Curtis and Adriana share a tense moment when he reveals he hadn\u2019t recognized her before, easing Adriana\u2019s worries. As they arrive at the underground parking garage, Curtis personally escorts Adriana, despite the convenience of delivery. However, their encounter takes a turn when they meet Natasha and Danielle, the eldest Barton daughter. Natasha immediately displays hostility toward Adriana, while Danielle seems intrigued but disdainful, acknowledging Adriana\u2019s unexpected capabilities.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis firmly asserts his support for Adriana, calling her his wife and praising her intelligence and talents, much to the shock of Natasha and Danielle. Adriana feels a newfound pride in his recognition, contrasting with the years she spent unnoticed by Matthew. Despite Natasha\u2019s attempts to challenge Curtis, Danielle intervenes, understanding Curtis\u2019s strength and warning Natasha not to provoke him.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The conversation reveals underlying tensions about a marriage agreement between families and Curtis\u2019s supposed lingering feelings for another woman. Danielle confidently dismisses the marriage as a strategic contract meant to silence Harold, predicting it will end once Curtis is free to pursue Mical. Natasha struggles to accept Adriana\u2019s place beside Curtis, grappling with her own feelings and the social implications.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, Danielle outlines a scheme to secure control of the Barton estate by preventing the return of the true heir, Nicole, while planning to install a loyal impostor. Natasha feels reassured by this plan, seeing it as beneficial to her own position. The chapter ends with the women united in their manipulative plotting, setting the stage for future conflicts surrounding inheritance and loyalty.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 38: Danielle\u2019s Scheme<\/p>\n
Curtis gazed intently into Adriana\u2019s eyes, holding a silence that stretched longer than she expected. Finally, he spoke quietly, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
He hadn\u2019t recognized her before.<\/p>\n
Adriana exhaled softly, a wave of relief washing over her. So it had all just been in her mind.<\/p>\n
When the car came to a halt in the dim underground parking garage, Curtis led Adriana toward the elevator. Honestly, if his only intention was to give her something, he could have easily arranged for the store to deliver it. Yet, he had chosen to escort her personally.<\/p>\n
As soon as the elevator doors slid open, Adriana froze in place. Haldoria was a small town, after all. Standing right before her were Natasha and Danielle\u2014the eldest daughter of the Barton family.<\/p>\n
To her surprise, Natasha wasn\u2019t with Matthew; instead, she was flanked by Danielle.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis!\u201d Danielle greeted him enthusiastically, her voice bright.<\/p>\n
Natasha\u2019s gaze landed on Adriana, and her expression immediately darkened. \u201cWow, you really do show up everywhere,\u201d she sneered.<\/p>\n
Curious, Danielle glanced between them. \u201cYou two know each other?\u201d<\/p>\n
Natasha shot her a quick, icy look. \u201cShe\u2019s Anna\u2014the one I told you about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Danielle\u2019s eyes sharpened as she looked at Adriana, disgust evident in her expression. \u201cSo it\u2019s her. I have to admit, she\u2019s more capable than I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana lowered her head, refusing to engage, and tried to slip away quietly. She didn\u2019t want to stir trouble for Curtis.<\/p>\n
But Curtis caught her hand firmly in front of both women. \u201cIs there a problem with my wife?\u201d he asked calmly but with unmistakable authority.<\/p>\n
Natasha\u2019s eyes widened in shock.<\/p>\n
Adriana stared at Curtis, stunned. Weren\u2019t they supposed to keep their marriage a secret?<\/p>\n
Natasha was too taken aback to respond immediately. His wife?<\/p>\n
Had Curtis lost his mind by marrying an orphan?<\/p>\n
Danielle was momentarily surprised, but having heard rumors from Belinda, she wasn\u2019t entirely shocked. \u201cNo problem,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI just think\u2026 she\u2019s not good enough for you. Besides, our families have a marriage agreement, even if\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
Her words trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. After all, the engagement wasn\u2019t hers to decide.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy wife is incredible,\u201d Curtis said firmly, his gaze locking on Adriana.<\/p>\n
He truly meant it.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s impressive SAT scores and her exceptional talent in design had caught his attention long ago. Few women had ever genuinely impressed Curtis.<\/p>\n
During the four years she spent with Matthew, he had only seen her as obedient, pretty, and physically attractive. He never bothered to recognize her true strengths beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
Adriana had been the top student in her class, the brightest from the small town where her orphanage was located. Her accomplishments were real and hard-earned.<\/p>\n
