Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 159

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

**Chapter 159: Observation**

Jeremy’s gaze was fixed intently on the butler, Arthur, whose expression shifted subtly, reminiscent of a fleeting shadow dancing across a pane of glass. Despite the undercurrents of tension, Arthur’s voice remained steady and composed. “Arthur, remind me. How long have you been in my service?”

With a slight adjustment of his posture, Arthur stood tall. “I began my journey as your assistant when I turned 38. Subsequently, I took on the role of the Bartons’ butler. It has been over two decades now, sir.”

Jeremy nodded slowly, the weight of those words sinking in.

More than two decades.

A vivid memory flooded back to him. Arthur had stepped into the Barton household the very same year that Jeremy had lost both his son and daughter-in-law in that tragic accident in Haldoria.

So, that was when the descent into darkness had truly begun.

A heaviness settled in Jeremy’s chest, akin to a boulder pressing against his heart. He tried to convince himself that he was unscathed, but deep down, he knew that was a lie he couldn’t quite accept.

For nearly thirty years, every individual he had nurtured and placed his trust in had revealed themselves as wolves, lurking and waiting for the moment to pounce on his vulnerability.

“I’m exhausted. I’ve grown too old for this,” Jeremy declared, rising from his seat. He clasped his hands behind his back, exhaling a long, weary sigh as he retreated to his room, seeking solace in the embrace of sleep.

Not long after, the front door creaked open, and the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. Danielle had returned home.

“Where’s Grandpa?” she inquired the moment her eyes fell upon the butler.

Arthur rushed to respond. “Ms. Danielle, Mr. Jeremy is resting. He mentioned he was feeling fatigued.”

Danielle nodded slightly, her expression contemplative. “Then I’ll wait for him.”

Her gaze lingered on Arthur for a moment, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Has Grandpa done anything out of the ordinary lately?”

Arthur hesitated, weighing his words carefully before replying. “He called for Justin. Instructed him to come home.”

Danielle froze, her heart skipping a beat. “Justin?”

Justin Hotchner, the Bartons’ adopted son, was a name that carried both weight and complexity. Jeremy had plucked him from the depths of an orphanage years ago and raised him as if he were his own flesh and blood, grooming him to become the future heir of the Barton Group.

Everything within the family was meant for Nicole, but Jeremy harbored deep-seated doubts about her capacity to lead. Thus, he had prepared Justin to step into her shoes.

Danielle and her brother Chandler both harbored disdain for Justin. He was astute, perhaps too astute, and utterly unyielding.

Danielle had tried every trick in the book to win his favor—flattery, wealth, promises of a bright future. Yet, nothing had worked. Not even the most audacious of temptations.

She recalled the day she had boldly entered his room, completely bare, and he had still turned her away.

The memory ignited a fire of frustration within her. Her jaw clenched tightly, her molars grinding together in a futile attempt to suppress her anger.

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