Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 71

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

**Chapter 71: Don’t Get Too Familiar**

Adriana couldn’t help but notice how Curtis had a habit of playfully ruffling her hair, a gesture that both amused and unsettled her. She nodded slightly, an acknowledgment of the unspoken truth that surrounded them: those from powerful, affluent families often carried a weighty burden of secrets, carefully guarded behind polished smiles and charming facades. As an outsider, she understood her place; there was no obligation for her to delve into their hidden lives.

“Curtis…” Adriana’s voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with a mix of vulnerability and trepidation. “If we were to have a baby… when it arrives… will you let them know I exist?” The question hung in the air, heavy with her genuine concern for the child’s future.

Would Curtis really just hand the baby over to Cynthia without a second thought?

“Curtis, I invited Matthew and Natasha over. They’re coming to Harborton for the exhibition,” she added, her heart racing at the thought of their impending arrival. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Before Curtis could catch the soft murmur of her words, Danielle, ever the vigilant host, swooped in like a hawk.

The moment she spotted Curtis so close to Adriana, her expression froze, a mixture of surprise and irritation flickering across her features. Curtis, known for his fastidious nature, had never allowed any woman to invade his personal space so intimately. So why was he practically enveloping Adriana in his arms?

The mention of Matthew and Natasha sent a wave of anxiety crashing over Adriana, knotting her stomach into tight coils. She didn’t want to see either of them. Not here, not now.

But this was the Barton Estate, and Danielle had every right to extend invitations as she pleased.

“Do you honestly think you can play these little games and nobody will notice?” Curtis shot back at Danielle, his voice taut with irritation as he took Adriana’s hand, signaling their intent to leave. “We’re going home.”

Danielle clenched her jaw, fighting to keep her composure. “Curtis… Jeremy invited you. You can’t just walk out like this. Besides, Jeremy has something significant to announce tonight, and Harold will be here too.”

Her smile was forced, yet it carried an undercurrent of menace, a warning cloaked in sweetness.

Curtis halted, pulling the slightly dazed Adriana into his protective embrace. Leaning toward Danielle, he tilted his head defiantly, his eyes glinting with disdain. “You seem to revel in the drama, don’t you?”

Danielle’s invitation to Matthew and Natasha was a calculated move, aimed squarely at embarrassing Adriana. After all, Matthew had publicly declared Adriana as his kept lover, and now the entire Barton and Lincoln families were in on the scandal.

Harold despised such public displays of familial discord. If Matthew were to show up tonight, it would be Adriana who would bear the brunt of the fallout.

Danielle feigned innocence, her smile unwavering. “Curtis, what do you mean by that?”

“Nothing,” Curtis replied curtly, leading Adriana toward the lounge, his grip reassuring yet firm.

“Curtis… if Matthew comes, can I leave early?” Adriana asked, her voice laced with anxiety. Harold was coming too. What if…

“It’s fine. I’m here,” Curtis reassured her, his grip tightening around her hand as if to shield her from the turmoil brewing outside.

He settled back into a chair, pulled out his phone, and sent a quick message to Kenneth, a small smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Adriana. “There’s a lot happening tonight. Just sit back and enjoy the show.”

If Danielle wanted to embarrass Adriana, then perhaps it was time for Curtis to turn the tables. If the evening escalated into chaos, no one would have time to focus on the scandal surrounding Matthew and Adriana.

Adriana blinked, confusion etching her features. What other drama awaited them tonight?

No wonder Danielle kept warning her not to fall for him.

I can’t allow myself to get too attached.

“Hey, Matthew! Natasha!” Danielle’s voice rang out, sharp and clear.

At the entrance, Matthew and Natasha made their appearance.

Matthew looked worn, as if the weight of the world rested heavily on his shoulders, exhaustion etched into his features.

“Hey, Danielle,” he greeted, his voice lacking its usual cheer, while Natasha linked her arm with his, a bright smile on her face. “Hope we’re not interrupting anything.”

“Not at all,” Danielle replied, her smile sharp as she cast a pointed glance at Adriana, who was seated beside Curtis.

Matthew’s gaze landed on Adriana, and he instinctively stepped forward, but Natasha held him back, her grip firm.

After a moment of hesitation, Matthew finally spoke. “Adriana…”

Tension coursed through Adriana, and she lowered her head, refusing to meet his gaze.

In a protective instinct, Curtis pulled Adriana closer, a provocative glint in his eyes as he addressed Matthew. “Mr. Langford, you should refer to her as Mrs. Lincoln. Don’t get too familiar. My wife isn’t accustomed to it.”