Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 177

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 177 He Knows No Shame**

Michael’s gaze darted away, a clear reflection of the guilt etched across his features. “Back in those days, the Lincoln Group was crumbling,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “But that was my father’s company, and I was meant to be its heir. It should have been mine.”

His voice trembled, an unconvincing attempt at righteousness. Adriana could see through the facade; he wasn’t merely weak—he was fundamentally corrupt, his very essence tainted.

She stepped closer, her fingers intertwining with Curtis’s, squeezing his hand tightly as if to anchor them both amidst the chaos.

In that moment, a realization dawned on Adriana. This was the weight that had burdened Curtis for days, the source of his tension and unrest.

So, this was the shadow that had loomed over him.

“Dad, if you really ran away when the Lincoln Group was crumbling, then we should just head to the fishing village,” Denton declared, his grip tightening on Michael’s arm. His voice quivered, yet it held steady resolve. “We can return to our old lives. I can earn scholarships for school. Eventually, I’ll make enough to support you and Mom. We don’t need to claim what isn’t ours. This life doesn’t belong to us.”

Juliet’s eyes flared with indignation. “Are you serious?” she bellowed, disbelief dripping from her voice.

This was the Lincoln Group—a colossal empire, billions at stake—and her son was prepared to walk away?

To her, surrendering now was sheer madness. Even a fraction of that wealth could sustain their family for generations to come.

And Harold had only one son. Michael.

Michael’s expression darkened as he shot a glare at Denton, his voice slicing through the air. “You’re just a kid. Do you really think hard work and morals will pay the bills? You haven’t seen the world yet.”

“You’re still too young to understand, boy.”

Michael’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, laced with menace. “Be silent. This is rightfully yours. The Lincolns owe you, and you will claim it.”

Denton’s fists clenched at his sides, frustration bubbling within him. His voice trembled as he replied, “You gave it all up back then. So why should I take what you discarded?”

Curtis, sensing the argument spiraling out of control, redirected his focus to Belinda. “You don’t need to linger here,” he said, his tone icy and unyielding. “Go home. Adriana showed you mercy this time, but there won’t be another chance. You won’t have the opportunity to hurt her again.”

Belinda’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She hastily wiped them away with the back of her hand, understanding that prolonging her stay would only exacerbate the situation.

She turned to Adriana, offering a small, respectful bow before walking away without glancing back.

Curtis then shifted his attention to Michael’s family, his voice flat yet heavy with authority. “This house has nothing to do with the Lincolns. It’s under my wife Adriana’s name. If you step foot inside again, I’ll have you arrested.”

Harold’s decision to allow Michael back into the Lincolns had cut deep for Curtis.

Yet, even amidst his anger, he couldn’t bring himself to sever ties completely. Not because he was unable, but because he wouldn’t. He knew it would devastate Harold if he did.

After all, Harold had raised him when no one else would.

He had no parents. That man had given him everything. Such a debt was not easily forgotten.

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