Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 16

r 16 Your Final Warning

The buzz around the trending topic faded away almost overnight.

Adriana sat quietly on the edge of the worn-out bed in her cheap motel room, a bitter, almost resigned smile playing at the corners of her lips. The stale air mixed with the faint smell of mildew, the dim light casting long shadows on the faded wallpaper. It was a far cry from the life she had dreamed of.

Money and influence had the power to erase any trace of truth. In just twenty-four hours, it was as if the scandal had never existed.

Her phone chimed with a new voice message from Georgette. “Adriana, people like us—no connections, no protection—don’t stand a chance against the wealthy. Please, take care of yourself.”

Adriana’s fingers trembled slightly as she typed back, “Thanks.”

Georgette’s voice came through again, softer this time, tinged with worry. “Cheryl tried to bribe me. She offered me a hundred grand to betray you, to drag your name through the mud. I refused, but… you need to watch your back. Not everyone will say no to that kind of money. What if your own classmates turn against you?”

There was a break in her voice, a crack revealing how deeply this was affecting her. “I quit university because of her. That opportunity should have been mine. But she stole it. She even used her influence to turn my roommates against me…”

Adriana listened, heart aching for her friend. She knew this battle was far from over, and the loneliness of it all made the weight heavier.

“I know…” Adriana whispered, her voice barely steady. Then, forcing a small smile, she said, “Get some rest, Georgette. I’ll be fine. I’m not afraid of them.”

When the call ended, Adriana curled into herself in the corner of the room, arms wrapped tightly around her knees. She fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. She couldn’t afford to break down now. Giving up was not an option.

The university had yet to finalize the list for the overseas program. With the public outcry still fresh, they hesitated to release any official statement.

That meant there was still hope.

Adriana was determined not to back down.

Her phone buzzed relentlessly. She had blocked Matthew, but he always found a way around her defenses.

A sharp knock echoed through the room. “Adriana! Open the door!”

Of course he had tracked her down. It was Matthew—persistent, ruthless.

But this time, a chill ran through her veins. She wasn’t sure what lengths he would go to for Natasha.

“Adriana, open up,” Matthew’s voice was harsh, edged with impatience.

Taking a steadying breath, she pulled the door open.

—

Matthew stormed inside and shoved her backward.

Her back slammed painfully against the doorknob, a sharp sting radiating through her spine. Tears pricked her eyes.

Realizing he’d gone too far, Matthew released her abruptly. “What’s with all this drama? Why’d you leave the apartment and move into a dump like this?”

He glanced around the cramped, dim motel room. Thirty dollars a night, no windows, the walls closing in like a cage.

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