In this chapter, Adriana witnesses a tense confrontation involving Belinda, Curtis, and Danielle Barton, Curtis\u2019s rumored fianc\u00e9e. Belinda, emotionally distressed, clings to Danielle for comfort while shooting a resentful look at Adriana. Danielle criticizes Curtis for his harsh treatment of Belinda and looks down on Adriana, implying she is unworthy of Curtis. Curtis firmly defends Adriana, telling Danielle to stay out of his family matters and deciding that Belinda must stay away from home for a while due to her behavior.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite the tension, Adriana remains quiet and obedient, not wanting to cause trouble. Curtis apologizes softly for his complicated family situation and assures Adriana that Belinda won\u2019t bother her again. He also tells her to reach out to Eva if she needs anything. Curtis mentions he has a dinner meeting and might return late, which makes Adriana nervous about their living arrangements, but he quickly clarifies that she should just go to bed and he will stay in the guest room.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Later, Curtis reveals that the engagement with the Bartons was canceled long ago, explaining that Danielle was not truly his fianc\u00e9e and that the Bartons had deceived him and his grandfather. Adriana is surprised by his openness but respects his privacy. Curtis gently inquires about the bruise on Adriana\u2019s cheek, which she tries to downplay, and then tells her to rest before leaving. Once alone, Adriana reflects bitterly on her past with Matthew, recalling his cruel words and the pain he caused her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter ends with Adriana receiving a call from Officer Joe Richardson, who informs her that the attacker from the hospital has been caught. He warns her that the assailant is a cautious professional and asks if she might have angered anyone recently, adding a note of suspense and concern to the story.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 35 Obedient Like a Doll\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 35 Obedient Like a Doll\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana froze and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So, people in power weren\u2019t all like Matthew\u2013unable to tell right from wrong.\u00a0<\/p>\n
+10 fine Com\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBelinda? What\u2019s wrong? Why are you crying like that, sweetheart?\u201d A woman in an expensive designer outfit walked in, pulling a suitcase behind her, looking worried..\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDanielle!\u201d Belinda cried even harder, like she\u2019d just seen her savior. She threw herself into Danielle\u2019s arms but still shot a smug look at Adriana.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s heart tightened again. Curtis\u2019s rumored fianc\u00e9e\u2013Danielle Barton\u2013was here.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Bartons were way more powerful than Natasha\u2019s family.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis, no matter what happened, you can\u2019t scold Belinda like that. She lost her mom when she was little. She\u2019s sensitive,\u201d Danielle said, holding Belinda protectively. Her eyes shifted to Adriana.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo this is the woman Belinda was talking about? Curtis, what are you thinking? Just trying to shut your grandpa up, and now you don\u2019t even care who you\u2019re with?\u201d Danielle frowned, her tone full of disdain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She looked Adriana up and down with a judgmental stare.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Danielle\u2019s eyes, Adriana wasn\u2019t worth much and definitely wasn\u2019t worthy of Curtis.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMs. Barton, this is my family matter. I\u2019d appreciate it if you didn\u2019t get involved,\u201d Curtis said sharply. He stepped in front of Adriana, blocking Danielle\u2019s stare. \u201cBelinda, if you still can\u2019t see what you did wrong, then don\u2019t come home for now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He made it clear\u2013Belinda would be staying at the dorm for a while.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Belinda glared at Curtis. \u201cYou\u2019ll regret this! Danielle\u2019s way better than her!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then she ran out crying, and Danielle quickly followed after her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Eva stood off to the side, anxious but too scared to speak.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana stayed quiet too, not sure if she even had the right to say anything.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Curtis said softly, looking at her with guilt. \u201cMy family\u2019s complicated. I\u2019ll explain everything later.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana shook her head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After all, with a 30\u2013million\u2013a\u2013year salary, this job clearly wasn\u2019t something just anyone could handle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBelinda won\u2019t bother you again. If you need anything, just tell Eva,\u201d Curtis added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded obediently.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She seemed easygoing and didn\u2019t want to fight for anything.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis looked at her, his eyes showing something complicated that she couldn\u2019t read. \u201cI have a dinner meeting tonight, so I might\u00a0<\/p>\n
come back late.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
7:00 pm G PP p\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 35 Obedient Like a Doll\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana froze for a second, a little nervous.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Is he staying here tonight? If so\u2026 die we sleeping together or in separate rooms?\u00a0<\/p>\n
