Adriana feels a deep sense of exhaustion and betrayal after a phone call with Matthew, who remains firm in his decision to favor Natasha over her. Despite the pain, Adriana resolves to stand up for herself, refusing to give up even without influential support. Meanwhile, Matthew wrestles with guilt and frustration, convinced that he owes Natasha and believing he has already done enough for Adriana, whom he sees as less important and easier to manage.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
At Haldoria University, Adriana confronts her advisor after being denied a coveted overseas placement despite ranking first based on grades. The advisor warns her not to cause trouble, revealing that the decision came from higher authorities. Unwilling to accept this injustice, Adriana publicly exposes the corruption by involving the press and sharing recorded conversations, challenging the university\u2019s favoritism and unfair treatment.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The story quickly gains traction on social media, sparking outrage among students and the public. Evidence of Cheryl\u2019s plagiarism surfaces, further discrediting the university\u2019s decision. Under mounting pressure, the university demands Cheryl relinquish the placement to Adriana. Cheryl, desperate and angry, turns to Natasha for help, while Natasha pleads with Matthew to intervene and convince Adriana to step down, fearing the damage to Cheryl\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Matthew, surprised by Adriana\u2019s fierce resistance, orders the removal of online posts and calls for a meeting with Adriana, intending to negotiate. Natasha places her hope in Matthew\u2019s ability to resolve the situation, trusting he will handle Adriana and protect Cheryl\u2019s opportunity. The chapter ends with a tense anticipation of the confrontation between Adriana and Matthew.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
15 Finally Finding Her Voice<\/p>\n
Adriana slumped onto the worn couch, her mind a haze of exhaustion and disbelief. Deep down, she had anticipated this outcome, yet the sting of it still cut sharply.<\/p>\n
Her fingers trembled slightly as she ended the call, her gaze fixed on the muted screen. Without uttering a single word to Matthew afterward, she remained silent, fully aware that once his mind was made up, there was no turning back.<\/p>\n
He was immovable, unyielding.<\/p>\n
If he had been willing to sacrifice her for Natasha once, she knew he would do it again\u2014and again if necessary\u2014without hesitation.<\/p>\n
A slow, heavy sigh escaped Adriana\u2019s lips as she rose, a throbbing ache pulsing behind her temples. She moved toward the door with quiet determination.<\/p>\n
If Matthew wouldn\u2019t stand by me, then I have no choice but to stand up for myself.<\/p>\n
I refuse to give up so easily.<\/p>\n
No influential allies, no powerful connections\u2014none of that mattered anymore. My life might not hold much value to others, but it still belongs to me alone.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, at Langford Group\u2019s sleek headquarters, Matthew stood by the towering window, staring down at his phone with a furrowed brow. A strange mix of frustration and an unfamiliar pang of guilt churned in his chest.<\/p>\n
He attempted to call Adriana again, but her phone was off.<\/p>\n
Matthew clenched his jaw tightly. She just doesn\u2019t understand what\u2019s best for her.<\/p>\n
Rubbing his forehead, he sank into his chair, the dull ache behind his eyes intensifying.<\/p>\n
Back then, I wasn\u2019t strong enough to protect Natasha. That\u2019s why she ended up marrying William. Now that she\u2019s back, I have to make things right.<\/p>\n
I owe her. After everything she endured overseas, I need to make amends. Whatever Natasha wants, I\u2019ll give it to her.<\/p>\n
As for Adriana\u2026 I\u2019ve already done more than enough over these past four years. I provided her a place to live, paid for her education, and covered all her expenses. Isn\u2019t that enough?<\/p>\n
I\u2019m even willing to offer her something in exchange for the overseas spot. Whatever she asks for, I\u2019ll give it.<\/p>\n
Yet beneath it all, a quiet fear lingered\u2014losing Adriana too. Still, in his mind, she could never compare to Natasha. Adriana was simply easier to manage. She demanded less and cost less.<\/p>\n
At Haldoria University, Adriana stepped into the advisor\u2019s office alone, the sterile room feeling colder than usual.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana\u2026 the university\u2019s decision is final. The spot\u2019s been given to Cheryl,\u201d her advisor said cautiously, avoiding her eyes. \u201cTry not to dwell on it. As compensation, we\u2019re offering you guaranteed admission to graduate school here.\u201d His tone was carefully measured, attempting to soften the blow.<\/p>\n