She looked blankly at Curtis, feeling a warmth she hadn\u2019t expected\u2014a quiet pride swelling inside her. This was what it felt like to have your hard work truly acknowledged. Her posture straightened, and she lifted her chin slightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln\u2026\u201d Natasha began, unwilling to let the matter drop, but Danielle grabbed her wrist firmly to stop her.<\/p>\n
Natasha might not understand Curtis well, but Danielle did.<\/p>\n
Curtis was not someone to be trifled with.<\/p>\n
With a cold glare at Natasha, Curtis intertwined his fingers with Adriana\u2019s and turned away.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow could Curtis be interested in Adriana? How could he even marry her?\u201d Natasha\u2019s voice trembled with disbelief. She couldn\u2019t accept that an orphan\u2014a woman she had always looked down upon\u2014was suddenly on Curtis\u2019s level.<\/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,\u201d Danielle said calmly, confidence dripping from her words. \u201cCurtis isn\u2019t really into her. He probably married her because she\u2019s easy to control. Curtis is still hung up on someone else. No woman can truly capture his heart. My guess? Their marriage is just a contract. He\u2019s using Adriana to keep Harold quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Natasha nodded grimly, but even with Danielle\u2019s explanation, she found it hard to accept the truth.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou like Curtis too, don\u2019t you? Can you accept this?\u201d Natasha asked pointedly, her voice laced with challenge.<\/p>\n
Aren\u2019t you going to try to break them up?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m in no rush,\u201d Danielle replied coolly. \u201cHarold wants Curtis to marry someone else\u2014Mical. He\u2019ll never let Curtis find her. Harold will make sure Curtis divorces Adriana. When that happens, their contract marriage will be over.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if the Barton heiress really returns, won\u2019t that be a problem?\u201d Natasha asked anxiously.<\/p>\n
Years ago, Gilbert and his wife had died in Haldoria, leaving behind baby Nicole. That was how Danielle and Chandler had managed to return to the estate openly.<\/p>\n
If Nicole never came back, all of the Barton inheritance would belong to Danielle and Chandler.<\/p>\n
But if Nicole returned, they wouldn\u2019t get a single cent or a single share.<\/p>\n
Danielle smirked, eyes gleaming with cunning. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. The real Nicole will never return. But when the time is right\u2026 a Nicole who works for us can come back to the Barton estate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Natasha exhaled, relief flooding through her.<\/p>\n
If Danielle secured her position as the Barton heiress, Natasha would only benefit.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter closes on a tense yet revealing moment, highlighting the complexities of power, loyalty, and identity that thread through Adriana and Curtis\u2019s relationship. Curtis\u2019s unwavering support for Adriana, despite the disdain and scheming from figures like Natasha and Danielle, underscores a profound emotional shift\u2014one where genuine respect and recognition begin to replace past misunderstandings and underestimations. Adriana\u2019s quiet pride and newfound strength in Curtis\u2019s affirmation mark a pivotal step in her journey toward self-worth and acceptance, even as external pressures continue to mount.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the same time, the shadow of manipulation and inheritance schemes looms large, reminding us that love and ambition often collide in unpredictable ways. Danielle\u2019s calculated plans and Natasha\u2019s conflicted loyalties create an atmosphere charged with anticipation and uncertainty. Yet beneath it all, the chapter gently affirms that true connection\u2014rooted in respect and authenticity\u2014can stand firm against the corrosive forces of greed and prejudice. This delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience leaves readers eager to see how these intertwined destinies will unfold.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that pulse beneath the surface of Haldoria\u2019s elite. As Danielle\u2019s calculated schemes begin to unfurl, the fragile balance between loyalty and betrayal will be tested, leaving Adriana caught in a storm of power plays far beyond her control. The tension between Curtis\u2019s genuine affection and the shadowy expectations imposed by family ties will only intensify, raising the stakes for everyone involved.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Emotions will run high as secrets threaten to unravel and characters are forced to confront their true desires and fears. Will Adriana find the strength to assert herself amid the mounting pressure, or will the weight of others\u2019 ambitions threaten to crush her spirit? Meanwhile, Natasha\u2019s conflicted feelings and Danielle\u2019s cunning maneuvers hint at a brewing confrontation that could change the course of their intertwined fates forever.<\/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-23950","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\/23950","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=23950"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23950\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}