\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Chapter 162 of \u201cWhen Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen,\u201d Nicole finds herself in a precarious situation after inadvertently mentioning Curtis\u2019s mother, a topic she was warned to avoid. Panic ensues as she realizes the gravity of her mistake, and her fear is palpable in the air. Curtis\u2019s furious glare makes her feel as if she might shatter under the weight of his anger, yet she steels herself, reminding herself of her lineage and that Curtis wouldn\u2019t dare harm her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As tension mounts, the arrival of Justin, a tall figure exuding calm confidence, shifts the atmosphere. His striking appearance captivates not only Nicole but also Adriana, who feels a sense of awe. Justin intervenes protectively between Nicole and Curtis, introducing himself as her protector sent by her grandfather. This revelation brings a wave of relief to Nicole, who expresses her frustrations about the treatment she\u2019s received, while Curtis remains eerily silent, his anger slowly dissipating in Justin\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The underlying tension between Curtis and Justin becomes increasingly evident, hinting at a deeper history. Curtis\u2019s frustration rises as Nicole defiantly threatens to tell her grandfather about the mistreatment she has faced, unaware of the precarious situation she is in. The exchange between Curtis and Justin is heavy with unspoken knowledge about Nicole\u2019s true identity, suggesting that time is running out to uncover the real heir.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nicole, oblivious to the brewing storm, continues to assert her newfound confidence with Justin by her side. However, Justin maintains his calm demeanor, suggesting they discuss matters further at home. As they prepare to leave, Curtis\u2019s possessiveness over Adriana surfaces, revealing his discomfort with the attention she gives to Justin. The chapter ends with a mix of emotions\u2014Nicole\u2019s defiance, Justin\u2019s composed resolve, and Curtis\u2019s simmering jealousy\u2014setting the stage for further conflict and revelations.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
\n**Chapter 162: Cranky Curtis**<\/p>\n
Nicole had always felt a sense of caution around certain topics, but she had never realized just how precarious the line she had crossed truly was. The warning from Danielle echoed in her mind, a firm directive never to mention Curtis\u2019s mother when he was nearby. The gravity of her mistake hit her like a tidal wave.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis\u2026 I didn\u2019t mean it. I swear I didn\u2019t,\u201d she stuttered, her voice trembling as panic clawed at her throat. The words tumbled out in a rush, but the sincerity behind them felt fragile, like glass teetering on the edge of a table.<\/p>\n
Her legs felt weak, almost as if they were betraying her in this moment of crisis.<\/p>\n
If looks could kill, Curtis\u2019s glare would have shattered her into a million pieces, each shard reflecting the fury that radiated from him.<\/p>\n
Yet, amidst the turmoil, she summoned the strength to lift her chin. She was Nicole Barton, the granddaughter of Jeremy Barton, and she reminded herself that Curtis would never dare to lay a finger on her. He simply couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Across the scene, Adriana felt a pang of empathy. She could see the storm brewing on Curtis\u2019s face, his expression as unyielding as a statue carved from the hardest stone. His anger was palpable, thickening the air around them, making it hard to breathe. It was as if he had the power to extinguish life itself with just a glance.<\/p>\n
Then, the sudden sound of tires crunching over gravel sliced through the tension like a knife. A sleek black sedan glided to a halt at the entrance, drawing Curtis\u2019s attention away from Nicole. Adriana followed his gaze, her heart racing. The car door swung open, and out stepped a tall figure, exuding an air of calm confidence.<\/p>\n
As sunlight cascaded over him, his eyes sparkled with a faint blue luminescence, reminiscent of sunlight dancing on deep, tranquil waters. He donned a fitted suit that was minimalist yet undeniably elegant, with a single bamboo embroidery gracing the hem, adding an understated charm. The crisp white shirt beneath accentuated his tall, lean physique, giving him an ethereal quality, as if he had emerged directly from the heart of winter\u2014clean, cold, and utterly untouchable.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s breath hitched in her throat. She found herself staring longer than was socially acceptable, her mind momentarily blank. It wasn\u2019t desire that held her captive; it was sheer awe.<\/p>\n
Justin was impossibly beautiful, in a way that felt almost painful to behold.<\/p>\n