Everyone knew Adriana deserved that spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were four placements,\u201d Adriana replied firmly, pulling out a printed copy of the rules. \u201cThe university said selections would be based on grades. It clearly states that the top scorers get first pick. I ranked number one\u2014so why didn\u2019t I get any of them?\u201d<\/p>\n
The advisor glanced nervously around the room before pulling her aside, lowering his voice. \u201cAdriana, don\u2019t stir up trouble. Some things are beyond your control. Decisions like this come from higher up. There\u2019s nothing we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I\u2019ll take this public,\u201d Adriana said, her breath coming heavier as she glanced toward the hallway. Reporters were already gathering outside. \u201cI\u2019ve contacted the press. I want the university to explain themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
The advisor\u2019s face froze in shock. He hadn\u2019t expected her to fight back so fiercely.<\/p>\n
If this story of favoritism, corruption, and injustice spread, the entire university would be in jeopardy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana, stop this now! Get those reporters out of here!\u201d he pleaded, panic creeping into his voice. \u201cPlease, just send them away. I\u2019ll talk to the higher-ups.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t just about the placement anymore,\u201d Adriana said, her eyes red but unwavering. \u201cIf they can do this to me, they\u2019ll do it to others.\u201d<\/p>\n
The reporters had already begun live streaming. One stepped forward, directly questioning the advisor. \u201cAdriana ranked first and has the best qualifications. According to the rules, she should have received a placement to study abroad. Why was it given to someone else?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana took a slow breath and looked the advisor squarely in the eye. \u201cI\u2019m sorry you\u2019re caught in the middle, but I need to be honest. I recorded our conversation from yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n
The advisor\u2019s face flushed with anger. \u201cAdriana! You know it\u2019s illegal to record someone without their permission!\u201d<\/p>\n
She gestured to the room around them. \u201cThis is a public office. Recording here is allowed.\u201d<\/p>\n
He looked as if he might explode, his face pale with fury. \u201cFine. That placement was supposed to be yours, but you\u2019re just an orphan. Do you really think you can take on the entire university? You\u2019re being ridiculous!\u201d<\/p>\n
Then, turning to the reporters, he barked, \u201cAll of you, out! Who let you in here? Where\u2019s security? This is private property, and you\u2019re trespassing! Are you trying to get yourselves fired?\u201d<\/p>\n
Pointing sharply at Adriana, his voice was harsh and threatening. \u201cI\u2019m warning you\u2014if this turns into a huge mess, don\u2019t even think about graduating!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana had anticipated this line of attack. \u201cYou\u2019ve pulled this card on other students before\u2014like Georgette Watson. Remember her? She dropped out in her second year, struggling with depression. You picked her because she came from the countryside and was easy to control. You gave her opportunity to Cheryl and scared her into quitting. She went back home after that. How many futures have you destroyed by now?\u201d<\/p>\n
For years, Adriana had remained silent, aware she was just another student without support or connections. She had never dared to challenge those in power.<\/p>\n
But this time, she refused to back down. She was finally ready to stand up for herself.<\/p>\n
It didn\u2019t take long for the story to explode across social media.<\/p>\n
The public was furious over the university\u2019s corrupt behavior. Adriana released wave after wave of evidence\u2014voice recordings, documents, undeniable proof. Her experience struck a chord with students everywhere. Even Georgette, who had disappeared from university life, returned online to share her story of mistreatment by the advisor and Cheryl.<\/p>\n
Within hours, the university was overwhelmed by backlash.<\/p>\n
The PR team scrambled to release a vague statement, attempting to spin the situation. They insisted that high grades or strong portfolios didn\u2019t automatically guarantee selection for the overseas program.<\/p>\n
But they failed to grasp how badly things had spiraled out of control.<\/p>\n
Then Adriana posted her entire portfolio online. Soon after, internet users uncovered Cheryl\u2019s submission\u2014and exposed her for hiring someone else to create the entire project.<\/p>\n
