Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Adriana No Longer Obeys Him

At a business gala in Haldoria.

They invited Curtis’s grandfather, Harold Lincoln, the former chairman of the chamber of commerce.

Harold was getting on in years, came in a wheelchair, said a few words, and left early.

When Curtis showed up with Adriana, Harold was just about to leave.

“Curtis, is this your girlfriend? After all these years, you finally-” Harold looked at Adriana, smiling kindly.

Adriana glanced nervously at Curtis, unsure how he’d introduced her.

“She’s my plus one, Grandpa,” Curtis cut him off. “I haven’t won her over yet. Not officially my girlfriend.”

Harold chuckled and looked at Adriana. “Lovely girl. You two take your time.”

He was too old to hang around.

The assistant pushed the wheelchair away. Curtis turned to Adriana. “Sorry for using you as an excuse.”

“It’s fine.” Adriana shook her head.

“Mr. Lincoln! This is the first time I have seen you bring someone to one of these events. Whose daughter is she? Must be someone special.” A few businessmen walked over, grinning.

“She’s gorgeous. Of course Mr. Lincoln would have good taste.”

Everyone here was a big shot–people Adriana neither wanted to meet nor get involved with.

She hated this kind of crowd. They all felt like predators who’d chew you up and spit out the bones.

These people. Matthew too.

Most likely, Curtis as well.

“She’s young, a little shy. I won’t bother introducing her to everyone.” Curtis offered his arm.

Adriana clung to it, nervous and wanting to leave.

She hated this place.

The constant scheming, fake smiles–it was suffocating

“Mr. Lincoln, seeing you like this–are wedding bells around the corner? Your grandfather said his biggest wish is to see you married. Should be happening soon,ght?” someone teased.

Curtis just smiled and didn’t answer.

The others got the hint and dropped the subject.

“Hey, did you guys hear? Matthew’s getting married. He proposed to Natasha from the Joneses last week. Might beat all of us to it.”

Adriana’s chest tightened. She subconsciously gripped Curtis’s arm a little harder.

Curtis noticed but didn’t say anything–just gave her a glance.

“Why didn’t Natasha marry him before? Had to run off and marry that guy from Moweland? Four years away, divorced, and now she’s back.”

“Well, she’s confident. Even after the divorce. Matthew only has eyes for her.”

Back when Natasha got married and left, there was never any gossip around Matthew. Everyone in the circle. knew he was head over heels for Natasha. That kind of devotion was rare in wealthy families, which made them the center of attention.

“Speak of the devil!” someone called out, laughing as they looked toward the entrance. “Matthew, you’re late. Three shots as punishment!”

Matthew arrived with Natasha.

Tonight, Natasha looked stunning in a custom champagne–colored gown. Her elegant, mature face lit up the room.

Adriana couldn’t help but envy her–the confidence that came from privilege.

“Are you scared?” Curtis asked softly.

He was asking if she was afraid of running into Matthew

Adriana shook her head.

There was nothing to be afraid of anymore.

She and Matthew had nothing to do with each other.

“Natasha’s brother got hurt, and there’s a traffic jam on the way from the hospital,” Matthew explained politely as he walked over.

“It’s been a while, Mr. Lincoln.” Matthew smiled at Curtis

Everyone knew Natasha came from a good family, and as Matthew’s first love, she was always treated with respect.

But Curtis was different.

Natasha’s expression stiffened. She frowned at Curtis. “You know Adriana? She’s Matthew’s assistant. We’re friends.”

“Friends?” Curtis sneered, turning to Matthew. “I didn’t know you were into the sweet little act, Mr. Langford.”

The whole circle froze, shocked at the sudden tension between Curtis and Matthew.

What was going on?

The Lincolns ruled Harborton. The Langfords were at the top in Haldoria. These two never had issues— why the fireworks tonight?

Matthew stayed quiet, staring deeply at Adriana.

Adriana didn’t look back–not because she was scared, but because she didn’t want to.

“Natasha, why don’t you mingle with your friends?” Mathew said gently, giving Natasha a way out.

Her face wasn’t looking great, but as a proper heiress, she couldn’t argue back.

She gave Adriana a sharp look before walking away.

Matthew’s gaze went back to Adriana. “Adriana, come with me.”

He said it low, then headed toward the restroom, fully expecting her to follow.

For four years, she always had.

No matter how unreasonable his requests, she always obeyed.

But this time, she didn’t.

After a few steps, Matthew turned, staring at her.

Adriana made no move to follow. Instead, she clutched Curtis’s arm tighter and whispered, “Mr. Lincoln, your grandfather already left … can I go home?”

She was feeling sick.

Seeing Natasha and Matthew made her physically nauseous.