Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 62

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

**62 Rules and Rumors**

“Curtis, we must scrutinize potential partners because the Lincolns are a prestigious and affluent family. If we don’t, we risk allowing gold-digging women to waltz in, and it would be nothing short of a spectacle for everyone to mock us,” Rosa Lincoln, Curtis’s aunt, stated with a calculated tone, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Her words were a deliberate jab aimed squarely at Adriana.

The whispers and rumors had circulated widely; the online world was abuzz with the revelation that Adriana had once been a sugar baby. It was a scandal that many in the room relished discussing.

“Even if I were not a Lincoln, I would never allow my wife to endure hardship, not even the slightest bit. Aunt Rosa, I recall your beginnings as a singer. To put it bluntly, you were an entertainer back then,” Curtis retorted, his voice sharp and unwavering, showing no sign of deference to the elder woman.

It was evident to him that they were trying to humiliate Adriana, and he wouldn’t stand for it.

Rosa’s expression darkened, her brows knitting together as she shot a glare at Curtis. “You indulge her now, but mark my words, you’ll spoil her rotten sooner or later.”

Curtis merely smiled, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. “And that would be fantastic. I often worry that my wife is too kind-hearted and doesn’t know how to assert herself. If I could shower her with affection, I’d feel a lot better, rather than fretting every single day that someone might take advantage of her.”

His gaze turned to Adriana, and she felt her heart skip a beat.

In that moment, despite the fact that this was merely a contractual arrangement, and despite her understanding that Curtis was protecting her with his words, her heart raced in a way she couldn’t control.

“Nonsense,” Harold interjected, his palm striking the table lightly as he directed his gaze at Adriana. “If you won’t let her serve tea, then let her accompany Rosa to learn about our family’s traditions.”

Rosa smirked, rising from her seat to face Adriana directly. “Come along. I’ll show you how the Lincolns conduct themselves.”

“The Lincolns’ traditions? I’ve never heard of them. Might as well learn something new,” Curtis said, his grip on Adriana’s hand tightening, unwilling to let her out of his sight.

Adriana shifted her weight nervously, acutely aware that in this situation, she was merely an employee; it was expected of her to follow her superior’s lead.

“Curtis, this isn’t right. These are customs that every woman should be familiar with; it’s not something for you men to concern yourselves with,” several of the other aunts chimed in, their voices filled with indignation.

“Jeremy, do the Bartons adhere to these rules, considering your lineage was once royal?” Curtis asked, turning his attention to Jeremy, who sat quietly observing.

Jeremy’s gaze remained fixed on Adriana, a flicker of recognition crossing his features.

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