Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 107

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**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 107: Graduation Ceremony**

Danielle felt the heat of frustration rising within her, her fists clenched tightly as if to contain the storm brewing inside. “Dad, are we really just going to let this go? After dedicating so many years to building this company, are we really going to stand by while Curtis destroys everything we’ve worked for?” Her voice was laced with indignation, each word punctuated by the weight of her emotions.

Chandler’s expression was a mask of fury, his jaw set with the kind of tension that suggested he was ready to explode. “What do you want us to do? You honestly think we can take him on right now?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife, filled with the frustration of a man cornered. “You really messed up this time.”

Danielle’s shoulders slumped slightly as she muttered, “I just thought if Curtis and Adriana split up faster, he’d marry Nicole.” Her gaze dropped to the floor, a hint of guilt creeping into her tone.

Chandler took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. “There’s no need to rush. We’ll take our time with this. The Barton Group will eventually be ours, mark my words,” he said through gritted teeth, his resolve hardening with each syllable.

Meanwhile, in the villa, Curtis found himself ensnared in a video call that seemed to stretch on indefinitely. He was oblivious to the world outside his screen, while Adriana, freshly showered and clad in a delicate nightgown, lay in bed waiting for him.

Bonnie’s guidebook had always emphasized one crucial rule: a doll must always be ready for her sugar daddy.

As Curtis finally emerged from his work cocoon and stepped into the bedroom, he was greeted by the sight of Adriana, half-asleep yet attempting to exude allure in her sheer nightie. Instead of the sultry vision she aimed to project, she looked more like a weary kitten than a temptress.

A smirk played on Curtis’s lips as he took in the scene, his mind racing with thoughts that danced between amusement and desire. “Aren’t you feeling cold?” he asked, a teasing laugh escaping him as he pulled the blanket closer around her.

Adriana shot up, her eyes wide and innocent. “Do you want a baby?” she asked, her voice a mixture of hope and vulnerability.

Curtis inhaled deeply, his mind racing. “Is it still your ovulation period?” The question hung in the air, heavy with implications. He craved her, that much was undeniable, but he couldn’t shake the nagging thought—could her petite frame handle the weight of such a decision?

She nodded eagerly, her excitement palpable. “There’s still a chance before my period,” she replied, her enthusiasm almost infectious.

Curtis’s gaze bore into her, inscrutable and intense. What had transpired during his absence? Had Danielle or Nicole intimidated her? Or was it merely the stress of their complicated lives weighing her down?

Perhaps she feared he would abandon her, and with it, her chance at that thirty million.

“Adriana,” he said softly, settling beside her on the bed, “even if we only stay married for a day, I’ll still keep my promise.” His voice was gentle, soothing, as he sought to reassure her. He wanted her to understand that her worth was not tied to monetary gain or opportunities abroad.

“But you’ve already given me so much. If we’re not divorced, shouldn’t I try harder?” Adriana’s eyes searched his, filled with an earnestness that twisted something deep within him.

Curtis felt a pang of hurt at her words; it was as if she viewed their relationship as merely transactional. The thought stung, a reminder of how she was undervaluing herself—and it pained him to witness it.

“Adriana, actually I…” he began, but the words caught in his throat. He swallowed hard, the weight of his unspoken feelings hanging heavily between them.