Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 43

**Chapter 43: Substantial Evidence**

Curtis’s eyes remained fixed on Adriana, a light smirk dancing on his lips, a silent vow of protection radiating from him. The air around them crackled with tension, a palpable energy that seemed to pulse as they stood together.

Camelia, still reeling from the sting of Adriana’s unexpected slap, gaped at her, disbelief etched across her features. “You hit me?” she exclaimed, her voice quivering with a blend of shock and indignation, as if the very notion of being struck was foreign to her privileged existence.

Before Adriana could muster a response, the rich kid who had been guarding Camelia stepped forward, his face contorted with rage. “You’re looking to die—” he threatened, his foot raised menacingly, ready to deliver a vicious kick.

But before he could act on his threat, the scene erupted into chaos. In a heartbeat, Curtis sprang to his feet, his reflexes honed by years of defending those he cared about. He thrust Adriana behind him, wrapping her in a protective embrace, and with a swift, powerful kick, sent the aggressor sprawling three feet away, landing unceremoniously on the ground.

The commotion seemed to summon a gaggle of other privileged kids, their sleeves rolled up and ready to join the fray, but they were met with the swift intervention of Tom, the driver, and a bodyguard who charged in like a whirlwind, dispatching two of them to the ground in a matter of seconds.

“Police!” Kenneth shouted, his voice slicing through the chaos like a knife, urgency lacing his tone.

Moments later, the sound of sirens filled the air as Kenneth appeared, flanked by officers, and to everyone’s astonishment, Joe himself was among them.

Joe’s demeanor was all business, his expression devoid of any sympathy for the chaos unfolding before him. “All of you, come with us,” he commanded, his voice flat and authoritative. “If your families won’t teach you a lesson, the state will.”

One of the wealthy kids, still brimming with bravado, shouted back defiantly, “You touch me and you’re done!”

Curtis turned to Officer Richardson, his tone unwavering. “The evidence from four years ago—the bullying against Adriana—is all documented and right here. We’re refiling and demanding a full investigation. Every last one of them should be charged.” He didn’t hesitate to forward the files directly to Joe, his intent crystal clear.

“And her,” Curtis continued, his gaze flicking dismissively toward a woman recording the scene on her phone. “She’s infringing on my wife’s and my portrait rights. Counsel—coordinate.”

At the mention of the word ‘wife,’ a warmth spread across Adriana’s cheeks, stirring a mix of pride and embarrassment within her. She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, feeling the weight of their relationship shift in that moment.

Joe’s eyes darted between Curtis and Adriana, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. “Wife?” he asked, curiosity piqued, as if the revelation had caught him off guard.

Adriana felt a pang of guilt wash over her as she nodded again, the weight of the situation pressing down on her like a heavy cloak.

Though Joe had a multitude of questions swirling in his mind, one glance at Curtis silenced them. It was clear to him that Curtis was unwaveringly on Adriana’s side, and there was no room for doubt.

“You’ll gain nothing by crossing us,” Camelia spat, her confidence returning as she rallied. “Mia masterminded the bullying back then. There’s no way you’re putting her in prison.”

Just then, Matthew strode into the scene, with Natasha and Mia trailing closely behind him, their expressions a mix of determination and concern.

Natasha had come with a plan, hoping to leverage the orphanage to coerce Adriana into signing a letter of leniency that would reduce Rufus’s sentence. She wanted to “talk” and, more importantly, to observe the unfolding drama like a hawk.

“Mia! She’s gone insane—she called the cops and wants to dig up a four-year-old bullying case!” Camelia exclaimed, her confidence surging at the sight of Matthew and Mia. With Matthew present, her fears began to dissipate; surely, he wouldn’t allow his sister to be taken away.

“Adriana, what’s the plan now?” Matthew asked, stepping protectively to her side, his voice low and urgent. “Whatever it is, just tell me. I’ll handle it. We can’t let this escalate.”

Curtis’s cool gaze slid over to Matthew, barely concealing his boredom. He tightened his hold around Adriana, drawing her closer to him. “Mr. Langford, my wife’s affairs are not your concern.”

“Curtis!” Matthew snapped back, his voice sharp with frustration. “I told you—she’s mine.”

Curtis let out a quiet, disdainful laugh, a glimmer of triumph in his eyes. “Do you and she also have this?” He pulled out a slip of paper from his pocket, revealing a marriage certificate that shimmered in the light.

“No!” Natasha interjected, blocking Mia with her arm, her voice rising in protest. “She can’t go anywhere—she’s just a girl—”

Mia’s composure began to crack, her voice trembling as she spoke. “Matthew… I don’t want to go to jail. It’s been so long—how does she even remember?”

“Ms. Jones, save your breath. The video evidence is undeniable. Your brother Rufus was involved as well. His sentence will be increased, combined penalties,” Joe stated calmly, his authority unshakeable.

“Adriana!” Natasha’s voice sliced through the tension, sharp with fury. “So many years have passed—must you fixate on something so trivial now? What, you think just because you have Curtis backing you, you can throw your weight around?”

In her mind, she thought viciously, Curtis won’t want you forever. When he’s done with you, we’ll see how you fall.

“Adriana…” Matthew tried again, his voice strained with desperation. “We settled the bullying mess four years ago, didn’t we?”

Back then, Adriana had promised not to pursue it, but now, with the weight of the past pressing down on her, she wondered if it was time to finally confront the demons that had haunted her for so long.

As the chaos subsided and the weight of the moment settled upon her, Adriana felt a profound shift within herself. The confrontation had laid bare not only the scars of her past but also the strength she had cultivated over the years. With Curtis by her side, she was no longer the timid girl who had once endured the torment of her peers in silence. The declaration of their marriage had solidified her resolve, intertwining her identity with his in a way that felt both empowering and terrifying. In this moment, she recognized that healing was not merely about moving on but confronting the shadows that lingered. The evidence of her past, now resurrected, was not a burden but a catalyst for her liberation.

Facing Matthew and the tumultuous emotions swirling around her, Adriana understood that reclaiming her narrative was essential. The echoes of her past no longer held the same power over her; instead, they served as a reminder of her resilience. As she stood tall beside Curtis, she felt the warmth of his protection enveloping her, but it was her own courage that ignited the fire within. This confrontation was not just about seeking justice for herself but also about finding closure and embracing the woman she had become. With the support of those who believed in her, Adriana was ready to confront the past and step boldly into her future, no longer afraid to let her voice be heard.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, tensions will escalate as Adriana grapples with the weight of her past and the implications of reopening the bullying case. With Curtis firmly by her side, she must confront not only her own feelings of guilt and betrayal but also the fierce opposition from those who seek to protect their privileged status. The stakes are higher than ever, and as the investigation unfolds, Adriana will have to decide whether to reclaim her voice or let the shadows of her past consume her. Will she find the courage to stand up against her tormentors, or will the pressure from both sides push her into a corner?

Meanwhile, the dynamics between Curtis, Matthew, and the rest of their circle will become increasingly fraught. Matthew’s desperation to reclaim his connection with Adriana will clash with Curtis’s unwavering resolve to protect her, leading to a confrontation that could change everything. As alliances shift and secrets begin to unravel, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of loyalty, love, and the consequences of past actions. With the police investigation looming and the threat of repercussions hanging over them, readers can expect heart-pounding moments that will leave them questioning who will emerge victorious in this battle for Adriana’s future. Will she finally find the strength to confront her past, or will she remain trapped in the cycle of fear and doubt?