Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 193

**Title: When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 193: The Guilt Card**

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In the tangled web of familial ties, Curtis and Michael were not merely father and son; they were adversaries, locked in a bitter struggle that transcended mere animosity. Their enmity was a deep-rooted affliction, a festering wound that had festered over the years, leaving no room for compassion or understanding.

Harold exhaled a heavy sigh, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him like a leaden blanket. He understood that engaging Curtis in conversation would yield no fruitful outcome. The prospect of Curtis willingly relinquishing any shares or inheritance to a younger half-brother he held no affection for was as likely as finding a needle in a haystack.

Yet, as the elder statesman of the family, Harold felt a profound obligation to ensure that each member of his lineage had a viable path forward. “The only viable solution left is for Denton to marry Nicole…” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as if the mere utterance of the words could summon the necessary resolve.

For Denton to carve out a place for himself within the Lincoln legacy, he would need to forge an alliance with the Bartons.

“But…” Anthony interjected, unease creeping into his voice. “If he marries her, then according to the agreement, the Lincoln Group shares would go to Mr. Denton. That hardly seems fair to Mr. Curtis, does it? I mean, if Mr. Denton ends up with the shares, what assurance do we have that he would share any with Mr. Curtis?”

The reality was stark: they were brothers in title only. There existed no genuine connection, no fraternal bond. Generosity between them was a laughable notion.

Harold’s brow furrowed in thought. “Curtis was raised alongside me. He received the finest education and had access to all the resources the Lincolns could provide. Even when our family was on the brink of collapse, he managed to rise from the ashes and lead the Lincoln Group to new heights. Even if he were to lose the Lincolns, he would never find himself in want. He is undeniably exceptional. But Michael… his leg is gone. He is weak, ineffective. If Denton fails to step up and counterbalance Curtis’s influence, I fear it is only a matter of time before Curtis eliminates him entirely.”

The specter of violence loomed large in Harold’s mind; the thought that Curtis might actually kill Michael was a chilling fear that gnawed at him.

That was precisely why he needed Denton to ascend to power, to serve as a counterweight against Curtis’s ambitions. He had to prevent Curtis from making a move against Michael.

Back in Haldoria…

Curtis found himself on high alert, extending his stay in Harborton longer than he had initially intended, determined to oversee matters in person.

Adriana remained by his side in Harborton, and Curtis even allowed her to meet the select few individuals he genuinely trusted.

Michael, in contrast, had departed early with Juliet, returning to Haldoria ahead of schedule to begin clandestinely working on Denton, intent on persuading him to see things his way.

Denton was still toiling away at the café, and by the time he clocked out, the sun had long set, casting a blanket of darkness over the streets.

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14:40 Thu, Dec 18 DG O

**Chapter 193: The Guilt Card**

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“Denton, sweetheart, we visited your grandfather today. He’s aging, and he’s really eager to see you,” Juliet began, her tone laced with an earnestness that hinted at her desire to play the family card.

Denton shot her a look, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “Grandpa’s not exactly lacking in grandsons. Didn’t he raise Curtis? What does he want to see me for?”

“Don’t speak like that. He is still your grandfather. His health isn’t great. What’s so wrong with him wanting to see you?” Juliet snapped, her voice rising slightly in frustration.

Denton’s gaze bore into her. “Mom, fine, I’ll go see him. But let me make one thing clear: I’m not fighting for the Lincoln fortune. If that’s the motive behind this, count me out.”

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