Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 197

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 197**

**Chapter 197: Curtis at the Door**

The tension in the air was palpable as Harold’s intentions became clear; he wanted to have a private conversation with Denton.

Juliet felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. Denton had a stubborn streak that could rival a mule, and she couldn’t shake the fear that he might dismiss whatever Harold had to offer. What if he turned his back on a chance that could change everything for them?

“Denton,” she urged, her voice tinged with desperation, “even if you can’t think of yourself, please consider us. Think about what this could mean for our future.”

Silence hung heavily as Denton, seemingly unfazed, strode purposefully into Harold’s study, not even glancing back at her.

Outside, Juliet and Michael paced restlessly, their minds racing with worry. They exchanged worried glances, each fearing that Denton might reject Harold’s proposition entirely.

“Just take a deep breath,” Michael advised, trying to keep his own anxiety at bay. “As long as Nicole agrees to marry Denton, it doesn’t matter if he accepts anything or not. In the end, it will all belong to him anyway.” He plucked a piece of fruit from the platter the housekeeper had set out, chewing thoughtfully as he spoke.

“Mr. Curtis…”

At the gates, Ernest and the staff noticed Curtis approaching, and a wave of panic swept over them. They were caught in a dilemma; while they couldn’t outright stop him, they also couldn’t just let him waltz in unchallenged.

Why was Mr. Curtis showing up at such a critical moment?

“Mr. Curtis…” Ernest rushed forward, his expression flustered and his voice trembling slightly. “Mr. Lincoln isn’t feeling well today. Perhaps it would be best not to disturb him…”

Curtis brushed past him, his gaze landing on Michael and Juliet, who lounged in the courtyard as if they owned the place. A cold, mocking laugh escaped his lips. “Is Grandpa truly unwell, or has he simply found himself a shiny new heir?”

Ernest inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself. “Mr. Curtis… Mr. Denton is still a part of the Lincoln family. It feels wrong to leave him out there like some stray dog.”

“Let’s make this perfectly clear, shall we?” Curtis’s voice was low, yet it carried a weight that demanded attention. “If Denton is added to the Lincoln family registry, I, Curtis, will sever all ties with the Lincolns. From this moment forward, we are no longer connected.”

Panic surged through Ernest, and he instinctively reached out, covering Curtis’s mouth with his hand. “Mr. Curtis! Please don’t say such things! This is yours—yours! You can’t just walk away… Even if you have to share a piece, it’s better than giving it all up for nothing!”

His voice quivered with urgency, the fear of losing everything evident in his eyes.

Curtis’s eyes were rimmed with red, fueled primarily by anger and frustration.

Harold was taken aback, momentarily speechless. He hadn’t anticipated Denton’s principled stance. “You and Curtis… you’re brothers. Blood brothers should not be at odds like this…” he finally managed to say, his voice thick with emotion. He sighed deeply. “But even if you won’t think of yourself, at least consider your father.”

Outside the door, Curtis was just about to step inside when he overheard Denton’s words.

“Grandpa, with all due respect, my dad was an adult when he signed the agreement to relinquish everything and leave the Lincolns. Adults must bear the consequences of their choices. He can’t simply change his mind now that the Lincolns are back on top. Life doesn’t come with a return policy, does it?” Denton continued, his tone calm yet resolute.

Harold found himself momentarily at a loss for words. That question, so direct and unyielding, caught him off guard.

“I don’t know the full story of what happened back then or why he chose to retreat to some fishing village in Haldoria, but he made a choice. And now he must live with it. I’m his son, and I’m confident in my ability to care for him. He doesn’t need anything from the Lincolns to find peace in his retirement. Your concern for that? It’s only going to hurt Curtis. He’s the one living under your roof. If anyone deserves your full support, it’s him.”

To Denton, Harold’s worry for Michael wasn’t just unnecessary; it was misguided.

It was evident that Curtis harbored resentment towards Michael, and Michael had done nothing to earn the title of “father.” Denton understood why Curtis found it so difficult to accept him back into the fold. Leaving aside all other reasons, the simple fact that Michael had never raised him was enough. Curtis had every right to reject his return.

For someone who had lived a long life, Harold didn’t seem to grasp the situation as clearly as a 19-year-old could.

“You’re still young. One day you’ll understand that I meant well,” Harold sighed, his voice tinged with regret. “Things aren’t as simple as you think… This all goes back to the early days of the Lincolns…”