Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 22

r 22 Don’t Be Greedy

Adriana looked down and quietly shook her head.

Of course, it’d all be worth it…

“Get some rest. The police will be by soon to take your statement.” Curtis stood and left the hospital ward.

“Thanks, Mr. Lincoln.” Even though they weren’t exactly close, Adriana still appreciated what he did.

Curtis paused for a second at the door but didn’t say anything. He just walked off.

Once he was outside, he turned to his assistant. “Have my lawyer lead the legal team himself.”

He had no intention of letting Rufus off easy.

The assistant looked surprised. “If you do that, the Joneses and Langfords will know you’re involved…”

Curtis’s tone was calm. “So?”

“Uh… I just thought, since she didn’t agree to work with you and you two aren’t close-”

Curtis cut him off with a sharp look. “You’re talking too much.”

The assistant immediately shut his mouth.

Back in the ward, Joe Richardson showed up not long after.

He looked at Adriana, full of regret. “I should’ve never let this happen.

“There’s solid proof against Rufus. Nera Club’s been temporarily shut down. Rufus is suspected of drug use as well. Serves him right,” Joe said through clenched teeth.

Adriana finally let out a breath. Rufus had brought this on himself.

“But be ready… The Langfords and Joneses reached out to the chief. They’re on their way here to convince you to let it go. How you want to handle it is your call,” Joe said, then hesitated. “If you wanted to use this to get your study abroad placement back-”

“That’s not happening. That placement was mine to begin with. I’m not using this to trade for anything. I just want Rufus to be held responsible.” Adriana shook her head firmly.

Joe was about to say more when Matthew walked in with other members of the Jones family.

Natasha, who had been locked up for holding Adriana without permission, was being detained too.

Adriana could imagine how desperate Matthew was right now.

And just like she expected, the first thing out of his mouth was, “Adriana, drop the charges!”

She didn’t even bother looking at him.

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Drop the charges? Is this a joke?

Am I supposed to forget everything just because he tells me to?

Matthew rushed over and lowered his voice. “Natasha’s not doing well. Whatever happened between you and Rufus, don’t drag her

into it.”

Adriana’s chest ached as she clenched her hands tightly.

“Mr. Langford, I think you’re confused. Natasha’s the one who held Adriana against her will,” Joe said, his tone cold.

Matthew glared at Joe. “Officer Richardson, I remember you.”

Four years ago, Joe was the officer in charge of that school bullying case. He’d pushed Adriana to come forward and see it through.

If it weren’t for the Richardsons‘ ties to the Langfords, Matthew would’ve gotten rid of him years ago.

“They all know each other. Personal matters should stay personal. We’ve already handed over all the evidence. Come with me,” the police chief looked at Joe and said quietly.

Joe’s expression darkened. He gave Adriana a meaningful glance.

“Thanks, Officer Richardson. I’m okay,” Adriana said with a small nod.

She didn’t want him getting dragged into this. She could take care of it herself.

Joe nodded back and followed the chief out.

“Adriana, this has nothing to do with Natasha. Don’t mix her up in whatever issues you have with Rufus. If he’s guilty, go ahead and report him. But Natasha … ” Matthew sounded desperate.

He only cared about Natasha now.

He thought Adriana was using this situation to take Natasha down.

“The cops don’t take orders from me.” Adriana let out a bitter laugh. Matthew was ridiculous.

He couldn’t even see how injured she was. His mind was all on Natasha.

“Officer Richardson has been going after both our families since four years ago,” Matthew said, pointing toward the door. “Adriana, I’m telling you now–drop the charges. Don’t push me.”

“Adriana, is it?” A woman’s voice rang out. “How much do you want for you to drop everything and stay away from my son? Someone like you clearly went after him on purpose.” Rufus and Natasha’s mother, Felicia Jones, had shown up, acting like she owned the place.

Adriana used to feel nervous around people like her. But now? All she saw was a fake, pitiful act.

“Name your price.” Felicia smirked.

“Keep your cash. You’ll need it to buy a coffin when your family finally pays for what they’ve done,” Adriana said softly. Then, she turned to Matthew. “I’m the one who was hurt. Your family’s the one being investigated. I’m not meeting with any of you. If you don’t leave, I’ll call the cops again.”

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LLU

cuy

“Adriana!” Matthew shouted, furious. “What else do you want? Is that study abroad placement not enough? Are you trying to ruin Natasha too? Don’t be greedy…”