Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 239

Chapter 239 The Lion’s Den

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“Mr. Fowler, must you state the obvious? The moment Mr. Lincoln established his new company, he had a target on his back. All those fair–weather sycophants are desperate to keep him down in the dirt forever. They’d probably prefer it if he just … ” Kenneth made a subtle throat–slitting gesture.

Their sheer fear of Curtis said everything.

Ronan let out a nervous chuckle. He couldn’t help but imagine the look on everyone’s faces when they eventually discovered that Denton was merely a placeholder under a shareholding agreement, and that the true power behind the rapidly rising Ainsworth Group was, in fact, Curtis.

The thought alone was deeply satisfying.

“Mr. Lincoln, the Haldoria Chamber of Commerce Gala is tomorrow night … If you’re not planning to reveal your identity, perhaps you should skip it. If you show up as you are now, they’ll eat you alive.” Ronan offered an awkward smile.

He could already picture it–walking into that ballroom would be like stepping into a den of wolves.

Curtis twirled a pen between his fingers, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Since you put it that way … I find myself rather inclined to attend.”

Ronan and Kenneth exchanged a horrifying breath.

Well then. The gala tomorrow is going to be quite eventful.

2

At the villa, Adriana stood in the walk–in closet, meticulously selecting Curtis’s attire for the evening

“This one is perfect.” She wore a champagne–colored gown, and she had deliberately chosen a matching tie and cufflinks for Curtis.

Her subtle way of announcing to the entire venue that they belonged together.

She was accompanying him to the gala tonight. She knew there would be plenty there to gloat and kick him while he was down. But Curtis was also undeniably brilliant, and she equally expected others—people who once feared approaching him–might now see an opportunity and extend an olive branch.

Adriana intended to ensure her husband would not be lured away.

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Chapter 239 The Lion’s Den

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“Mmm, it’s perfect,” Curtis agreed, his smile gentle. He saw right through her little scheme, and it delighted him.

“Are you absolutely sure about going?” Adriana looked up at him, her concern evident. “But then again, networking could help your new venture … if nothing else.”

He nodded.

“Curtis … what about Ainsworth?” she finally asked, unable to hold back any longer.

Couldn’t he leverage his connection to the company now? The thought of him walking into that lion’s den completely unarmed pained her.

“Ainsworth is still in its crucial growth phase,” he explained, ruffling her hair. “If our connection becomes public knowledge now, all that concentrated fire aimed at me would instantly shift to destroying it. It’s better to let Ainsworth continue its rise under the radar, using this very chaos as cover.”

He didn’t announce it for a reason. With all the predators in their circle focused solely on ensuring he never got back up, their attention wasn’t on Ainsworth. Moreover, his exit from Lincoln Group had many partners questioning Denton’s capabilities and seeking new alliances. It was a significant opportunity for Ainsworth.

Adriana understood immediately, nodding in acquiescence. “All right. I trust your judgment.”

Seeing her heartfelt concern, a sudden, uncharacteristic urge to be pampered washed over him. “Then… what if someone bullies me at the gala?”

Adriana looked at his “pitiful” expression, and a fierce, protective instinct surged within her. “Then I’ll defend you!”

Curtis laughed softly and took her hand.

It was time to go see the show.

Time to watch some masks fall, and discern friends from foes.

The moment Curtis and Adriana entered the.grand ballroom where the gala was going full swing, all eyes, as always, shifted to him.

But unlike before, the people who once rushed forward to greet him now kept their distance, their expressions unreadable.

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Chapter 239 The Lion’s Den

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Adriana tightened her hold on his arm, hoping he felt no sting from the sudden coldness.

A low murmur rippled through the crowd. No one dared to be the first to approach him. Aligning with Curtis would also risk being marked as targets by the powerful enemies he had undoubtedly made.

After all, who wished to be dragged into someone else’s downfall?

“Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Lincoln?” a voice called out from the crowd as a man stepped forward. The greeting was pointed, its malice thinly veiled. “Heard you left the Lincoln Group. Found a new position somewhere yet?”

This man had once been a supplier Curtis blacklisted for cutting corners on a major project, and had held a grudge ever since.

This was his perfect chance for payback.

before you “I also heard your startup isn’t going well,” the man continued. “You should give up lose more. I have an opening in my company’s warehouse management. It’s a nice, easy job- let

you retire early and enjoy life.” He laughed, prompting a few sycophantic chuckles from those around him.

Adriana scanned the faces, a bunch of opportunists, weak–willed creatures who worshipped the powerful and stepped on the fallen.

“Even without the Lincoln Group, my husband’s starting point remains lightyears beyond anything you could ever hope to achieve. What a pathetic clown. Just look at you,” She turned her attention back to the sneering man. “Everyone here should take a good, long look at this man’s character before considering partnership. Someone this petty and narrow–minded will never achieve anything significant. Offend him once, and he’ll trample you next.”

Uneasy glances spread through the crowd.