Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 123

Back at the club, Darren had once joked that Adriana was exactly Curtis’s type.

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He never expected that throwaway comment to come true. The woman Matthew had kept for four years actually ended up at Curtis’s side.

As a rich playboy who’d spent his life around beautiful women, Darren couldn’t quite wrap his head around it. Sure, Adriana was pretty, but in their world, pretty faces were everywhere. Compared to all the bold, showy socialites, she seemed almost too ordinary.

She was obedient–sweet and quiet. But Matthew had said before that women like that were always the ones who got hurt.

Because after a while, men got bored.

So Darren didn’t think Curtis would stay interested in her for long.

“Let’s go.” Darren smiled when Adriana hung up the phone.

She nodded and stood up. “Thank you, Mr. Maldonado.”

He raised an eyebrow. Under the sunlight, Adriana’s fair skin almost seemed to glow. Her eyes were bright and clear, her face bare of makeup, effortlessly drawing attention. He had to admit–this gentle, innocent type was exactly the kind that made people fall in love at first sight.

Otherwise, Matthew wouldn’t have kept her around for four years, and Curtis wouldn’t have fallen for her at first glance.

“Give me your number.” Once they got in the car, Darren handed her his business card. “If you and Curtis ever split, you could always give me a call.”

He smirked. He wasn’t the worst man in their crowd, but he wasn’t a good one either.

His interest in Adriana was entirely because of her beauty.

Adriana hesitated, glanced at the card, and smiled innocently. “Curtis gives me 30 million dollars a year. Can you top that, Mr. Maldonado?”

Darren froze, his hand tightening on the steering wheel. Inwardly, he cursed. 30 million dollars a year? Curtis was insane–driving up market prices like that.

He coughed and dropped the subject. He really hadn’t expected Adriana to have such a sharp tongue.

Seeing him flustered, Adriana slipped the card into her pocket.

He was Curtis’s friend, after all–no need to make things awkward.

Darren drove her to one of his hotels and personally took her to a room. “You can stay here for now. With Mr. Harold’s reach, it won’t be hard for him to find you, but hiding here for three or four days should be

safe.”

Adriana nodded and tried to close the door. “Thanks.”

20:16 Mon, Jan 5 G

Chapter 123 Adriana’s Price

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He leaned against the doorframe, blocking her. Ilis gaze studied her like he was trying to solve a puzzle.

Adriana looked up, puzzled.

“I’m curious,” he said with a half–smile. “What’s so special about you that Matthew and Curtis are both fighting over you?”

“It’s not about being special,” she said seriously. “I’m just unlucky.”

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Four years ago, when she met Matthew, she thought she was lucky. Later, she realized he’d brought her more pain than anyone else ever had.

So yes–just unlucky.

Darren chuckled. “Don’t be too soft. In our world, gentle women are prey at the bottom of the food chain. Someone like you…” He gave her a quick once–over. “You’d get eaten alive–bones and all.”

Adriana tilted her head. “But even a weak vine can choke a giant tree to death, can’t it?”

He paused for a moment, then gave a faint, mocking smile. “You’re too naive, sweetheart.”

He waved his phone. “Save my number. Call me if you need anything. The hotel staff will bring your meals. Try not to go out otherwise.”

Adriana nodded.

He gave her one last, meaningful look before leaving.

He wasn’t sure why he was so curious–maybe because it was rare to see two cold, work–obsessed men like Matthew and Curtis lose their composure over the same woman.

Once the door closed, Adriana went into the bathroom.

Sitting on the toilet, she felt a sharp, stabbing pain in her stomach.

There was only a little blood on her pad–not much at all. She didn’t think much of it. Less was better, anyway. She’d rushed here and hadn’t bought any supplies yet. She’d pick some up later.

Thinking about missing her shopping date with Belinda, she sent her a quick text, saying she wouldn’t be able to go out for the next few days.

Belinda didn’t reply. Maybe she was angry.

Girls her age were emotional, and with her fiery temper, getting mad was nothing unusual.

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