Ms. Escape: Marrying to Run, Fighting to Rise Novel

Chapter 169 Back Home ཊཱི ( 99 ) Finished Irene had tried again and again to make peace between the nephew and his uncle , but every attempt blew up in her face . Neither of them ever bent . Both of them were too damn proud . Curtis refused to admit he had an uncle . Gary refused to admit Curtis was his nephew . They weren't just distant . They were colder than strangers . Irene had once seen them at the same business gala . They didn't fight . They didn't speak . They just ignored each other like the other didn't exist . The silence between them was heavier than a shouting match .

Adriana had wanted to ask about it more than once . Each time she opened her mouth , the words caught in her throat . Forget it . She didn't need to dig into that . It was clear both men wanted the topic buried . Gary dropped Adriana off at her building before heading off with Irene . Irene treated her like family . She handed Adriana her number , her email , even a list of restaurants she loved . She shoved a bag full of snacks into her arms before leaving . She spoiled her like she was a little baby . Adriana couldn't stop smiling .

Irene had this way of making people feel at ease , like sunlight warming cold skin . Her days in Neocoralis had been the happiest she'd had in ages . She'd met people , made a few industry friends , and finally felt like she was part of something real . But what she loved most was meeting Irene . Ever since Curtis came into her life , things just kept turning for the better . It felt like fortune itself had finally noticed her . " Adriana . " The sound of her name made her stop . She turned and froze . Belinda was crouched near her door , her arms wrapped around her knees .

She looked wrecked . Her eyes were puffy and red , and her cheeks were streaked with dried tears . 1/4 8:44 Sat , Jan 10 Chapter 169 Back Home 99 Finished Adriana hurried toward her . " What's wrong ? Did someone hurt you ? " Belinda shook her head , her voice weak . " Can I stay here a few days ? " Adriana didn't hesitate . " Of course . Come in . " She helped her up and guided her inside . " How's your mom doing ? Is she still feeling okay ? " " She's fine ," Belinda murmured . Her throat sounded raw . Then she lifted her eyes . " Adriana ... is it true ? Are you really pregnant ?

" Adriana glanced down for a moment , then gave a small nod . " Yeah . It's true ." Becoming a mother - it was the strangest , most beautiful feeling she'd ever known . It didn't even feel real yet . Belinda couldn't tear her eyes away from Adriana's belly . She stood there , silent , frozen in place . Her mother's words echoed in her head . " Get close to her . Wait until she's near the stairs . Then push . One shove . One fall . The baby gone . " " Adriana , " Belinda said suddenly , her voice flat . " Were you always on your own? Were you always an orphan ?

" Adriana's hand stilled halfway as she poured water into a glass . She hesitated , then nodded . " Yeah . I was left outside an orphanage the day I was born ." Belinda lifted the glass to her lips and swallowed hard . The water tasted bitter . " I got adopted twice when I was a teenager , " Adriana went on , her tone steady . " But both times , they sent me back . " Belinda blinked . " Why would they do that ? " " They had their own kids later . " Adriana gave a soft , sad smile . " I guess blood ties really do something to people ." Belinda didn't answer .

She didn't believe blood fixed anything . Sometimes it ruined you instead . They climbed the stairs together . The creak of each step echoed like a heartbeat . Halfway up , Belinda's hand moved . All she had to do was give a push . Just one . Adriana would fall . The baby would be gone . Her mother would be satisfied . 211 8:44 Sat , Jan 10 Chapter 169 Back Home Finishen Her palm shook . Her breath caught . She couldn't move . Her heart felt like it might split in two . " Adriana , " Belinda whispered , her voice trembling . Adriana turned around , confused . " What is it ?

" Belinda's eyes filled fast , tears sliding down her face . " My mom loves Curtis . Can you let her have him ? " Adriana froze . " Belinda , love isn't something you hand over . Even if I agreed , Curtis still has to want that . " She exhaled , her voice low . She already knew why Belinda was here. Cynthia had sent her . Belinda's shoulders shook . " My mom gave up everything for him . She almost died for him . She can't lose him now . If she does , she'll fall apart . " Her tears hit the floor one after another . Adriana sighed , the sound heavy and tired .

She could almost see the invisible chains wrapped around Belinda . Her mother's grip had stolen her freedom . For a brief moment , Adriana felt something sharp in her chest - gratitude . She was glad she had no parents . Better to be alone than smothered by a love that killed you . " Belinda ," Adriana said softly , " you've got your own life. Don't let her take it from you . She already ruined herself . Don't let her ruin you too . " Adriana turned and walked down the stairs slowly . Belinda reached out in panic , grabbing at Adriana , but her hands moved too hard .

The moment she felt the push , her heart dropped . She hadn't meant to do it . She didn't want to . But Cynthia's cries had been haunting her for days . The begging , the guilt , the endless pleading to end the baby - it had broken her down . Adriana's body hit the stairs . A sharp crack cut through the air . Pain tore through her like lightning . Her vision blurred , the world spinning into black . Belinda froze . Her breath came out in short , wild gasps . Then she screamed . The sound ripped 3/4 8:44 Sat , Jan 10 Chapter 169 Back Home La 99 Finished through the house .

She stumbled forward , dropped to her knees beside Adriana , and grabbed her phone with shaking fingers . " Adriana ! I'm sorry ! I'm so sorry ! " she sobbed again and again . Her hands trembled so badly she could barely press the numbers . Tears ran down her face in endless streams . Harborton . Curtis walked through the door , and Harold was already waiting . His face was grim , his tone sharp . " Your father- " Curtis didn't even stop . He turned around and started walking away . " Don't you dare walk out on me ! " Harold's voice snapped through the room .

274 4/4 Cedella 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's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.