Chapter 232 The Fall of a King
Kenneth finally let out a breath of relief.
The second person Curtis trusted the most in this world was Kenneth.
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Kenneth wasn’t the sharpest or the smoothest like other assistants, but he was loyal, and most importantly, trustworthy.
“We’re not going back to the hotel. Take the next available flight; we’re heading straight to Haldoria.”
Right now, Curtis just wanted to go home.
Go home and sleep next to Adriana.
Back home, Adriana walked in absentmindedly.
She was holding her stomach that was now round and full.
Tonight’s dinner left her feeling confused. Jeremy had been smiling the whole time, kind and gentle, constantly putting food on her plate. He said she was too thin and told her to eat more, that it was good for her and good for the baby.
Adriana couldn’t understand. Jeremy should hate her. Was he putting on a show? But why? Someone like Jeremy, with his status and power, didn’t need to pretend in front of her.
It just didn’t make sense. So, she stopped trying to understand. She took out her phone, wanting to send Curtis a message.
But the moment she opened it, news alerts filled her screen.
“Curtis Lincoln resigns from Lincoln Group. Nineteen–year–old Denton Lincoln poised to win big.”
Another headline read, “Harold’s finally introduces the heir that was hidden for 19 years.”
There were even photos of Michael and Juliet smiling at the camera.
Adriana’s fingers went numb as she tightened around the phone.
Curtis. How heartbroken he must be.
Especially now, when Michael had returned to the Lincolns openly with his new wife at his
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Even though people always said Curtis didn’t get along with his mother, Adriana could feel that deep down, Curtis had always longed for a mother’s love.
She looked down at the bracelet on her wrist. She remembered the day Curtis put it on her. He told her the bracelet belonged to his mother.
Michael had once bought the bracelet from the auction for his mother.
Curtis deliberately avoided calling that woman his mother. Yet sometimes, without thinking, the word still slipped out. That meant something–deep inside, he didn’t just hate her.
The pain, the anger, the resentment–maybe it was because there had also been love. Love mixed with hate–that was what hurt the most.
That family happily welcomed Denton home and ignored Curtis, who was hurting inside.
Just like his mother years ago, Curtis was now thrown away. It was a place that chewed people
“Yolanda, can we book a flight to Harborton? The next one?” Adriana stood up quickly, her voice tight with worry. She started heading to the door.
She had to see Curtis.
He must be feeling so helpless. So hurt.
Yolanda replied, “The earliest flight is a 10:30 p.m. I’ll ask my coworker to hold a first–class seat for you. Should I go ahead and book it?”
“Yes,” Adriana said without thinking. “As fast as possible.”
Harborton. The Barton Estate.
Danielle sat comfortably on the sofa, a slow smile growing on her lips. “Today’s Lincoln Group press conference was quite something. Curtis actually got kicked out just like that.”
Chandler chuckled, clearly pleased. Getting rid of a dangerous man like Curtis was a big win. It was worth celebrating. “Remember this, times are changing for the Lincolns. From now on, the one to win over is Denton.”
Danielle frowned a little. “But Denton is still young. He’s stubborn. Nicole tried everything she
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could and couldn’t even get close to him. Do you really think we can manipulate him? What if Curtis and Denton team up one day?”
Chandler smiled with full confidence. “Don’t worry. They will never team up. They’re not born from the same mother. They’re born as rivals, built to compete, not to stand together. Guys like that don’t become allies–they become enemies.” He leaned back and added, “Besides, Michael is still in the middle of it all. And the grudge between Curtis and Michael? That will never go away.” A slow grin spread across his face. “And Michael … that fool is the easiest one to control.”
Chandler had always known. Michael was the biggest threat to the Lincolns. Years ago, Chandler used Michael’s foolishness to almost destroy Lincoln Group. Back then, Harold was still sharp and strong. He had thrown Michael out to protect the company. But Harold was old now, senile, and had brought that danger back into the house.
If Denton wasn’t obedient, maybe Lincoln Group didn’t deserve to exist at all.
“Jeremy’s health is terrible, but he still flew to Haldoria. Must be an important project,” Kelsey muttered as she walked over.
Danielle’s face darkened with worry. “Grandpa has refused to officially recognize Nicole. He won’t hold a press conference. He keeps saying it’s because of his health. He can fly to Haldoria, but won’t speak to the public?”
She got panicked and quickly called Nicole. “Grandpa went to Haldoria. Did he meet you?”
“No,” Nicole answered, confused. “Grandpa’s in Haldoria?”
Danielle hung up the call, panic rising. She looked at Chandler. “Could Grandpa be doubting Nicole’s identity?”
Chandler frowned deeply. “Find out who he met in Haldoria. Now.”
The Bartons were at a critical moment. Jeremy’s days were numbered. They had to secure the inheritance before time ran out.
If the old man found the real Nicole, everything they had built would vanish like smoke.
“Mr. Barton!” Chandler’s assistant rushed in, breathless, and whispered in Chandler’s ear. “You told me to investigate that hitman from back then. He was arrested for intentional murder. They later found he had mental issues and transferred him to a psychiatric hospital. He’s still being held there.”
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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