The revelation that Cheryl had plagiarized and purchased her work spread like wildfire.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Adriana\u2019s portfolio was undeniably excellent. No one could dispute its quality.<\/p>\n
At that moment, the university lost all control over the narrative. Panic swept through upper management. One leader called Cheryl directly, ordering her to step aside and give Adriana the placement\u2014or face even worse consequences.<\/p>\n
Furious and desperate, Cheryl stormed to Natasha.<\/p>\n
Natasha had never anticipated this. Adriana had proven she knew how to fight back\u2014and strike hard.<\/p>\n
As the trending posts were taken down, Natasha hurried to Langford Group to find Matthew.<\/p>\n
She entered his office, worry etched across her face. \u201cAnna\u2019s social media is exploding. Everyone\u2019s blaming Cheryl now. My aunt said\u2026 Cheryl\u2019s been crying nonstop. She even said she doesn\u2019t want to live anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her voice cracked as she fought back tears. \u201cMatthew, please\u2026 can you talk to Anna? Ask her to give the placement to Cheryl. I\u2019ll pay whatever it takes. I\u2019ll beg if I have to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Matthew was stunned. He hadn\u2019t expected Adriana to resist so fiercely.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll handle it,\u201d he said, pulling Natasha into a brief embrace, his heart heavy for her. After seeing the news online, he snapped at his assistant, \u201cDelete that post\u2014immediately! Block every account sharing it. And bring Adriana here. I want to speak with her.\u201d<\/p>\n
The assistant nodded quickly and left without hesitation.<\/p>\n
Natasha looked up at Matthew, hope flickering in her eyes. \u201cThis opportunity means everything to Cheryl.\u201d<\/p>\n
Matthew nodded solemnly. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll talk to Adriana and convince her to step back.\u201d<\/p>\n
A soft, trusting smile spread across Natasha\u2019s face. \u201cI know you will.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s journey in this chapter is a powerful testament to the strength found in self-advocacy and resilience. Despite the weight of betrayal and systemic injustice, she refuses to be silenced or diminished. Her courage to confront corruption and expose the truth not only reclaims her own dignity but also shines a light on the broader struggles faced by others like her. Through her unwavering determination, Adriana transforms from a quiet victim into a formidable force, inspiring change and challenging the status quo.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the contrasting responses from Matthew and Natasha underscore the complex dynamics of loyalty, power, and influence that surround Adriana. While Matthew grapples with his own conflicted feelings and priorities, Natasha\u2019s hope and vulnerability reveal the emotional stakes at play. This chapter closes with a delicate tension\u2014Adriana standing firm in her fight, and those around her poised to either support or undermine her. It is a moment of reckoning that promises to shape the paths ahead, rooted deeply in themes of justice, identity, and the courage to claim one\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intense power struggle unfolding between Adriana and those who seek to control her future. As Adriana stands firm against the university\u2019s corruption and the mounting pressure from influential figures like Matthew and Natasha, her resolve will be tested in ways she never imagined. The emotional stakes are higher than ever, with Adriana\u2019s fight becoming not just about a placement, but about reclaiming her dignity and voice in a world that has long tried to silence her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Matthew\u2019s determination to manage the situation and protect his interests will collide with Adriana\u2019s newfound courage, setting the stage for a confrontation charged with tension and conflicting loyalties. Natasha\u2019s desperation and vulnerability add another layer of complexity, hinting at fragile alliances and the potential for unexpected shifts in relationships. Readers can expect a chapter rich with emotional turmoil, strategic maneuvering, and the raw, unyielding spirit of a young woman who refuses to be pushed aside.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 15 When Time Tried to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-comeback-queens-crown-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23926"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23926\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}