Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 72

**Chapter 72: The Return of the Heiress**

Matthew’s expression twisted into a scowl, his anger palpable in the air around him. “A contract marriage? You think that’s something to boast about?” His voice dripped with disdain. “You ought to know precisely who truly holds her heart.”

Confidence radiated from Matthew; he was utterly convinced that Adriana’s affections were still directed towards him.

As the tension between Matthew and Curtis escalated, the butler burst into the room, his voice brimming with excitement. “Mr. Jeremy, Ms. Nicole has arrived!”

Adriana’s grip tightened around Curtis’s wrist, her heart racing.

They had actually found Nicole…

But now, the question loomed large: would Curtis genuinely honor the marriage pact that bound their families together?

“Curtis,” Matthew continued, a mocking lilt to his tone, “I hear the Lincolns and the Bartons are not merely families of old money; their connections run deeper than just business. You could have easily married someone else while waiting for Nicole’s return. But now that she’s back, I’m curious to see just how long this contract marriage with Adriana can endure.”

Matthew’s voice was laced with a smug satisfaction, though he had no intention of completely severing ties with Curtis.

Adriana felt her complexion drain of color as realization struck her like a bolt of lightning—she might be left alone once more.

It’s true, when you lack the strength to stand on your own, the fear of abandonment becomes a constant shadow… I know I’m not yet strong enough to face this.

Curtis, however, was unfazed. “How naive,” he scoffed, a smirk playing on his lips as he guided Adriana across the yard.

“Come on. Let’s see how this unfolds,” he whispered conspiratorially.

Adriana found herself distracted, her thoughts racing. Nicole is back—how can I possibly concentrate on anything else right now?

In the yard, a group of familiar faces—Jeremy, Chandler, Kelsey, Danielle, and the entire staff of the Bartons—stood in a neat line, anticipation hanging thick in the air.

It was evident that Nicole’s return was of immense significance to everyone gathered.

Adriana stood off to the side, her heart aching with a mix of envy and curiosity as she awaited the arrival of the Bartons’ sole heiress, the embodiment of true aristocracy.

She yearned to witness the kind of person who was born into such privilege, to catch a glimpse of the life led by a genuine Barton princess.

Even after two decades away, Nicole returned, still enveloped in an aura of royalty.

Some are born into opulence, while others toil their entire lives in pursuit of it.

Suddenly, a sleek black Maybach glided into the yard, the butler hurriedly stepping forward to open the door with a flourish.

Jeremy’s eyes sparkled with emotion as he awaited the arrival of his long-lost granddaughter.

The door swung open, revealing a woman clad in a pristine white dress.

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