Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223 A Promise Between Brothers

Chapter 223 A Promise Between Brothers

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After Michael married Juliet, life didn’t get better. Michael was lazy and irresponsible. Juliet wasn’t any better. Michael and Juliet were a perfect match, but for all the wrong reasons. Even though Denton grew up poor and had to take care of himself far too early, his childhood was still better than Curtis’s.

“The company once lost billions because of Michael’s careless mistake,” Curtis said quietly. “It almost went bankrupt. To escape responsibility, he signed a paper giving up all rights to his inheritance. Back then, the family had no assets, only debt. He thought the family wouldn’t survive. He was afraid of being dragged down with them.”

Later, when everything was on the edge of collapse, the Bartons stepped in. They saved Harold. They kept Lincoln Group alive.

They covered the huge financial holes.

Years later, when Curtis returned and took over, Lincoln Group rose again. In just a few years, it reached the top.

“Curtis.” Denton looked up, his voice soft. “I won’t fight you for it. I don’t even deserve to.”

Curtis smiled a little. He flipped a lighter open and stared at the small flame. “It’s not about whether you want to fight. Everyone wants you to. Grandpa is fighting for you.” He looked straight at Denton. “So, you have to fight.”

Denton froze. His eyes widened in panic. “Curtis … ”

“If you don’t fight, more trouble will come,” Curtis said. He wiped his hand towel and handed Denton his utensils. His voice was calm but heavy. “Cany

amp rusted?”

Denton shot up from his chair so fast that he bumped into the table. His movements were clumsy, but his eyes were burning.

“Curtis! Y–You … You’re willing to trust me?” He was so excited that his tears almost shed.

At that moment, if Curtis had asked him to risk his life, he would have.

His heart truly ached for Curtis.

Blood ties still mattered at this moment.

Curtis didn’t reply. He just looked at Denton.

If a 19–year–old could fake this kind of sincerity, that would be terrifying.

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Chapter 223 A Promise Between Brothers

But Curtis didn’t care. If Denton was pretending then he deserved to succeed.

“Sit,” Curtis said calmly.

Denton sat right away and looked at him nervously. “If there’s anything you need me to do, just tell me.”

“If Grandpa asks you to take over the company, then take it,” Curtis warned, “but do not marry Nicole.” Nicole was an impostor, and marrying her would only bring trouble.

“And I’ll help you gain a solid place in Lincoln Group. But in the beginning, you must work hard and improve yourself. If your ability can’t support your position, I won’t hand the company over to you.”

Denton got anxious. “Curtis, I don’t want it. That belongs to you.”

“You really don’t?” Curtis raised a brow with a faint smirk.

“I don’t.” Denton shook his head hard.

“Then consider it as working for me,” Curtis said, slowly turning the cup between his fingers.

He had no patience for scheming, even less for fighting his brother for power. “Denton, I don’t want us to destroy each other. Right now, it’s pointless. You’re not strong enough. Crushing you wouldn’t even feel like a win. So I’d rather raise you into someone who can share the weight with me.”

He was overwhelmed. Denton was basically free labor delivered to his door

“I–I’m willing to help you,” Denton hurried to say. “But I don’t want your things. Curtis. Just pay me a salary. Even if it’s small.”

He meant it. He wanted to help Curtis and stand by his side, but not to take what belonged to Curtis.

“What I give you is what you deserve. What isn’t yours–don’t try to take it. And even if you do, I won’t hand it over,” Curtis said, sounding more like a mentor than a rival as he guided Denton.

Denton nodded obediently.

A knock sounded at the door. The waiter stepped in and began setting the dishes on the table.

Curtis didn’t say anything more. Instead, he quietly picked up the fork and placed food onto Denton’s plate.

Other than Adriana, this was the first time he had ever served food to someone.

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