Curtis firmly denies having seen Adriana before, which relieves her as she realizes her suspicions were unfounded. When Curtis takes Adriana to a dimly lit underground parking garage and leads her to an elevator, Adriana grows curious about his intentions since he could have simply arranged a delivery instead of accompanying her personally. Upon exiting the elevator, Adriana is shocked to see Natasha and Danielle, the eldest Barton daughter, waiting there.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Danielle greets Curtis warmly, but Natasha\u2019s face darkens upon seeing Adriana, revealing her displeasure. Natasha coldly refers to Adriana as \u201cAnna,\u201d hinting at a past connection, while Danielle expresses grudging respect for Adriana\u2019s capabilities. Adriana tries to avoid confrontation, but Curtis boldly takes her hand and challenges Natasha, declaring Adriana as his wife, which shocks everyone. Natasha reacts with disbelief and disdain, unable to accept that Curtis would marry an orphan like Adriana, especially given the existing marriage agreement between their families.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis defends Adriana, praising her intelligence and talents, which he had only recently come to appreciate beyond her appearance. This acknowledgment surprises Adriana and fills her with a newfound confidence. Natasha tries to argue, but Danielle silences her, understanding Curtis\u2019s nature well enough to know he won\u2019t be easily challenged. Curtis then walks away with Adriana, leaving Natasha anxious and unable to accept the reality of their marriage.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Danielle reassures Natasha that Curtis\u2019s marriage to Adriana is likely a strategic contract to keep Harold quiet, as Curtis remains emotionally attached to someone else. Danielle reveals that Harold wants Curtis to marry her sister Nicole, who mysteriously disappeared years ago. If Nicole returns, Curtis will divorce Adriana, ending the contract marriage. Danielle and Chandler currently benefit from Nicole\u2019s absence, as her return would jeopardize their inheritance from the Barton estate, adding tension and uncertainty to the situation.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 38: Danielle\u2019s Scheme<\/p>\n
Curtis held Adriana\u2019s gaze for a long, tense moment, his eyes searching hers before he finally broke the silence with a firm, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
He hadn\u2019t seen her before, that much was clear.<\/p>\n
A small sigh of relief escaped Adriana\u2019s lips. So it was just her imagination playing tricks on her after all.<\/p>\n
When the car came to a halt in the dimly lit underground parking garage, Curtis took the lead, guiding Adriana toward the elevator.<\/p>\n
Honestly, if his intention was merely to give her something, he could have easily arranged for the store to deliver it. Yet, he chose to take her out himself, which piqued Adriana\u2019s curiosity.<\/p>\n
The moment they stepped out of the elevator, Adriana\u2019s body stiffened. Haldoria was indeed a tiny place\u2014right there, standing before her, was Natasha.<\/p>\n
But Natasha wasn\u2019t alone. She was accompanied by Danielle, the eldest daughter of the Barton family.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis?\u201d Danielle\u2019s eyes lit up as she spotted him, greeting him with a bright smile.<\/p>\n
Natasha\u2019s gaze immediately landed on Adriana, and her face darkened with displeasure. \u201cWow, you really do show up everywhere,\u201d she said with a biting edge.<\/p>\n
Danielle turned toward Natasha, intrigued. \u201cYou two know each other?\u201d<\/p>\n
With a quick, dismissive glance, Natasha replied coolly, \u201cShe\u2019s Anna\u2014the one I told you about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Danielle\u2019s eyes narrowed sharply as she looked at Adriana, her expression dripping with disdain. \u201cSo it\u2019s her. I have to admit, she\u2019s more capable than I gave her credit for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana kept her head bowed, choosing to ignore their hostility, and tried to slip away quietly. She didn\u2019t want to stir up any trouble for Curtis.<\/p>\n
But Curtis reached out, firmly taking Adriana\u2019s hand right in front of both women. \u201cDo you have a problem with my wife?\u201d<\/p>\n
His words hung in the air, shocking Natasha into silence.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Curtis. Weren\u2019t they supposed to keep the marriage a secret?<\/p>\n
Natasha was so stunned she couldn\u2019t find her voice. Curtis\u2019s wife? Had he truly lost his mind, marrying an orphan like her?<\/p>\n
Danielle was surprised but less so\u2014she had already heard some rumors from Belinda.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem,\u201d Natasha said quietly, though her tone was laced with condescension. \u201cI just think\u2026 she\u2019s not good enough for you. Besides, our families have a marriage agreement, even if\u2026\u201d She trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.<\/p>\n
After all, the engagement wasn\u2019t hers to begin with.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy wife is amazing,\u201d Curtis said firmly, his gaze locked on Adriana.<\/p>\n
He meant every word.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s SAT scores and her exceptional design talent had genuinely impressed him.<\/p>\n
There weren\u2019t many women who could truly captivate Curtis\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n
