Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 28

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Chapter 28: What Respect Truly Feels Like

Adriana cleared her throat softly, turning her gaze toward Kenneth. “Mr. Heath, does Mr. Lincoln really have so much money that he simply can’t spend it all?” she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Kenneth responded with a courteous smile, aiming to ease her concerns. “Ms. Xander, this agreement primarily serves to clarify the responsibilities between you two. Beyond this, everything else will follow the usual terms of a standard marriage. If Mr. Lincoln were to wed without such an agreement, the bride would be entitled to an equal, if not greater, share in the event of a divorce.”

Adriana exhaled deeply, a mix of relief and anticipation bubbling within her. Truthfully, she was eager to sign already, worried that if she hesitated too long, this dream might slip away.

“This house… it really belongs to me?” she asked once more, still uncertain.

Kenneth gave a firm nod in confirmation.

Her eyes drifted toward Eva, who was bustling about in the kitchen, and Adriana’s thoughts immediately shifted to the possibility of divorce. When that time inevitably came, she resolved to ask Curtis to let her keep Eva.

“If there’s nothing else you’d like to add, you may proceed with signing,” Kenneth instructed, guiding her toward the spacious walk-in closet and the adjoining jewelry room. “During your marriage, everything here—in Haldoria and Harborton—including Mr. Lincoln’s jewelry and private collections, will be at your disposal. He’s quite generous. And if there’s something you truly fancy, just ask for it when you divorce. Chances are, he won’t refuse.”

Kenneth was already offering Adriana practical advice.

She smiled awkwardly, not wanting to appear greedy. She really wasn’t.

After completing the tour, Kenneth waited patiently as Adriana reviewed the documents. Once she was satisfied, she signed the agreement, and Kenneth took his leave.

Shortly thereafter, while Adriana was still wandering through the elegant villa, her phone buzzed with a video call from Curtis.

“Did Kenneth explain everything clearly?” Curtis inquired, his background bathed in warm sunlight—quite a contrast to the gray skies over Haldoria that day.

“Mr. Lincoln…” Adriana’s voice trembled slightly, still feeling a bit nervous seeing him.

“When it’s just us, you can call me Curtis,” he said with a gentle smile that softened his usually stern demeanor.

Adriana blinked in surprise. Today, his hair was casually tousled, lending him a more relaxed and approachable look. When he smiled, he appeared surprisingly youthful.

Though he wasn’t much older than her, successful men like Curtis often went out of their way to project maturity and control.

“C-Curtis,” she stammered hesitantly. Using his first name felt strange, as if she were crossing an invisible boundary. “Is there anything you need me to do?”

“I’ll be back in Haldoria next week,” he explained. “We’ll officially register our marriage, then you’ll come with me to Harborton to meet my grandfather. After that, you’ll be free to return to the university and continue your studies abroad. As for anything else…” He paused thoughtfully. “If something comes up, I’ll let you know.”

Adriana nodded quickly, eager to keep up.

“I’ve already arranged a spot for you to study overseas. Your future advisor was impressed by your design work and agreed to admit you without the usual procedures,” Curtis added, revealing the unexpected opportunity he had secured.

Adriana’s eyes widened in surprise. She had hoped to earn that placement on her own merit.

Still, she wasn’t the type to be ungrateful. Curtis had done so much to help her, and she felt deeply thankful. “Thank you, Mr. Lincoln… I mean, Curtis.”