relax. Perhaps she was just being paranoid. Curtis had complete faith in Eva. She had been with him for years, loyal to the core, even relocating from Harborton when he moved to Haldoria.

But then, just as the tension began to ease, her heart dropped.

Adriana nearly turned off the feed—until she saw it.

Eva reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, unassuming brown bottle. A chill coursed through Adriana’s veins. Eva opened the bottle with care, pouring a single pill into her palm before crushing it against the counter with the back of a spoon. The powder that emerged was then sprinkled into one of the dishes.

Adriana’s breath hitched in her throat. She zoomed in, desperate to read the label, but the camera could not capture the details.

A sharp pain throbbed behind her temples. Her hand quivered as she rubbed her forehead, trying to stave off the impending dread.

At Westshore Café, Joe was already waving from his spot by the window when she walked in. “Hey, you’re looking better,” he greeted with an easy smile. “Curtis came to see me about that whole mess with Belinda and Cynthia a while back.”

He leaned back, his expression shifting to one of concern. “Belinda’s case was straightforward, but Cynthia? That’s a different story. She’s got some serious mental issues, much like that woman from the hospital who tried to hurt you. The psych evaluation didn’t clear, so they had to send her to a facility.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “You, Adriana, have the worst luck. You keep running into psychos.”

Adriana offered a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I heard Cynthia was sent to a psychiatric facility in Harborton. At least she can’t hurt anyone else now.” She opened her purse, revealing the bagged food samples. “I saw something on my home security feed today,” she said quietly. “Our housekeeper put something in my food. I need you to test it and tell me what it is.”

Joe’s eyes widened as she handed over the samples, showing him the video.

“You’re not reporting this?” he asked, his voice sharp with disbelief.

Adriana could sense his frustration. He had thought that after marrying Curtis, her life would be filled with peace and happiness. But the reality was far from it.

Poisoning and assassination? Was this some kind of thriller?

“I’d rather lead a quiet life,” she thought, a flicker of despair crossing her mind.

“My marriage with Curtis must endure. If one Eva is gone, another will inevitably take her place. I need to uncover who is truly behind this and what their intentions are.” If Harold had indeed commanded Eva to do this, Adriana was determined to keep Curtis in the dark.

Revealing this would only disturb his peace of mind and distract him from his work. It would also jeopardize his relationship with Harold, especially when he needed allies the most. If they found themselves on opposing sides, then once Michael brought that boy back into the Lincolns, Curtis would be the one left vulnerable.

Adriana understood all of this, which was why she chose to remain silent. “Joe, I don’t want this getting out,” she said softly, her voice a whisper of resolve.