During the four years Adriana had spent with Matthew, Curtis had only noticed that she was obedient, pretty, and had a figure he liked. He never bothered to look deeper, never recognized her real strengths.<\/p>\n
Adriana had been the top student in her class, the brightest from that small town where her orphanage was located. Her achievements were genuine and hard-earned.<\/p>\n
She stared at Curtis, stunned.<\/p>\n
So this was what it felt like\u2014to have your efforts acknowledged.<\/p>\n
A warm, indescribable feeling blossomed inside her, and she instinctively lifted her chin higher.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln\u2026\u201d Natasha started, unwilling to let the matter drop, but Danielle grabbed her wrist firmly to silence her.<\/p>\n
Natasha might not understand Curtis well, but Danielle did.<\/p>\n
Curtis was not someone you wanted to challenge.<\/p>\n
Curtis shot Natasha a cold look, then took Adriana\u2019s hand and walked away without another word.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow could Curtis be interested in Adriana? How could he marry her?\u201d Natasha\u2019s voice trembled with anxiety. She couldn\u2019t accept that an orphan\u2014someone she had always looked down upon\u2014was suddenly on the same level as her.<\/p>\n
Curtis was practically the crown prince of Harborton. Countless women vied for his attention. Even Danielle had once gone out of her way to win him over.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry. Curtis isn\u2019t really into her. He probably married her because she\u2019s easy to control,\u201d Danielle said calmly, confident that Curtis would never truly fall for Adriana. \u201cHe\u2019s still hung up on someone else. My guess? Their marriage is just a contract. He\u2019s using her to keep Harold quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Natasha nodded grimly, but even with Danielle\u2019s explanation, she found it hard to accept.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re into Curtis too. Can you accept this?\u201d Natasha asked Danielle pointedly.<\/p>\n
Aren\u2019t you going to try to break them up?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not in a hurry,\u201d Danielle replied coolly. \u201cHarold wants Curtis to marry my sister, Nicole. If the Bartons ever find her, Harold will make sure Curtis divorces Adriana.\u201d<\/p>\n
When that happens, the contract marriage between Curtis and Adriana will come to an end.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if the Barton heiress really does come back, won\u2019t that be bad for you?\u201d Natasha asked, her voice tinged with worry.<\/p>\n
Years ago, Gilbert and his wife had died in Haldoria, and baby Nicole had mysteriously disappeared.<\/p>\n
That was how Danielle and Chandler managed to return openly to the Barton Estate.<\/p>\n
If Nicole never returned, all of the Barton inheritance would belong to Danielle and Chandler.<\/p>\n
But if Nicole did come back, they wouldn\u2019t receive a single penny or a single share.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The tension between Adriana and the Barton family members crystallizes the deep divides of status, power, and perception that have long shadowed her life. Curtis\u2019s unwavering defense of Adriana not only surprises those around them but also marks a pivotal moment where recognition and respect begin to replace judgment and disdain. Adriana\u2019s quiet strength and genuine talents finally find validation in Curtis\u2019s eyes, hinting at the possibility of a future where she is seen for who she truly is, rather than the circumstances of her past.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet beneath this fragile victory lies the looming threat of old alliances and schemes, as Danielle and Natasha plot in the shadows, unwilling to accept Adriana\u2019s place beside Curtis. Their calculated patience and the unresolved mystery of Nicole\u2019s fate remind us that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges. For now, though, the chapter closes on a note of quiet triumph and the stirring hope that love and merit might one day overcome the weight of history and expectation.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to deepen the tension between Adriana and the Barton family, especially as Danielle\u2019s calculated schemes begin to take shape. Curtis\u2019s unexpected declaration of marriage to Adriana has already sent ripples through the group, but the undercurrents of rivalry and hidden agendas suggest that peace will be elusive. As secrets about family ties and inheritance surface, alliances will be tested and loyalties questioned, leaving readers eager to see how Adriana will navigate this treacherous landscape.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Emotions will run high as Adriana, still grappling with her own self-worth, faces the sharp disdain and veiled threats from those who once looked down on her. Curtis\u2019s protective stance hints at a growing bond that may be challenged by external forces, while the looming presence of Nicole\u2019s possible return adds an ominous layer of uncertainty. The next chapter will explore not only the power struggles at play but also the personal growth and resilience required to withstand them.<\/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 38 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-23949","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\/23949","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=23949"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23949\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}