Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 12

Curtis gave a firm nod. “I’ll drive you home.”

Adriana hesitated only briefly before quietly stepping out with him, the hum of the gala fading behind her.

“Adriana!” Matthew’s voice cut through the air, sharp and filled with anger. She had never defied him like this before.

Without a second thought, he started to follow her, completely disregarding the eyes of the crowd gathered at the event, all watching the tense scene unfold.

Natasha quickly intervened, grabbing his arm gently but firmly, her voice strained with effort. “Matthew, my dad and some important guests are here. Let me introduce you.”

That brought Matthew back to reality. He glanced at Natasha and gave a slight nod, the anger in his eyes dimming just a little.

Around them, the onlookers, drawn in by the unexpected drama, exchanged stunned glances. No one could quite piece together the connection between Matthew, Curtis, and the striking woman who had just walked away.

“Matthew’s really serious about Natasha, huh? It’s rare to see genuine love in our circle,” one whispered.

“Natasha’s smart. Her family wants a foothold in the Moweland market, so she marries a guy from there. Once the thrill dies down, she divorces him and comes back for Matthew. Either way, she wins,” another murmured knowingly.

A few socialites leaned in, their voices hushed but full of intrigue.

Natasha was a master at playing the game, always knowing the right moment to make her move. She married strategically, and despite her divorce, returning to Haldoria meant she could still claim Matthew—and maintain her status as the envy of every wealthy wife.

Linking her arm through Matthew’s, Natasha shot a sharp glance at Adriana’s retreating figure.

I underestimated Adriana. She actually got involved with Curtis.

Though Natasha had spent recent years abroad, she had kept a close eye on Matthew’s every move. She understood men’s minds well. When Adriana first appeared, Natasha dismissed her as no real threat.

She believed that as long as she returned, Matthew would remain hers.

So she hadn’t interfered—until now.

Now that she was back, she had to ensure Adriana walked away on her own accord.

What surprised her was Adriana’s ability to get close to the Lincolns.

The Lincolns were a pillar of Harborton society, their wealth rooted deep in old money and powerful connections. Curtis was one of their most promising heirs. Natasha had assumed Matthew’s dominance in Haldoria was unchallenged, but Curtis was a man Matthew could not afford to cross.

Matthew’s voice broke through Natasha’s thoughts. “I’m not feeling well. Let’s leave early,” he said, distracted, his mind still tangled with thoughts of Adriana. He wanted to find her, to demand what she was thinking.

I told her to stay away from Curtis. Why didn’t she listen?

Natasha glanced at him, a flicker of worry crossing her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a calm smile. “Alright. Let’s go after you say hello to my dad.”

Matthew squeezed her hand in response.

I’m going to marry Natasha. I’ve loved her for years and waited for her return.

Adriana? She’s just someone I call when I feel like it.

Curtis drove Adriana back to her apartment.

“Thank you for everything today, Mr. Lincoln,” Adriana said as she stepped out, giving him a small, respectful bow.

She was grateful—not only for his help at the station but also for the way he had stood up for her at the gala.

“My offer still stands,” Curtis said with a hint of a smile. “If you ever decide to marry me, just say the word.”

Adriana didn’t decline. That offer was her fallback plan, a safety net for when she had nowhere else to turn.

After Curtis drove away, Adriana stepped inside her modest rental.

She looked around, suddenly feeling like a stranger in the space.

Four years earlier, Matthew had brought her here from the hospital, telling her this would be her home.

She had been so happy that day.

Never before had she had a place to call her own. Growing up in an orphanage and later living in shared dorms meant she was always surrounded by others.

So this apartment—a luxurious unit in one of Haldoria’s most prestigious neighborhoods—had once meant everything to her.

She had cherished it deeply. Back then, she would clean every corner until it gleamed.

In her youthful innocence, she even imagined this would be the home she shared with Matthew.

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