Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70 Lines and Loyalties

“Curtis, we’ll be back soon… “Adriana said softly, noticing Danielle’s face darken with frustration.

No matter how harsh Curtis’s words were, Danielle didn’t dare argue now. She knew better than to mess

with him.

She was all bark and no bite.

“I want to see you in ten minutes,” Curtis said, then hung up.

His final ultimatum wasn’t for Adriana–it was for Danielle.

Danielle’s eyes reddened with anger. She glanced at the time and gritted her teeth. “Hurry up! What are you dawdling for? Get us back in ten minutes!”

Adriana wanted to laugh at Danielle’s flustered expression but held it in, turning to look out the window instead.

“You don’t get to gloat. No matter what, I’m a Barton, the heir to the Bartons‘ fortune. I have the whole family behind me,” Danielle said coldly. Curtis made her suffer, and now she wouldn’t let Adriana feel comfortable either. “You’re just an orphan, that’s it.”

Adriana said nothing, quietly staring at the passing scenery.

Harborton’s view was beautiful.

“Wait until Curtis doesn’t want you anymore, and let’s see how you survive in the architectural world. You think you can use him to climb up the social ladder? Keep dreaming,” Danielle spat out, embarrassed and furious.

Adriana continued looking out the window in silence, tuning her out completely.

At the Barton Estate.

The car pulled to a stop. Danielle stepped out, still scowling.

Curtis was already standing in the courtyard, checking his watch.

“So worried, huh?” Danielle forced a polite expression for Curtis, even though she was clearly annoyed.

Adriana suddenly realized how tragic it was for these rich young women and men. In their social circle, class divisions were brutally clear.

Danielle was the daughter of the Bartons‘ illegitimate son. Without constant effort, she would be criticized and looked down upon. The only way for her to secure her place in the family was to marry Curtis–yet, unfortunately, he never agreed.

“Where did you take her? I want the truth, Ms. Barton. You only get one chance,” Curtis said sternly,

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confronting Danielle directly.

It was up to Danielle whether to tell the truth.

She looked slightly nervous, glanced at Adriana, and smiled. “We just went to a nearby mall. Isn’t that right, Adriana?”

Curtis turned to Adriana.

Adriana paused for a few seconds before answering, “We went to the rehab hospital to see Cynthia.”

Danielle’s face instantly darkened. “I heard Cynthia returned to Harborton for rehab. I was just passing by and decided to check on her.”

Curtis’s expression grew even darker. He ignored Danielle and said nothing more to Adriana, turning into

the mansion.

“You really think he’ll protect you just because you told him? Cynthia is his weakness. Don’t even think about touching her,” Danielle warned Adriana.

Adriana felt a twinge of disappointment. Cynthia really is Curtis’s forbidden topic, huh?

“Curtis is my boss. Wherever you take me or whatever I do, I’ll always report everything to him,” Adriana said seriously.

Danielle gritted her teeth. “You’re threatening me.”

Adriana shook her head. “If that’s how you want to take it.”

“Adriana, don’t forget what I said. Within a month, he’ll bring up divorce. They’ve found Nicole. No matter how much Curtis loves Cynthia, he has to preserve the Lincoln Group’s reputation. But Nicole is the true. heir of the Bartons. His engagement to her cannot be broken. He must marry her.”

With that, Danielle walked into the mansion.

Adriana lingered outside for a moment.

Even if Nicole returned and Curtis divorced her, that was Curtis’s decision. She just hoped he wouldn’t make her pay a penalty.

As soon as she stepped into the living room, before she could fully register, someone pulled her aside and dragged her into a corner. “Don’t believe a word that woman says. She’s been lying since she was a child.”

Curtis had Adriana trapped in front of him, whispering a warning.

They were so close that it was almost intimate. Adriana’s heart beat faster. “People might see us… This isn’t a good look.”

“You’re my wife. What’s there to be afraid of?” Curtis was still angry. “Besides, why were you running around with her? Didn’t you see me calling?”

Adriana lowered her head, silent.

She had seen it, but she didn’t want to answer.

“Cynthia is Belinda’s mother,” Curtis said, surprisingly bringing her up.

Adriana looked at him in shock.

“She was also my former teacher. Her car accident and her disability… it’s related to me. I never told anyone she was alive, not even Belinda, because she was in a deep coma for years. She just recently woke up and is still in rehab,” Curtis explained, keeping Adriana close, seemingly enjoying the contact.

Adriana didn’t understand why Curtis suddenly felt the need to explain.

“She’s a good person. It’s fine for you to meet her, but you need to stay away from Danielle,” Curtis said, lifting his hand to ruffle Adriana’s hair. “Some things can’t be explained in a few words–they involve the Lincolns and several other major families. I don’t want you caught up in it.”