Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108 Where’s Your Family?

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Cheryl could barely sit still, her face glowing with excitement. If Matthew showed up to hand her an award, she’d totally steal the spotlight.

Natasha looked a bit awkward but kept her cool. “He’s tied up with work.”

Cheryl’s smile faltered.

Natasha’s eyes drifted to Adriana,land she smirked. “Don’t look so down. At least I made it here. That’s better than some orphan with no one to show up for her.”

Adriana dug her nails into her palm in silence.

She wasn’t alone. Curtis had promised he’d come.

Natasha leaned closer, her grin widening. “You’re not seriously still waiting for Curtis, are you? Haven’t you heard? Cynthia is back in Haldoria. Reporters caught him picking her up at the airport. He’s probably still there. No chance he’s coming.”

Adriana’s expression shifted, her eyes stinging.

Was Curtis going to break his promise as well?

Parents started filling the seats for the ceremony. The principal, Quincy Osborne, stood on stage giving his speech. All around, students laughed and chatted with their families.

Adriana sat alone. She glanced around, her chest tight. Not once in her life had anyone ever come to her school events.

She couldn’t help but envy the others. They always had someone behind them, cheering them on.

But her? She had no one.

“Adriana, where’s your family?” Cheryl shouted, trying to embarrass Adriana.

Adriana didn’t respond. She just sat still, clutching her phone tightly like a lifeline.

She wanted to call Curtis, but what if he was too busy to answer?

After all, she was just a doll to him. What rights did she have to get upset with her sugar daddy?

A quiet, bitter laugh slipped out. She’d been fooling herself lately, thinking she actually mattered to him. “No one showed up for you? That’s just pathetic,” Cheryl said, giggling with a few of her friends.

Adriana didn’t react. She waited patiently for Quincy to start announcing the top graduates.

She had always been the top student in her class. She used to imagine someone in the crowd cheering her on as she stepped onto the stage.

But she was an orphan. Her parents had left her behind.

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Chapter 108 Where’s Your Family?

“Next, our outstanding graduates will come up one by one.”

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Quincy called Cheryl first. She walked up with her head high, practically humming with pride.

She was always late, skipped class all the time, and barely passed. She shouldn’t have been anywhere near that list, but her family had connections, so she got to go first.

Everyone knew she didn’t earn it, but nobody dared speak up.

“Let’s welcome the director of Jones Group’s project department to present the awards.”

Natasha came out in a stunning modern gown, immediately grabbing everyone’s attention. As a socialite, she knew how to stand out.

“Cheryl, I hope you achieve even greater things,” Natasha said with a polished smile.

“Thanks, Natasha!” Cheryl answered brightly.

“So now anyone can be called an outstanding graduate?” A calm but cutting male voice came from the crowd. It was Curtis.

Adriana’s originally depressed heart suddenly lifted. Her eyes sparkled when she saw him.

No one noticed when he’d arrived. He sat in the front row in a sleek black suit, relaxed but powerful. His presence alone silenced Quincy.

Adriana stared at him in disbelief. When did he show up?

“Mr. Lincoln … we …” Quincy stammered, unsure what Curtis was thinking.

On stage, Natasha’s smile faded fast. She had no idea why Curtis had appeared out of nowhere.

Danielle said Cynthia was supposed to be coming back. Why wasn’t he at the airport instead?

Annoyed, Natasha frowned. “Mr. Lincoln, this is a graduation ceremony. The awards were voted on by teachers and students. There’s no need to stir things up, right? Someone like you doesn’t have to argue with a new grad, do you?”

Curtis let out a cold laugh. “A new grad? That’s generous. All her design projects were written by someone else. Her attendance record is longer than your speech. How did she even get this award? Did your family buy it for her?”

The words hit hard. Natasha’s face fell, and she looked like a clown standing up there.

Adriana nervously moved closer and sat beside Curtis.

He took her hand and looked straight at Quincy. “Isn’t my girl outstanding enough?”

Quincy nodded frantically. “Adriana is excellent. She’s always been at the top and is one of this year’s best graduates.”

“Then if someone like her is ranked the same as someone who never shows up to class, this award doesn’t mean much. Forget it.” Still holding her hand, Curtis stood, ready to walk out with her.

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