Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230 The Wrong Decision

76

+10 Free Coins

“Michael, it’s been over 10 years. You haven’t changed at all.” Chandler smiled, flattering him the same way he did back when he acted like Michael’s lapdog just to get back into the circle.

“Since you’re back, let’s have fun tonight. Relax. The two of us won’t go home until we’re drunk.” Chandler gave a meaningful look toward Danielle and his wife. They quickly took Juliet away for spa and facial treatments.

Once Juliet was gone, Chandler led Michael into a room. Several young women with pretty faces and perfect figures were already waiting inside.

Michael had once been one of the top guys in the rich kids‘ circle. Of course, he knew exactly what this meant.

Back then, he was addicted to gambling. The reason he signed that terrible contract was because Chandler set him up. Harold and Curtis didn’t expose Chandler because they didn’t want to embarrass Jeremy. Michael was simply too naive.

People always say wealth doesn’t last more than three generations. Harold’s smartest decision was made when he was still young. He gave up on the son and chose to raise the grandson.

He knew very well if the company fell into Michael’s hands, it would be ruined in less than three years.

After all these years, Michael came back, and he still fell right into Chandler’s trap.

Lincoln Estate.

Harold and Curtis were having a heated argument.

Harold wanted to give the company to Denton, but he claimed Denton was too young now; Curtis should stay and help him manage it. He wanted Curtis to leave when Denton was old enough to take full control.

Curtis found this hilarious.

He had already given up everything, and now he was supposed to stay and babysit him?

“Grandpa, don’t you think you’re being too selfish?” Curtis looked at the old man. He was getting old, and he was getting far too self–centered.

1/3

14:35 Thu, Dec 25 M….

Chapter 230 The Wrong Decision

76

+10 Free Coins

Harold sighed. He had no better answer. “Curtis, he’s your brother. Help him more. You’re capable–you’ll rise again. And if Lincoln Group struggles someday, you could step in and save it … ”

Curtis stayed silent. That was praise meant to crush him. Who knew what the future would hold?

Starting from scratch again is incredibly hard, and Harold knew that better than anyone.

“Denton’s plane has landed. We’ll sign the agreement tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll hold a press conference,” Harold said, speaking slowly, as if every word carried great importance. “I never wanted you and your brother to become enemies. You two should support each other.”

Curtis stayed silent the whole time, letting Harold finish. Only then did he speak, “You shouldn’t have given the Pastalia project to Matthew. You made it too obvious. Even if Denton and I do end up at odds, it’ll be because you forced it.”

He stood up and looked at Harold. “Grandpa, everyone has a line they will not cross. Don’t accuse me of being heartless. Adriana is my limit. If you hurt her, you hurt me. Out of respect for the fact that you raised me, I chose not to fight for Lincoln Group. I’m handing it to Denton exactly as it is—that’s already mercy. You can’t expect me to work for him too.”

Harold’s chest tightened. He knew he had gone too far, but he didn’t regret it.

At least, Curtis had given up his right to inherit the company for Adriana’s sake.

When Curtis left the estate, Ernest was bringing Denton inside.

Denton looked at Curtis with worry, wanting to speak with him. But Curtis didn’t stop. They brushed shoulders like strangers.

Denton was heartbroken. He lowered his eyes, not understanding why he and Curtis could never be brothers, only rivals.

“Mr. Denton, please go in,” Ernest whispered softly. “Mr. Harold is waiting for you inside.”

Denton snapped back and followed him into Harold’s study.

Food street. Café.

Curtis walked into the café and sat down at a small square table. He didn’t say a word. He always did this since he was a kid. Whenever he felt down, he would find Baz Yates.

2/3

14:35 Thu, Dec 25 M

Chapter 230 The Wrong Decision

Back then, Baz was the housekeeper at the old Govendale estate.

42

76

+10 Free Coins

Baz quietly closed the shop early and hung a “Closed” sign outside. Then he baked a cake just for Curtis.

“Mr. Curtis.” Baz was old now. His hands shook a little as he carried the plate, but his smile never changed.

Years ago, they had raised a golden retriever together. The dog passed away at eight years old. Baz buried it under a tree beside the small chapel in Govendale.

“Woof! Woof!” From the small courtyard behind the café, a tiny golden retriever ran in. It was a puppy, still wobbly on its feet.

“This is Lucky’s grandson,” Baz said with a smile, placing the puppy gently in Curtis’s arms.

Curtis froze for a moment, looking a bit stiff.

As he grew up, his obsession with cleanliness worsened. He never dared to raise a dog again- its life was simply too short.

“Take him with you,” Baz said softly. “Bring him back to Haldoria. Keep him with you.”

Years ago, that golden retriever was bought to comfort Curtis and keep him company.

“I’m too old for this,” Curtis protested helplessly.

“Mr. Curtis,” Baz said quietly, gently rubbing the puppy’s fluffy head, “a puppy’s life is short. But if you raise it well, its whole world will be you.”