In contrast, Curtis possessed a rugged handsomeness that felt dangerous, a kind of beauty that could cut deep. His features were sharp, each line etched with control and rage, like a fallen angel who had wandered too far from grace. People instinctively recoiled from him, sensing the darkness lurking beneath his surface.<\/p>\n
Justin, however, radiated a serene presence, calm and compelling in a way that was impossible to ignore. There was something otherworldly about him, an allure that drew the attention of everyone around him without any effort on his part.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln, it\u2019s been a long time,\u201d Justin\u2019s voice flowed smoothly, laced with politeness. He stepped forward, positioning himself protectively between Nicole and Curtis. \u201cI\u2019m here to take my mistress home. I apologize for any trouble caused.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nicole felt frozen, her mind struggling to comprehend the unfolding scene. She stared at Justin as if he were a mirage, momentarily forgetting how to breathe. After what felt like an eternity, she finally managed to speak. \u201cYou\u2019re the one Grandpa sent to protect me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Justin turned his head slightly, his gaze meeting hers with a quiet intensity. After a brief pause, he nodded once, affirmatively.<\/p>\n
A wave of relief washed over Nicole, flooding her with warmth as if she had just been rescued from a stormy sea. She instinctively moved behind him, seeking refuge. \u201cThey\u2019ve been awful to me,\u201d she lamented, her tone dripping with self-pity, the words tumbling out like a flood.<\/p>\n
Curtis remained silent, his eyes fixed straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge Justin\u2019s presence. Adriana noticed the tension; it was unusual for Curtis to be so uncharacteristically quiet, and the coldness between them hinted at a deeper history\u2014one that neither man seemed willing to address.<\/p>\n
However, Adriana also observed a shift. The moment Justin arrived, the tempest of anger on Curtis\u2019s face began to dissipate, like dark clouds giving way to sunlight.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln,\u201d Justin said softly, his expression inscrutable. \u201cI\u2019ll be taking her with me now.\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned his gaze to Adriana, locking eyes with her for just a fleeting moment. It was brief, but it lingered long enough for her to feel its weight. She could see the tension in his throat as if he wanted to say something but ultimately swallowed it down, turning away to signal for Nicole to follow.<\/p>\n
Curtis, who might have let the moment pass, found himself unable to contain his frustration. \u201cCurtis!\u201d Nicole shouted, her voice ringing out defiantly. \u201cI\u2019m telling my grandpa everything! I\u2019ll tell him how you and Adriana treated me! You better watch yourself because I\u2019m not alone anymore. I\u2019ve got someone protecting me now!\u201d<\/p>\n
Justin\u2019s jaw tightened, a flicker of frustration crossing his otherwise composed features. He didn\u2019t utter a word, but even Adriana could sense that Nicole\u2019s reckless bravado was testing his patience.<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s voice emerged, low and razor-sharp. \u201cMy patience has a limit.\u201d The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, dark and final. Only he and Justin seemed to grasp the full significance of this exchange.<\/p>\n
Curtis was acutely aware that Nicole was not the true Barton heir, and Justin shared that knowledge. This statement wasn\u2019t merely a warning; it was a countdown. They needed to uncover the real Nicole soon, or this impostor would vanish without a trace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand,\u201d Justin replied quietly, offering Curtis a small, regretful nod.<\/p>\n
He would find her. The real Nicole.<\/p>\n
Nicole, oblivious to the underlying tension, tossed her hair back defiantly. \u201cWhat are you even afraid of? You\u2019re Grandpa\u2019s adopted son! He sent you to protect me, not to bow down to them. Our family is just as powerful as the Lincolns!\u201d She craved Justin\u2019s support, wanting him to empower her to act as she pleased, not to cower like some timid creature.<\/p>\n
Justin maintained his calm demeanor, his tone steady. \u201cLet\u2019s discuss this when we\u2019re back home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nicole huffed in irritation, rolling her eyes as she muttered curses under her breath, marching toward the car with an air of indignation.<\/p>\n
Before she climbed inside, Justin turned one last time, his gaze landing on Adriana once more.<\/p>\n
Curtis noticed immediately, his jaw tightening with possessiveness. He stepped forward, positioning himself as a barrier between Justin and Adriana, his body creating an impenetrable wall.<\/p>\n
