Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 398

Chapter 398 Morning Light, Night Teeth

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Adriana tiptoed up to Curtis and kissed him first. She had been so tired lately, the kind of tired that lived in her bones. Her body and mind hadn’t rested. For once, she didn’t want to think about anything that gave her a headache. She just wanted to cherish every second she had with Curtis at the Gill Estate.

Maya came back to the Gill Estate, bouncing through the door and practically glowing. She’d used a date with Denton as an excuse to see someone she liked, and Denton had agreed to play along. That alone was enough to put her in a great mood.

The living room was dim, the main lights were off. Maya knew she was coming home late, so she assumed everyone was asleep. She slowed her steps as she headed toward the stairs, being careful not to make a sound.

“You’re back this late?” Maggie’s low voice cut through the darkness. Maya jumped so hard that she almost missed a step. She turned and saw Maggie lounging on the sofa in an elegant, coffee–colored silk robe, holding a glass of red wine. Even lounging like that, Maggie filled the room with pressure.

Maya’s voice caught. “Maggie, you’re still up? It’s so late, and you’re drinking…”

Maggie smiled, set her glass down, and walked over. “Out with Denton until this hour?” Her tone was teasing and almost affectionate. “I worry about you. Don’t let some guy think he can snatch you up that easily.”

She ruffled Maya’s hair as if she were a child. Maya smiled back, warmed by it. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

Maggie’s voice dropped, soft but edgy. “Besides, you’re an adult. You’re about to marry Denton. That kind of thing wouldn’t bother me.” She paused just long enough for the words to sink in. “Father was strict because he wanted you to maintain your value, so you’d be worth more in a marriage alliance.”

Their father didn’t police his daughters‘ private lives out of concern for their well–being. He treated it like an appraisal. In his eyes, they were assets, and an untouched asset sold for a higher price. Denton was the match he wanted, and with him, Maya’s value could finally be realized.

Maya’s smile tightened for a moment, then she forced it back into place. “I think you’re misunderstanding Dad. He’s just trying to do what’s best for us. I understand that I shouldn’t mess around until I’m an adult. After that, when I had boyfriends, he only reminded me about safety. He didn’t interfere.”

Before Maggie could say anything else, she hurried upstairs.

Maggie was right. Their father controlled their lives and treated them like merchandise. But Maggie was too sharp and ruthless, too capable.

If Maya wanted to survive in this house, she had to appear harmless. She had to look naive, maybe even a little stupid. Even if Maggie spoke the truth, Maya still had to defend their father–just enough to maintain her sweet little sister persona.

Maggie watched her disappear up the stairs. The warmth drained from her expression, leaving only contempt.

“Idiot,” she murmured. She picked up her phone and called her assistant “Did you watch Maya all day?”

“Yes, Ms. Maggie.” The reply was crisp. “She stayed with Denton the entire time. No solo moves. They had tea and snacks in Harborton in the morning, then went to the shopping district. There were too many people, and we lost them briefly, but we traced her ID when she checked into a suite at the Silverwave Hotel. We checked. She and Denton checked in together. When Maya left after midnight, Denton escorted her out and brought her home.

Maggie nodded, satisfied. Her silly little sister wasn’t a threat, not right now.

1/2

11:13 am DDD.

Chapter 398 Morning Light, Night Teeth

Savannah said that she used the fact that Denton had HIV as leverage to control him and Adriana.

Maggie’s mouth curved. If Denton had HIV, then Maya, who had slept with him, almost certainly did too.

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