Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Resignation

Adriana paused abruptly, her mind catching on a name that stirred a mixture of surprise and unease. Danielle…

The realization dawned on her instantly—Danielle Barton, the eldest daughter of the Barton family. Known far and wide as one of the most talented young architects, Danielle had made headlines when she designed the Twin Towers in Harborton at just eighteen years old. That achievement had catapulted her into instant fame.

The Bartons, after all, were the only family in Harborton who could rival the Lincolns in influence and power.

Belinda let out an exasperated sigh before turning away. “If Danielle weren’t tied up with her family matters, you wouldn’t even be getting this chance. But I’ve already told her about it—she’s coming to Haldoria soon to take Curtis back.”

Adriana exhaled deeply, relief washing over her as she sank back into her seat and picked at her food, trying to steady her nerves. But beneath that relief, a flicker of doubt began to creep in. Thirty million a year was no small sum.

Could this mean she’d have to contend with the Barton heiress herself?

It suddenly didn’t seem like such an easy path after all.

Eva, who had been quietly listening, leaned in with a whisper once Belinda had disappeared indoors. “The Bartons and Lincolns’ marriage was arranged back when Mr. Harold and Mr. Barton were young men,” she began, her tone dripping with gossip. “But I heard the one engaged to Mr. Lincoln isn’t actually Danielle—it’s Nicole Barton, the true heiress.”

Adriana frowned, confusion knitting her brows. “The real eldest daughter?”

She found the tangled web of wealthy family drama confusing and exhausting.

Eva continued, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret. “Jeremy Barton, the head of the Bartons, actually had the surname Callahan. He started with nothing, built his business, and only became rich after marrying into the Barton family of Harborton. So technically, the family fortune should belong to Jeremy’s son from his first marriage—Audrey Barton’s child. But you know how these rich families are—full of secrets and drama. Over twenty years ago, Mr. Barton and his wife were killed in Haldoria, and their baby daughter, Nicole, vanished.”

Eva sighed, sympathy softening her voice. “And Danielle? She’s actually the daughter of Jeremy’s illegitimate son, not the true heir. If Nicole ever returns, all the family wealth would belong to her.”

Adriana nodded slowly, trying to piece it all together. The Barton family was clearly a complicated mess.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed from Belinda’s room—a deliberate noise meant for Adriana to hear. It was Belinda’s way of showing her displeasure.

Adriana clenched her jaw, swallowing the irritation. There was nothing she could do but endure it.

After all, her marriage to Curtis was nothing more than a contract—a job.

And what job didn’t come with its own frustrations?

The night passed without much rest. Adriana only wanted a short nap before heading to Langford Group to submit her resignation. But the villa was alive with loud music and Belinda’s carefree dancing downstairs, making sleep impossible.

With dark shadows under her eyes and a heavy sense of exhaustion weighing her down, Adriana stepped out of the villa, feeling utterly drained.

—

If that “young lady” started acting out again tonight, she might just collapse from the stress.

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