10 Tree Co\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her fingers clenched together unconsciously. Thinking about the 30 million a year, she figured he profil her to be a decoration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
pas paying fo\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t wait for me; just go to bed. I\u2019ll take the guest room,\u201d Curtis explained quickly, having likely noticed Adriana\u2019s nervousness,\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana let out a small sigh of relief and nodded.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis didn\u2019t say anything after that, but he also didn\u2019t leave. He thought she might ask about Danielle, but she didn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln, is there anything else you need?\u201d Adriana asked softly, noticing Curtis looking at her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis was quiet for a moment before explaining, \u201cThe engagement with the Bartons doesn\u2019t count. Danielle wasn\u2019t the one I was engaged to. The Bartons tricked me and my grandpa, so the engagement was canceled a long time ago.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana was surprised he\u2019d explain this to her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She had assumed she was just a decoration to him\u2013bought for 30 million a year. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, I won\u2019t pry into your private matters, Mr. Lincoln.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis frowned slightly, his mood seeming to dip. \u201cFrom now on, don\u2019t call me that when we\u2019re alone. If you get too used to calling me \u2018Mr. Lincoln,\u2018 it might slip out in front of Grandpa.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis looked at Adriana, gently lifting her chin to examine her swollen cheek. \u201cI meant to ask earlier. What happened to your face?\u201d Adriana instinctively stepped back and covered her cheek with her hand. \u201cI, uh, bumped into something while walking.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis didn\u2019t press further and simply nodded. \u201cGet some rest, then.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He turned and left, and only then did Adriana truly relax.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Back in her room, she lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. Her cheek still burned\u2013it was clear Matthew hadn\u2019t held back when he hit her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yeah\u2026 when there\u2019s no love, there\u2019s no mercy either.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana, I\u2019ll never let anyone hurt you again\u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
That was what Matthew had once said. Now it just felt like a cruel joke.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana, you\u2019re so well\u2013behaved\u2026 How could I not worry?\u201d Back when they first got together, Matthew often praised her for being good, like an obedient doll without a soul.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even now, Matthew probably still believed she couldn\u2019t live without him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Buzz.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her phone vibrated. The caller ID read Joe.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
7:00 pm G PPI P\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 35 Obedient Like a Doll\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficer Richardson,\u201d Adriana said, sitting up and answering the call.\u00a0<\/p>\n
*10 Free Colny\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe caught the guy who attacked you at the hospital,\u201d Joe said. \u201cHe\u2019s cautious\u2013a pro who takes jobs for money. Are you sure you haven\u2019t made anyone mad lately?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This chapter paints a vivid picture of Adriana\u2019s quiet resilience amid the storm of complicated relationships and power struggles around her. Despite the pain inflicted by those who should have cared for her, she remains composed, navigating the harsh realities of her life with a subdued strength. The tension between her and Curtis, alongside the looming presence of the Bartons, underscores the fragile balance she must maintain in a world where loyalty and judgment are constantly tested.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet beneath the surface, Adriana\u2019s vulnerability quietly emerges, especially as she reflects on the past wounds and the hollow promises once made to her. The chapter closes with a subtle but poignant reminder that while she may appear obedient and unassuming, there is a depth to her experience and a yearning for protection and justice. It leaves us with a sense of cautious hope, as Adriana begins to confront the shadows of her past and the challenges ahead.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to deepen the emotional turmoil Adriana faces as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and the shadows of her past. With Curtis revealing more about his complicated family ties and the truth behind the Barton engagement, readers will gain a clearer understanding of the power dynamics at play. Yet, Adriana\u2019s quiet resilience and Curtis\u2019s protective instincts hint at a fragile alliance that could either strengthen or unravel under pressure.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the revelation that the man who attacked Adriana has been caught introduces a new layer of tension. Questions about who might want to harm her and why will stir uncertainty and fear, testing Adriana\u2019s courage and trust in those around her. As she grapples with painful memories and the harsh realities of her current life, the next chapter will explore how she confronts these threats and whether she can find the strength to break free from the chains of her past.<\/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 35 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-23946","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\/23946","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=23946"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23946\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}