Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161 Jeremy’s Plan

Jeremy exhaled, long and heavy, Chandler’s hunger for power had turned into something ugly.

Finishind

The worst mistake of his life had been showing that family mercy. He’d let them into the Bartons when he should’ve shut the door. Now, they were too big to throw out.

He could only wait. Wait for Nicole to come home.

“Chandler and Danielle are getting stronger,” Jeremy said quietly. “When Nicole comes back, she’ll need someone to stand by her. You have to protect her.”

Justin nodded once.

Danielle had called him the Bartons lapdog, and maybe she was right. But even if that was true, then the only master he’d ever serve was the real Nicole.

At the Blakes banquet, Nicole had made a scene that everyone still talked about. The rumors spread fast. They said Jeremy’s long–lost granddaughter was nothing more than a common girl pretending to belong to high society.

They mocked her, saying a swan raised among ducks would always end up waddling like one.

Adriana had pushed Nicole that night on purpose. She wanted her to snap and humiliate herself. She just hadn’t expected the fallout to hit the Bartons too.

Still, Jeremy didn’t let it get to him. The Barton Group was too powerful to fall over gossip. Nicole’s slip–up was nothing but a scratch on their armor. It hurt, but it wouldn’t break.

“Adriana! Get out here! You hear me? Get your ass out here!”

Nicole’s voice split through the still air outside the villa like a blade. She’d waited until she was sure Curtis. wasn’t home before daring to show up.

On the second–floor balcony, Adriana was folding clothes into her suitcase. When she heard the shouting. she walked over and glanced down. Nicole was at the gate, red–faced and screaming.

Adriana sighed, her patience running thin. She didn’t feel pity. Nicole wasn’t just stupid–she was pathetic. She was an embarrassment to Jeremy.

“Adriana! You think you’re so high and mighty, don’t you?” Nicole yelled up at her. “Well, guess what? My grandpa knows everything you people did to me. He sent someone to protect me! He’s strong too, stronger than Curtis! You’ll see. You’ll be the one begging me for mercy when I’m done with you!”

Nicole’s voice cracked from shouting. She was certain Adriana’s marriage wouldn’t last.

You hear me, you fake?” Nicole screamed louder when Adriana didn’t answer. “When Curtis leaves you, you’ll be nothing but a joke. A sad little nobody who thought she mattered!”

Adriana leaned against the railing, watching her lose it. Nicole stomped and waved her arms like a street performer throwing a tantrum.

So that’s what a clown really looks like, she thought.

גוד

20:15 Wed, Jan 7

G đ

Chapter 161 Jeremy’s Plan

“Adriana! Don’t ignore me! Get down here right now!”

Finished

Adriana almost laughed. But just then, she saw a familiar car turn into the driveway. Curtis was back. Her heart lifted, and a smile slipped across her face. She turned away from the balcony and hurried down the stairs, her steps light and quick.

Her mood was bright for once. Curtis had promised to take her on a trip.

When he’d asked where she wanted to go, she hadn’t hesitated. “Neocoralis,” she’d said.

Years ago, she’d dreamed of going there with Matthew. She would’ve followed him anywhere,

– even if it

Just another business t

But he never took her. He’d only told her to get two tickets–for himself and Natasha.

was

Maybe it was vanity, maybe just a piece of her old dream, but she’d always wanted to see that place. Now she would. Not with Matthew. With Curtis.

She just wanted to see the sea.

“Curtis!” Adriana called, running down the last few steps, the joy on her face impossible to hide.

Curtis had spent the morning at the office handling contracts. On his way home, he’d stopped to buy her favorite little cakes.

Nicole was still standing by the gate when he pulled up.

Her confidence faltered the second she saw him, but she forced out a shaky voice. “Curtis, my grandpa said… well, my birthday’s next month, on the third. He’s throwing a party for me in Haldoria. Are you coming?

Curtis didn’t even glance her way. His attention was already on Adriana, who ran straight into his arms. “Slow down,” he said softly, holding her close. “The doctor said no running or jumping, remember?”

Adriana froze for a second before realizing what he meant. She smiled sheepishly. She’d forgotten she was

pregnant.

She looked up at him, happiness shining in her eyes. Nicole was ignored. “Curtis, I finished packing. Can we go now?”

Curtis smiled, his gaze gentle as he brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. He could see how much this trip meant to her.

“Yeah,” he said. “Kenneth’s on his way. He’ll drive us to the airport.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, leading her back toward the house, leaving Nicole frozen in silence behind them.

Nicole stood there shaking, her face dark as thunder. “Curtis! I’m still a Barton! You don’t get to treat me like this! I know why you won’t end that marriage. You hate it, but you’re too damn scared to walk away. You’re a coward! The same coward who got his mother killed!”

Curtis froze mid–step. His body went rigid. The air around him turned cold and heavy. Adriana had never seen that look on his face before. His warmth vanished, replaced by something sharp and dark that made her stomach twist

20:15 Wed, Jan 7 G.

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