Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 376

Chapter 376 I’m Here

“So what if she’s Mr. Barton’s only heir? When it comes to real interests, nobody matters.” One of the judges, who was both an organizer for the competition and a former member of Barton Group, joked with Chandler in private.

After leaving Barton Group, he focused on organizing these competitions.

Adriana knew who he was. The manager of Barton Group’s architectural design department had approached her ahead of time, advising her that unless she was absolutely confident, she should withdraw from the contest. Otherwise, her reputation within Barton Group would definitely take a hit.

But Adriana had ignored the advice.

Withdraw? If she quit, how was she supposed to see the drama unfold?

“You’re right. Benefits always come first.” Chandler laughed and offered the man a cigarette. The two of them sneaked out for a smoke break before the competition started.

Adriana hid in a corner, waiting for them to enter the venue before she took off her sunglasses and walked inside.

“Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Right before entering the hall with Kenneth, Adriana received a message from Curtis on WhatsApp.

Adriana smiled. Seeing Curtis’s message always made her feel more at ease.

“Well, if it isn’t Adriana. Ms. Xander, I heard you’re the new Barton Group heiress now? Impressive, you’ve really made something of yourself.” As soon as Adriana entered, an old acquaintance from a wealthy family came over to stir up trouble.

Adriana knew this was just Danielle’s way of making things difficult for her.

“Back then, you were always crying and getting bullied. You were barely an adult when you stuck to Matthew. Then you dumped him for Curtis. And now, you’re suddenly the Barton Group heir. Wow, just wow.” The rich kid got more and more excited, finally yelling for the whole hall to hear.

Everyone here today was someone important in their circles, and Barton Group’s top executives were present, too. Clearly, Danielle and Savannah wanted to ruin Adriana’s reputation in front of everyone. “What a disgrace.” Some Barton Group executives had already started to gossip among themselves.

Kenneth’s face darkened. He was ready to step in, but Adriana stopped him.

Adriana looked at the rich kid and smiled. “I remember you. You’re Lance Hamilton, aren’t you? You are always following Mia and Rufus. They’ve already gone in. What, are you stuck out here, getting jealous?”

At the mention of his name, Lance’s face turned sour, but he quickly sneered. “Adriana, quit acting like some heiress. Just because you inherited from the Bartons doesn’t mean you’re anybody. Trash will always be trash.”

Adriana nodded and smiled. “I really do pity you.”

“Savannah, you’re just the acting CEO. The real authority in Lincoln Group is with me. Are you telling me I can’t make such a simple decision?” Denton asked.

Savannah froze, unable to get a word out for a long time.

She bit her lip, realizing that Denton had gotten much stronger after his years abroad–he was no longer easy to control.

She snorted and went back to her seat, but she still had one last card to play against Denton.

Once Denton learned he was HIV positive, she wondered if he’d still be as calm as he was now.

“Adriana! Do you really think the Hamiltons only rely on the Lincoln Group? Ever since Curtis died, our family has already been cutting down on cooperation with them!” Lance sneered, still trying to act tough.

Everything Adriana did to Lance today was a warning–to the Barton Group executives and everyone else in the room. This was her way of making an example out of him.

She wanted everyone to see that she now had the power to call the shots–not just with the Lincoln Group. but also with Ainsworth Group and the Bartons.

Adriana smiled. “The Hamiltons‘ business with Lincoln Group dropped by 15 percent last year, now accounting for 28 percent of your total. Meanwhile, your business with Ainsworth Group is up 18 percent, making up 32 percent of your total. If both Lincoln Group and Ainsworth Group suspend cooperation at the same time, the Hamiltons will be finished in less than three months.”