Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 102

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen**
by Kael Niro Senn

Adriana felt her breath hitch in her throat as she froze, her mind racing. “What?” she managed to utter, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with disbelief.

Eva’s expression was a mixture of anxiety and urgency, her brow furrowed deeply. “That’s not even the worst part,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly. “Mr. Harold plans to take back his shares and kick Mr. Lincoln out of the company. Even during their fierce arguments over Cynthia years ago, he never displayed this level of fury.”

Adriana’s heart sank as she processed Eva’s words. She stared at her friend, wide-eyed and speechless.

It was evident that Eva had her ear to the ground within the Lincoln Estate; her knowledge of the intricate dynamics between the Lincolns and the Bartons was too detailed to be mere speculation. It was as if she held a secret key to the household, allowing her access to its most guarded whispers. If Eva was saying this, it was undoubtedly true.

“But why would he do that?” Adriana asked, her brow knitting in confusion. Curtis was Harold’s only grandson. Why would Harold resort to such drastic measures?

Eva leaned in closer, lowering her voice as if afraid someone might overhear. “Word is, Mr. Harold wants Mr. Lincoln to divorce you and marry Nicole,” she explained with a heavy sigh. “He’s determined to uphold the marriage agreement between the Lincolns and the Bartons, no matter the cost.”

Adriana’s eyes widened in shock. So, Curtis had enraged his grandfather by refusing to marry Nicole? The implications of this revelation weighed heavily on her.

“Didn’t Curtis already reject the Bartons’ marriage proposal years ago when he left for Cynthia?” she asked, struggling to comprehend why Harold was angrier now than he had been then.

“Because Nicole returned. Back then, Mr. Lincoln turned down the marriage because the Bartons had switched their plans, wanting Curtis to marry Danielle instead,” Eva explained, her gaze softening with pity as she regarded Adriana. “Mrs. Lincoln, I’ve known Mr. Harold for years. He is relentless when it comes to that marriage deal between the families.”

To Eva, it was only a matter of time before Curtis capitulated.

Adriana nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place.

“Adriana, I genuinely like you,” Eva said, shifting closer and gently taking Adriana’s hand in hers. “But I work for the Lincolns.”

Guilt was evident on Eva’s face as she continued, “Mr. Harold called me earlier. He asked me to persuade you to leave on your own terms. He assured me he would agree to whatever you request. Please, don’t make things harder for Mr. Lincoln.”

The weight of the situation pressed down on Adriana like a heavy blanket. If she were to leave voluntarily, perhaps Curtis could escape the fallout.

“I understand,” Adriana replied quietly, her heart sinking with the knowledge of the sacrifice that lay ahead.

“I know this is painful,” Eva sighed, her voice laced with empathy. “But if you don’t end this marriage, Mr. Lincoln might really be forced out. Years ago, after some family drama, Mr. Harold sent him back to their old house in Govendale.”

“Mr. Harold cares deeply for his grandson, but he was a soldier in his youth. He’s strict, serious, and not the type to indulge anyone’s whims,” she added, her tone somber.

Adriana fidgeted with her fingers, her mind racing in a whirlwind of thoughts. She couldn’t allow Curtis to lose everything because of her.

“I’ll file for the divorce myself,” she whispered, the decision settling heavily in her chest.

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air, until Adriana suddenly looked up, a spark of realization lighting her eyes. “Wait, Curtis’ old house is in Govendale?”

Eva nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Yes. The Lincolns hail from Govendale. They later moved to Harborton for business, but their family altar and ancestral home remain there. Whenever Mr. Lincoln finds himself in trouble, he must return to that house and reflect.”

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