Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 188

Chapter 188 Growing Up Without Love

Adriana tightened her grip, afraid these people would steamroll Curtis.

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He squeezed her hand back and gave her a small smile–as if to say, That’s it. If they push, push back. I’ve got you.

Her pulse steadied. If Curtis was bracing the door behind her, she could stand in it.

“Curtis, look at the girl you brought home–no manners at all! This is family business. What’s an outsider doing here? Today is about you and your father. Your marriage can be dealt with later. And that child’s already gone–what use is she now?” Harold’s cane cracked against the marble.

Juliet, village–born but quick on the uptake, clocked it instantly: the old man deeply disliked his granddaughter–in–law.

That was the seam between grandfather and grandson. Wedge it open and maybe–just maybe

-Curtis would be driven out.

If that happened, the Lincolns and the Lincoln Group would be left for her son, Denton.

Her eyes brightened. A nasty idea took root.

“My manners include not letting anyone–no matter their seniority–bully my wife. Adriana is Mrs. Lincoln under the law. Whether a child survives or not, she’s my wife. If you can’t respect her, then we have no reason to set foot in this house again,” Curtis said, pulling Adriana along, ready to leave.

After all, the only reason he’d come back was because Jeremy ordered it.

“Walk out that door, and never ever come back to the Lincoln Estate again!” Harold roared.

“I can stay gone forever. You’ve found your son and your other grandson now, haven’t you?” Curtis replied, glancing at Michael. “Before I go, let me remind you: your health is fragile. Your monthly costs for the sanatorium, hospital care, medication, private physicians, equipment, and rehab already exceed a million. Add household expenses–your living stipend, staff for the estate, groundskeeping–and the total hovers around two million. All of that will need to be covered by your good son.”

Harold’s face went dark. “Curtis, this is still my house. The Lincoln Group shares are still yours in full. You dare threaten to cut off my support? What nerve!

“Don’t forget–your grant of shares came with conditions. You get the Lincoln Group only if

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Chapter 188 Growing Up Without Love

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you produce an heir or marry Nicole of the Bartons. You have no child, and your wife is not Nicole. And you think you can challenge me?” He slammed his palm on the table.

Juliet’s gaze snapped to Michael.

Nicole…

So, that girl was a key.

Whoever married Nicole would control the Lincoln Group.

Could Denton marry her?

Michael’s expression soured–of course, he knew who Nicole was.

Her mother had been best friends with his late wife–Curtis’s mother–and one of the women he’d despised most.

But the dead are dead. If marrying Nicole maximized Denton’s interests

… so be it.

“I always thought only ancient kings stabbed their own heroes in the back once they were done using them–but I guess even family can pull the same stunt. When this family was on the brink, it was Curtis who pulled the Lincolns back. Now that the Group is stable, you’re ready to throw him out?” Adriana snapped, eyes bright with angry tears, stepping in front of Curtis.

“Not your place to speak!” Harold stabbed a finger at her.

“Grandpa, why so angry?” Nicole came flouncing in with Justin at her heels.

She piled on the syrup, clinging to Harold’s arm. “Is it because Curtis won’t marry me? It’s okay. I heard … you’ve got another grandson now?”

Nicole turned to Juliet and Michael, all bright–eyed curiosity. “That Denton sounds promising -excellent, even. He’s only a little older than me. Nineteen this year, right? Next year, he’ll be old enough to marry. If I marry him, do all those Lincoln shares transfer to Denton?”

She pitched it just loud enough for Curtis to hear–bait wrapped in sugar, meant to make him regret.

Justin gave her a flat, almost pitying look. A counterfeit heir determined to dig her own grave.

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