Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 56

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen**
by Kael Niro Senn

**56 Threats**

“Ms. Barton,” Eva greeted with an air of respect, her tone laced with the formality befitting her position. “Mr. Lincoln and Ms. Reese aren’t at home right now.”

Danielle, standing at the threshold, wore a polite smile, though her eyes hinted at something sharper beneath. “I’m here to visit Adriana,” she replied, her voice smooth and composed.

Eva paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features as she glanced toward Adriana. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a silent acknowledgment of the tension that often accompanied Danielle’s presence.

Adriana, sensing the weight of the moment, gave a small nod—a subtle signal for Eva to allow Danielle entry. She was acutely aware of the dynamics at play, knowing that provoking Danielle was a path best left untrodden.

“Adriana, I heard you’re in architecture. What a coincidence, so am I,” Danielle remarked, her tone deceptively warm, as if they were old friends catching up.

Adriana nodded, her heart racing slightly. “Yes, you’re my senior in the field,” she replied, trying to maintain a façade of calm.

Danielle gracefully settled onto the couch, her eyes scrutinizing Adriana with a predatory curiosity. “I came on behalf of Natasha. She asked me to speak with you,” she said, her voice smooth as silk, yet laced with an underlying threat.

Adriana felt her stomach twist at the mention of Natasha. “I’m sorry…” she began, her voice trailing off, uncertainty creeping in.

“Don’t bother pretending, Adriana,” Danielle interrupted, her confidence cutting through the air like a knife. “You know perfectly well that the Joneses are out of your league. And let’s not forget about the Bartons.”

In that moment, the realization dawned on Adriana—Danielle was here to intimidate her, to remind her of her place.

“You’re aware of the real reason you married Curtis. It’s a business arrangement, not a real marriage. It’s doomed to end. Curtis divorcing you is only a matter of time,” Danielle continued, her voice dripping with certainty.

Adriana felt a chill run down her spine at the thought. Did Danielle know something she didn’t?

“How long does your contract marriage with Curtis last? Until Harold dies?” Danielle asked, her tone casual yet probing.

Adriana took a steadying breath, the weight of the question pressing down on her. She didn’t respond, a silence stretching between them that felt heavy with unspoken truths.

“Let’s make a little wager. It won’t even last that long. Within two weeks, Harold will make Curtis divorce you. Want to bet on it?” Danielle proposed, her confidence radiating like a palpable force in the room.

Adriana’s heart raced. Two weeks? Was there already a plan in motion that she was unaware of?

“Adriana, stop being so naive. You don’t belong in our world. It’s built on power, influence, and prestige—and you have none of that,” Danielle’s words sliced through the air, each syllable a reminder of her perceived inadequacies.

But deep down, Adriana recognized the truth in those words.

“Here’s my card. I can open doors in the architecture industry that even Curtis couldn’t. I’m the real connection you’d need,” Danielle continued, her voice smooth and persuasive.

The offer dangled before Adriana like a tempting fruit. “Think about it, Adriana. Call me when you come to your senses.”

“You want me to leave Curtis?” Adriana asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty, unsure of Danielle’s true motives.

“No need. I don’t have to trade favors for something that’s already inevitable,” Danielle replied, her tone as smooth as glass, yet laced with an undercurrent of menace.

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