Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 20

20 It’d Be Easy to Destroy You

Truthfully, Matthew found it nearly impossible to let go of Adriana before the wedding day. There was something about her—something magnetic about her presence, her body—that held him captive, unwilling to release her so easily.

Natasha glanced over at Matthew, forcing a polite smile that barely masked her unease. “Alright…” she said softly, though inside, her heart was pounding. She clenched her fists discreetly, pretending not to notice the stalling tactic he was using. But beneath her calm exterior, anxiety was already creeping in.

No, she thought fiercely. Adriana cannot remain in the picture any longer.

The Nera Club.

Adriana arrived precisely at the time Natasha had instructed her to come.

As expected, Natasha was already waiting inside.

The Nera Club was the crown jewel of the Jones family’s empire—an ultra-exclusive haven where only those with a net worth exceeding ten million dollars could gain entry. The club boasted everything from sprawling golf courses and rejuvenating hot springs to luxurious spa treatments and even a boutique hotel.

“Anna,” Natasha greeted her warmly, a smile softening her face despite the white bandage wrapped tightly around her forehead.

Adriana’s gaze was icy, her warmth toward Natasha long since vanished.

“Ms. Jones, let’s not waste time,” Adriana said in a flat, no-nonsense tone. “You leveraged your influence to snatch the study abroad placement that should have been mine and handed it to your cousin. I’m merely standing up for what’s rightfully mine. I don’t believe I’m in the wrong—so why target the orphanage where I was raised?”

Natasha’s eyes narrowed sharply.

Adriana was clever—but Natasha was no less so. She gave a quick, calculating glance. “You’re not secretly recording this conversation, are you?”

Adriana calmly placed her phone on the table. “Even if I were, I doubt you’d let me walk away with any proof, would you?”

A small, confident smile played on Natasha’s lips.

Of course not. She wouldn’t be foolish enough to make that mistake.

Whether Adriana recorded or not was irrelevant. Once she left, security would thoroughly check her belongings and erase any evidence.

“Ms. Xander, since you’re being so upfront, I’ll be blunt as well. That study abroad placement? I’m not giving it back. But I’m willing to offer you money instead. You can apply elsewhere or even finance your own trip abroad. I’ll cover your tuition and living expenses,” Natasha said, sliding a check across the polished table.

Adriana said nothing in reply.

Natasha pressed on, “I want you out of Haldoria. Permanently.”

“That’s all?” Adriana stared at her without blinking. “Fine. I’ll be just as direct—I earned that placement through my grades. I’m not giving it up.”

“You really think you can take on money all on your own?” Natasha’s voice sharpened dangerously. “Your classmates were more than happy to spread lies for quick cash, and your teachers? Easily bought. That orphanage you care so much about? I can make it vanish like it never existed. You have no one—no allies, no one watching your back.”

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