Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 201

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 201: No Longer Afraid**

Adriana had an epiphany: all she truly needed to do was listen to her heart. Nothing else mattered in that moment.

“Are you feeling scared?” Yolanda’s voice was playful as she wrapped her arm around Adriana’s shoulder, a broad grin lighting up her face. “Sweetie, come on, don’t be such a good girl. Sometimes, that’s not the best way to go.”

Adriana shook her head vigorously, a spark of excitement igniting within her. “I’m not scared at all! The next time she talks trash, I’ll hit her again, just like I did before.”

Yolanda burst into laughter, playfully tapping the top of Adriana’s head. “That’s my girl! Starting tomorrow, I’ll whip you into shape with some kickboxing training. Just give me six months, and you’ll be able to take on ten people at once!”

Adriana’s laughter rang out, contagious and bright, as she nodded enthusiastically.

At that moment, the door swung open, and Cheryl stumbled into the office, her demeanor exaggeratedly pitiful. She rushed forward, eager to be the first to complain. “Professor, I just called my family! My cousin is on her way right now. She’s the heiress of the Joneses and is about to marry into the Langford Group!”

Cheryl’s tone was laced with pride, and she repeated the titles of Natasha, her cousin, as if they were golden badges of honor.

Yolanda rolled her eyes, unimpressed. “Soon to be married into the Langfords? That’s not even finalized yet. What if Matthew decides not to marry her? That would be quite embarrassing, wouldn’t it?”

With a cheeky smile, she casually pointed at Adriana. “Professor, this girl here is the legal wife of the CEO of Lincoln Group. Certified and real, unlike someone who’s still lost in daydreams.”

The professor glanced between the two groups, clearly aware that both sides were formidable forces she couldn’t afford to offend.

“Hmph, the wife of Lincoln Group’s CEO?” A cold, condescending voice cut through the air as Natasha strutted into the room, her chin held high. “Curtis is about to be ousted from his family. Haven’t you heard?”

Adriana met Natasha’s gaze, her voice dripping with sweetness as she replied, “Oh, I heard that Matthew broke off the engagement. He came to tell me himself that he doesn’t want to marry you anymore.”

In an instant, Natasha’s expression darkened, her eyes narrowing. “Adriana, let’s see how long you can afford to be so arrogant.”

Adriana placed her hands defiantly on her hips, a smirk playing on her lips. “I plan to enjoy every moment of it while it lasts.”

Natasha turned her attention to the professor, her voice sharp. “She hit someone. She must be punished.”

Adriana blinked innocently, feigning ignorance. “Do you have any proof that I hit her?”

Cheryl, fuming with anger, pointed at her own face. “My injury is proof! The entire class witnessed it. They can all testify!”

Adriana rolled her eyes dramatically. “You’ve bribed the whole class to spread lies before. Your words don’t hold any weight.”

Cheryl’s teeth clenched in fury, her frustration palpable.

With a chilling smile, Natasha leaned closer. “Professor, I recall that the international class lacks many resources. My fiancé is the CEO of Langford Group. Their strategic center is right here in Haldoria. Unlike the Lincoln Group, which is just a company from Harborton.”

Curtis regarded her with a mocking smile, thinking how some people were truly oblivious. Did they honestly believe that once he was removed from the company, he would become powerless and easy to manipulate? He met their gazes directly, his voice steady. “I heard that Ainsworth Group has taken over most of your family’s assets. You’re barely holding on, yet you still have the audacity to act all high and mighty here?”

Natasha’s expression shifted, a flicker of fear crossing her features. How did Curtis know about the Ainsworth Group’s recent maneuvers against her family business? Did he actually have connections with the owner?

Forcing a cold laugh, Natasha replied, “So what if you know their boss? You only built those connections because of your current status. Once you fall from grace, no one will even spare a glance at you.”

She then turned her attention back to the professor, her voice dripping with authority. “As the sponsor of the international class, I am requesting disciplinary action against the student who instigated this fight.”

The professor looked increasingly nervous. “T-there’s no evidence of who started it.”

Natasha was relentless in her pursuit. Just then, Matthew walked into the room. “Are you done?”

Cheryl stiffened, her unease palpable. “M-Matthew…”

Matthew’s gaze fell on Adriana, concern etched across his features. “Adriana, did she hurt you?”

Instead of answering, Adriana instinctively hid behind Curtis, seeking the comfort of his presence.

Curtis smirked inwardly, a rush of excitement coursing through him. It seemed like Adriana was beginning to rely on him once more, and the thought filled him with a sense of purpose.