Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 67

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**

**Chapter 67: The Bracelet’s Story**

Adriana found herself utterly stunned, her gaze locked onto the woman in front of her, as if time itself had come to a standstill. The world around her faded into a blur, and all she could focus on was the shocking revelation that hung in the air.

Five hundred million? Is that even real money?

The woman continued, her voice steady yet filled with the weight of history. “This bracelet was purchased by Curtis’s father, Michael, as a proposal gift for Curtis’s mother.” She reiterated the information, as if it were a mantra meant to sink in.

Adriana’s lips parted, but no sound escaped her mouth. A mixture of disbelief and trepidation coursed through her veins, making her acutely aware of her left hand. The bracelet glimmered, a heavy reminder of its worth.

Why would Curtis gift me something so extravagant?

Even if it’s just for the duration of our marriage, it feels far too precious to wear casually.

What if I accidentally bump it against something?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Kelsey’s derisive sneer, slicing through the tension like a knife. “Hmph, even if you’re adorned with expensive jewelry, it will never mask the truth—you’re still a nobody.” Kelsey’s eyes sparkled with jealousy, a green-eyed monster that threatened to consume her.

If only Danielle had married Curtis back then, all of these jewels would have adorned her.

I could have borrowed them for events, flaunting my family’s status as if it were a trophy.

But now, they rest on the wrist of a girl who seemingly came from nowhere.

“Kelsey, do you think this girl looks like…?” The elegant woman scrutinized Adriana with an intensity that made her skin prickle. “Doesn’t she bear a striking resemblance to Jeremy’s first wife, Audrey?”

Kelsey froze, her eyes narrowing as she took a closer look at Adriana. Well… she truly does look like her.

The pang of jealousy intensified within her.

“So what if she looks similar? Same face, different fate. Audrey was a wealthy heiress, while this girl is just an orphan,” Kelsey retorted, her voice dripping with disdain.

Adriana, however, brushed off the insults with an air of indifference. She had already heard whispers from Eva that the Bartons were not as illustrious as they pretended to be.

Kelsey was merely the wife of an illegitimate child. Before Jeremy welcomed them into the Barton fold, they had lived in a decrepit slum, hardly the epitome of aristocracy.

Now that they were in the Bartons, Kelsey strutted around as if she were a noblewoman herself.

“Audrey’s son and daughter-in-law both perished in Haldoria. I heard her granddaughter, Nicole, is still alive. This girl seems to be around the same age—could she possibly be related?” the elegant lady mused, a smile dancing on her lips.

Kelsey’s expression soured instantly; her brow furrowed in irritation. “Don’t speak nonsense.”

The lady covered her mouth, stifling a chuckle. “It’s hardly a coincidence, is it?”

Adriana, however, was oblivious to their conversation. Her focus remained solely on the bracelet adorning her wrist.

Five hundred million.

Is this really something I should be wearing?

It should be safely stored in a display case, not on my wrist!

“Call me if you need anything,” Curtis instructed, his tone laced with unease.

Adriana nodded, following Danielle out of the room.

If he continues to keep his gaze glued to me at family gatherings, people will surely talk, right?

“Wow, you’re really coming out with me? Aren’t you worried I might sell you off?” Danielle smirked as they stepped out of the living room, a playful glint in her eye.

Adriana refused to be intimidated. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Danielle’s laughter echoed, signaling Adriana to get into the car. “Do you even know where I’m taking you?”

Adriana remained silent, her heart racing with uncertainty.

“Curtis didn’t mention it? Cynthia’s back in Harborton too, undergoing rehab at the hospital,” Danielle said, her gaze fixed on Adriana as if she were savoring a juicy secret.

A wave of dread washed over Adriana. Is Danielle really taking me to Cynthia?

That’s the woman Curtis has always held dear in his heart.

“Do you have any idea how much Curtis loved Cynthia?” Danielle continued, her voice dripping with mockery. “Back in the day, the entire city of Haldoria was buzzing about it… Even this bracelet on your wrist, she didn’t want it.”

Adriana felt a chill run down her spine, instinctively covering the bracelet with her hand, as if to shield it from the weight of those words.

“When Curtis turned 20 and reached the legal age for marriage, he wanted to offer the entire Lincoln fortune as a wedding gift to marry Cynthia. She wore this bracelet for a few years, but then she fell into a deep depression and repeatedly tried to harm herself, which is why she returned it to the Lincolns.”