Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 156

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 156: Goodbye**

Matthew’s expression darkened as he stepped protectively in front of Adriana, his body tense. “Mom, you promised you wouldn’t come after Adriana. I told you I would take care of this myself,” he declared, his voice firm yet laced with an undercurrent of desperation.

Elise’s eyes flashed with anger. “Handle what exactly?” she snapped, her voice rising. “Your version of handling things involves hiring a lawyer to plead for a reduced sentence? Mia cannot go to jail!” The weight of her words hung in the air, heavy with the implications of family loyalty and desperation.

Matthew stood his ground, his jaw set. “They broke the law. A reduced sentence is already the best outcome we can hope for,” he replied, his tone unwavering as he defended Adriana.

With a swift motion, Elise slammed her hand on the table, rising to her full height, her frustration palpable. “Matthew, your grandpa loves Mia the most! If you mess this up, you’ll have to face the consequences alone. Once your grandpa loses faith in you and allows that illegitimate son into the family, you will lose your standing with the Langfords entirely!” Her words were sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Matthew’s face tightened, the reality of her words sinking in.

Elise gestured for Natasha and Felicia to follow her, a clear indication that she wanted to give Matthew and Adriana some “private space” to talk. She was willing to sacrifice her own son if it meant saving Mia, her determination unwavering.

But her confidence in Matthew was misplaced.

Adriana had made it clear—she no longer wanted him.

Natasha shot Matthew a bitter glance, took a deep, steadying breath, and then followed Elise and Felicia out of the room, her heart heavy with unspoken words.

Felicia, fully aware of Elise’s intentions, chose not to intervene. Her focus was solely on saving Rufus, the true gem of the Jones family. In her eyes, Natasha was merely an accessory, a pawn in the family’s business marriage strategies.

Cheryl, with a scoff, exited as well. As she passed by, she slyly snapped a picture of Matthew and Adriana with her phone, a mischievous glint in her eye. She planned to send it to Curtis, hoping to stir trouble by suggesting that Adriana still had feelings for Matthew. She wanted Curtis to believe that Adriana was being unfaithful.

With that, the room fell silent, leaving only Matthew and Adriana amidst the remnants of their shattered connection.

“Adriana, I’m truly sorry,” Matthew said, his voice laced with concern. “I had no idea Natasha would bring my mom here. Are you alright? Did they hurt you?” His eyes searched hers, desperate for reassurance.

Adriana maintained her distance, a wall of resolve between them. “I’m Curtis’s wife. They wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me,” she replied, her tone cool and detached.

Matthew’s heart sank at her words, and a bitter smile crept onto his face. “So, you’re still angry with me…” he murmured, the pain evident in his voice.

“Mr. Langford, you’re overthinking this. I’m not mad,” Adriana insisted, shaking her head firmly. “But please, don’t waste your time. I won’t drop the case, and I won’t sign anything to help Mia or Rufus. Just give up.” Her resolve was like steel, unyielding and clear.

Matthew nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. “I’m not trying to force you into anything. I tried to stop my mom. I told them I would take care of everything… I did it to keep them from bothering you,” he explained, his voice tinged with regret.

“Well, if that’s the case, then there’s really no reason for us to meet again. Goodbye,” Adriana said, her heart aching as she turned to leave. The thought of remaining for the class gathering felt unbearable. Her classmates, even the teacher, had sided with Cheryl, and the sense of betrayal was suffocating.

Her eyes stung with unshed tears, and she longed to escape before the dam broke.

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