His glare was a silent command: Stop staring. She\u2019s mine.<\/p>\n
A faint smile flickered across Justin\u2019s lips, so subtle it could have been a trick of the light. He hadn\u2019t anticipated witnessing this shift.<\/p>\n
He and Curtis had always shared a bond\u2014relentless, cold, and solely dedicated to their work. He had once believed no woman could ever penetrate that focus.<\/p>\n
But Curtis had fallen first.<\/p>\n
It was akin to two men vowing to remain single for life, only for one to suddenly show up with a wedding ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho was that guy?\u201d Adriana asked, her voice still tinged with awe after Justin departed with Nicole. Her eyes were wide, sparkling with disbelief. \u201cHe\u2019s\u2026 unbelievably good-looking. Is he mixed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Curtis replied sharply, irritation creeping into his tone. He could feel the dreamy look on her face gnawing at him.<\/p>\n
He frowned, tilting her chin up with a firm yet gentle hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. \u201cLook at me. You think he\u2019s better-looking than I am?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s head shook vigorously, her hair flying around her like a whirlwind. \u201cNo! You\u2019re handsome too! But\u2026\u201d she added quickly, trying to navigate the delicate line between honesty and flattery without stepping on any toes, \u201cnot the same kind of handsome.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the dust settled from the tumultuous encounter, Nicole felt an unexpected surge of empowerment. With Justin by her side, she recognized that she no longer had to navigate the treacherous waters of her circumstances alone. The warmth of his protective presence wrapped around her like a shield, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos. Curtis\u2019s anger, once a source of fear, now seemed to lose its grip on her. She had crossed a line, yes, but in doing so, she had also discovered her own voice\u2014a voice that demanded respect and acknowledgment. The tension between the three of them had shifted, and though the path ahead remained uncertain, Nicole was resolute in her determination to reclaim her narrative.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis, on the other hand, stood at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of his unyielding facade. The arrival of Justin had not only unsettled his emotions but also forced him to confront the fragility of his own power. The protective instinct he felt toward Adriana clashed with the jealousy ignited by Justin\u2019s presence, revealing cracks in his carefully constructed armor. As he watched Nicole assert herself, a realization dawned upon him: the world he had tried to control was slipping through his fingers. The stakes had never been higher, and with the knowledge that Nicole was not the true heir, he understood that time was running out. The battle for identity and belonging had only just begun, and the choices they all made from this point forward would shape their destinies in ways none of them could yet foresee.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the tension between Curtis and Justin simmers, readers can expect a deeper exploration of the complex relationships that bind these characters together. With Nicole\u2019s bold declaration of independence echoing in the air, the stakes have never been higher. Will Curtis finally confront the truth about Nicole\u2019s identity, or will his simmering anger push him further into the shadows? The arrival of Justin has already begun to shift the dynamics, and his intentions remain shrouded in mystery. What secrets does he hold, and how will Nicole react to the revelations that are sure to come?<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana, caught in the crossfire of this emotional battlefield, will find herself grappling with her own feelings as she navigates the growing tension between the two men. With Curtis\u2019s possessiveness and Justin\u2019s calm demeanor creating an electrifying atmosphere, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected alliances. Will Adriana\u2019s admiration for Justin lead her to question her loyalty to Curtis? As the chapter unfolds, the intricate web of relationships will unravel, revealing hidden truths and testing the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and love. Get ready for a rollercoaster of revelations that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what lies ahead.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 162 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-24073","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\/24073","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=24073"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24073\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}