Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 180

Chapter 180 Adriana’s Comment

Ataithew’s gate hardened. “Curtis has always had a temper. He’s too

Hause he was the Lincolux‘ only heir. No use dured often ut, fou proud People Byd in Hope

But now that Michael’s back, everything’s different Words already out. This industry are blood. The moment another heir showed up, half the people who used to flatter Curtis started betting on Michael’s kid instead. You think he still holds the same power? When it’s not certain that he’ll be heir to the company now?

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “He’s arrogant, Adriana. He refuses to play the game. He won’t bow to anyone, and that makes him an easy target.

“Now that Michael and his son are back, everyone’s just waiting for Curtis to fall.

“Even Harold isn’t standing fully behind him anymore. They’re not that close. Trouble’s coming. You need to start planning ahead before it’s too late.” Planning carly was smart. If she waited until Curtis was kicked out and Denton seized power after graduation, it would be too late.

Adriana’s face twisted with fury. “Planning ahead? You mean bailing on him while I can? And what, running back to you as nothing but a mistress?” She shoved his hand away hard. “Curtis was right about you. You’re all smoke and filth. The only way you know how to fight him is by dragging people through the mud. Because you’ll never, ever be able to win against him any other way.”

Adriana’s words hit Matthew straight in the chest like a knife.

He’d lived his entire life on pride, and now he’d thrown it all away just to try to take Adriana back from Curtis.

“We met first,” he said, his breath rough and uneven. “You were mine for four years.”

He stared at her, confusion twisting in his eyes. He couldn’t understand why she was standing up for Curtis

like this.

He’d always thought she was just angry. Angry that he’d picked Natasha over her.

“Adriana … if this is just you trying to hurt me, then look at me now,” Matthew said, his voice cracking. “You see me like this and feel nothing?”

For once, he wasn’t arrogant. He wasn’t untouchable. He looked small. Broken.

Adriana looked at him, but all she felt was pity.

Why did he wait until now to care?

“Matthew, I’m not angry anymore,” she said softly but firmly. “I love Curtis. I love him with everything I have. He’s my husband. As long as we’re married, he’s the only one for me. And even if that ends one day, there will never be anything between you and me again. So stop holding on to something that’s already gone.”

She held his gaze for a moment. Then she turned and walked away. She made it clear with Matthew. She

had to.

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Chapter 180 Adriana’s Comment

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Matthew didn’t move. His chest felt tight, like the air had been punched out of him.

He’d always believed Adriana would never walk away. That she’d always come back.

He thought he could just apologize, and she’d melt like she always did.

But he finally realized how wrong he’d been.

So completely wrong.

When Adriana walked into the house, she saw Eva moving around the kitchen.

“Eva?” Adriana called.

Eva turned, smiling warmly. “You’re home. Things quieted down a bit, so I came back. Ms. Belinda’s leaving soon–she got accepted to study abroad. And Cynthia’s condition got worse. She’s been sent back to the care

center.”

Adriana nodded slowly, her thoughts drifting back to what Belinda had told her earlier that day.

Her eyes lingered on Eva for

a moment. She wanted to speak but held back.

Belinda’s warning still echoed in her head. Don’t trust anyone. Not even Eva.

Power made people ruthless. Money stripped away conscience. And when faced with either, loyalty could crumble in seconds.

Lva didn’t look dangerous. She looked kind. But what if someone cornered her? What if someone had something to use against her?

Adriana’s stomach tightened at the thought.

Belinda had seemed innocent too, but in the end, fear and desperation to break free from her mother had pushed her to throw Adriana down the stairs.

“Adriana, what should I make for dinner?” Eva called out cheerfully from across the room. “Something light?”

Adriana blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. “Anything’s fine,” she said, forcing a soft smile.

Eva nodded and smiled back. “Got it,” she said before heading toward the kitchen.

Adriana sat on the couch and unlocked her phone. She opened her chat with Curtis and started typing.

“Rough day at work?”

“Not really,” he replied almost instantly.

Her fingers hovered for a second before she continued. “I went to the library today. Then I stopped at the hospital for my check–up. The doctor said I’m recovering well. I just need to rest more.”

She wanted Curtis to know about her day.

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Chapter 180 Adriana’s Comment

Curtis’s reply came seconds later. “That’s good. Keep resting.”

“Eva’s back from helping Cynthia,” she typed next.

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“Yeah,” Curtis responded. “Let her take care of you. Tell her if you want anything special.”

Adriana stared at the screen, her thumb hesitating. She typed, “Can Eva really be trusted?” But before hitting send, she deleted it.

Curtis already had too much on his shoulders. He couldn’t protect her from everything. She needed to learn to stand on her own.

She couldn’t keep being the one who slowed him down.

“Eva,” Adriana said finally, standing up with a gentle smile. “The doctor told me to eat more protein to heal faster. Can you stop by the market and get some fresh prawns? I’d like to have some.”

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got.”

Adriana nodded, watching her walk out the door as a strange quiet filled the house.

The moment Eva stepped out, Adriana grabbed her phone and made a call. Her voice was low but steady as she asked for a technician to come over right away.

Curtis had already installed cameras in the living room and hallway, but the kitchen had always been left alone.

That was about to change. She needed proof. She needed to know that every dish coming out of that kitchen was safe.

The technician worked fast. He packed up his tools just as the front door opened again.

Adriana’s pulse spiked. Her fingers curled around the edge of the couch. Too fast.

“Eva, back already?” she asked, forcing her voice to sound casual.

Eva laughed softly. “Yeah. The market right outside had what I needed. I figured you’d be hungry, so I didn’t waste time going farther.”

Adriana gave a polite smile, but suspicion twisted in her gut. Eva usually bought all their ingredients from an imported grocery store Curtis personally approved of. He was obsessive about food quality. So why cut corners now? Why rush back? Is she afraid of something?

Eva glanced toward the hallway. “I saw a man leaving when I came in. What was that about?”

Adriana’s expression didn’t waver. Good thing she’d thought ahead. The technician already knew what to say if anyone asked.

“Oh, that was just someone checking the air conditioner in the main bedroom,” she said smoothly. “It’s been acting up again. Nothing serious.”

Eva nodded and smiled. “Got it.” Then she disappeared into the kitchen.

Adriana sat down, picked up her phone, and opened the camera app. The live feed came into view instantly. The footage was clear. Every counter, every motion, every small gesture was visible.

Eva moved with flawless precision. Her knife skills were quick and controlled. Her posture straight. Her pace calm. Every movement spoke of years of discipline..

Everything looked normal. She chopped, stirred, tasted, and washed like she always did. No wonder she managed to work for Curtis for so long.

For a moment, Adriana’s shoulders loosened. Maybe she was just being paranoid. Curtis trusted Eva completely. She had been with him for years, loyal to the bone. He’d even brought her from Harborton when he relocated to Haldoria.

Adriana almost turned off the screen–until she saw it.