Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 No Mercy Was Given

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Adriana glared at Matthew, her eyes full of hatred. “Mathew! You bastard!”

Matthew looked away, unable to meet her eyes.

“Mr. Langford, you showed up first thing in the morning with your lover. Is this supposed to be an apology?” A voice came from the doorway. Curtis stepped into the ward carrying breakfast and set it on the table. He looked coldly at Natasha. “I heard your brother took the fall for you? Illegal detention’s a serious charge. He’s probably looking at a few extra years behind bars for covering your mess.”

Natasha’s face turned pale in an instant. She grabbed tightly onto Matthew’s arm.

It was obvious–Natasha was afraid of Curtis.

And for good reason. The Lincolns were an old–money family in Harborton, far beyond what the Joneses could ever match.

Matthew instinctively pulled Natasha behind him and shot Curtis a look of irritation. “Mr. Lincoln, you seem to have too much free time, wasting your energy on people who aren’t worth it.”

“Whether someone’s worth it or not isn’t up to you or me to decide,” Curtis replied coolly, not backing down an inch.

Matthew frowned and looked back at Adriana. “Think it over. I’ll be in touch.”

With that, he took Natasha by the hand and left.

In Matthew’s eyes, Curtis was just a loose cannon. Everyone in their circle knew his mood swings came without warning. If he wanted to spend his time on someone as “worthless” as Adriana, so be it.

Adriana would never go with a guy like him.

Curtis let out a cold remark as he took a seat by the side “You really went for that guy? Your taste is seriously questionable.” He gestured toward the breakfast. “Eat.”

Adriana gave Curtis a grateful look. “Mr. Lincoln, you’re still in Haldoria?”

Curtis leaned back lazily on the couch. He was quiet for moment before answering, “Afternoon flight.”

Adriana nodded.

“I saw your work,” Curtis said again, breaking the silence

Adriana looked a little surprised. “Mr. Lincoln, you sawy graduation project online?”

Curtis nodded. “You’ve definitely got talent.”

A trace of warmth surged in Adriana’s chest. “Thank you

“I’m willing to lower the original terms of the agreemen I’ll approve the funding for you to study abroad in Pastalia this year,” Curtis said, looking at her with intent

Adriana’s eyes lit up, and she looked at him nervously. “Really?”

Curtis nodded again and stood, looking down at her. “But I have one condition.”

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Chapter 26 No Mercy Was Given

Adriana’s heart skipped. She looked at him, tense.

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“When you come back, you’ll join Lincoln Group,” Curtis said firmly. He had always been eager to recruit talent–and Adriana was one. If he saw potential, he wouldn’t let it go.

Adriana thought for a moment, then nodded.

That wasn’t a condition; it was an opportunity.

Even if she came back from overseas with awards and accolades, without money or backing, starting her own business would be nearly impossible. Having the right platform mattered.

Lincoln Group was one of the top firms in the entire industry. Getting a spot there was already a privilege.

Curtis added, looking straight at her, “And one more thing, during the course of the marriage … I want a child.”

Adriana froze, staring at him.

So, they’d have to be a real married couple?

“If you’re not comfortable with physical intimacy, I’ll agree to IVF. Either way, before my grandpa passes, I want him to have a great–grandchild,” Curtis said matter–of–factly.

There was no emotion in his tone. He wasn’t talking about love; he was laying out terms for a deal.

Curtis valued Adriana’s talent and her capabilities. That was why he was negotiating marriage with her as though it was a transaction.

In Curtis’s world, everything had a price tag–even marriage.

Adriana could see it clearly. Curtis wasn’t like Matthew. What he wanted was straightforward—a deal with clear terms. That kind of honesty didn’t leave room for expectations. And without expectations, there’d be no emotional fallout later.

But Matthew… When he first brought her home, all he hid was that he’d protect her and wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. He gave her the illusion that he loved her, that he wanted a real relationship, that he could give her the safety and love she needed.

That illusion had nearly cost Adriana her life.

“Alright. I agree,” Adriana said without much hesitation.

She agreed.

She was willing to work with Curtis. She’d enter a contractual marriage with him, study abroad, and then return to work at Lincoln Group.

As long as she could escape Matthew and get the life she wanted, it was worth it.

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