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

Chapter 176 Blaming Himself " Does it still hurt ? " Curtis's voice was low as he pulled Adriana against his chest . He'd spent days blaming himself . Every hour , that guilt ate at him like poison . Adriana shook her head gently . " No. It doesn't hurt anymore ." 99 Finished Curtis rested his forehead on her shoulder . His voice came out rough . " I should've you . " protected Adriana quickly shook her head again . " It wasn't your fault . " She paused for a moment , her eyes dim . " I was the one who messed up . I should've seen it coming when Belinda showed up .

" Curtis was about to speak when the doorbell rang sharply through the quiet house . Outside , a black Phantom pulled to a stop at the gate . The engine went silent , and Matthew's assistant stepped out . He opened the door and bowed slightly , welcoming a family of three . Michael lifted his chin and stared at the villa with calm , heavy eyes . In his mind , everything that belonged to Curtis had always been his to begin with . Juliet's voice was full of awe . " Honey , this place is amazing . Is it ours ? " Michael let out a short , dry laugh . " No.

This is one of the Lincolns ' homes in Haldoria . It belongs to my son from my first marriage . " Jealousy burned through Juliet's face . " What a waste. If only this house were ours . Your first son's had it easy for years while our boy grew up with nothing ." Her voice cracked as she choked back tears . Denton frowned and turned toward her . " Mom , that's not right . Dad said he left the Lincolns or his own . You met him after that . If he hadn't left , you wouldn't even be together . So it's not my brother's fault ." His voice was calm but firm . Inside , though , he felt lost .

Overnight , he'd gone from living a simple life to being part of some wealthy family he didn't even know . He wasn't sure he wanted it . He wasn't sure his brother would want him either . And no matter what Michael said , Denton didn't buy it . His father's departure from the Lincolns must've had some deeper reason . 1/3 8:45 Sat , Jan 10 Chapter 176 Blaming Himself A man who hated work and barely lifted a finger didn't walk away from money unless something else had gone down . Juliet shot him a glare sharp enough to cut glass , warning him to stay quiet .

& 99 Finished In the corner by the wall , Belinda sat hunched over , drawing circles in the dirt . Her legs were numb , but she froze when she saw the family walking up . Slowly , she steadied herself against the wall and stood . " Who are you looking for ? " Juliet flinched , clutching her chest . Michael stiffened beside her . They hadn't noticed the girl sitting there at all . Michael's brows drew together . " I'm looking for Curtis . Who are you ? The maid ? " Belinda turned toward the doorway . Curtis and Adriana had stepped out . Her voice was soft . " Curtis , they're here for you .

" Michael looked up , and the color drained from his face . The boy he once brushed off stood before him now , taller , sharper , radiating the kind of strength that filled the whole space . Michael couldn't even hold his gaze . Matthew's assistant stepped forward with a polite smile . " Mr. Lincoln , this is Mr. Michael . He's your father . Mr. Langford asked me to bring him and his family here to see you ." Matthew had done it on purpose . He wanted Curtis to know he wasn't the only one who could play dirty . Curtis let out a sharp , cold laugh .

To him , Matthew looked like a child trying to pick a fight he couldn't win . Did that fool really think dragging back some runaway father and a half - brother would turn the Lincoln Group into another Langford empire ? " Go tell your boss this , " Curtis said , his tone slicing through the air . " If he has to bring an illegitimate son into his company , that means he's weak . But just because he's pathetic doesn't mean the rest of us are . " The assistant's fake smile fell apart . He froze , swallowed hard , and gave a quick nod before hurrying back to the car .

Adriana turned her head toward Michael and his family . Her face went pale with shock . His father ? But Curtis's father was supposed to be dead . " So you're Curtis , " Michael said , pretending to sound casual as his eyes swept over him . " You've grown up . " He started toward the house , motioning Juliet to follow . 2/3 8:45 Sat , Jan 10 Chapter 176 Blaming Himself & 99 Finished Curtis raised his arm , blocking him. " This is my property . If you step inside , I'll call the police . " Michael's expression twisted in disbelief . " Curtis , I'm your father .

Everything you have today came from me ! " Juliet stepped in right away , her tone sharp and entitled . " He's right . He's your father . You can't just slam the door on your own dad ! " Her gaze drifted greedily around the villa . " Curtis , right ? You must have plenty of houses . Why not give this one to your brother ? It's close to his school anyway . " Denton's face burned red . " Mom , stop talking like that ! " Curtis didn't even glance at her or Michael . His eyes locked on Denton instead . So this was the kid . The perfect brother . The one Harold was so eager to bring home .

" I'm sorry , " Denton said quickly , his voice low and nervous . " We shouldn't have just shown up . My dad- " Curtis cut him off , his words heavy as stone . " Years ago , the Lincolns were drowning in debt . Over ten billion , might I add . He didn't fight for this family . He ran . He signed away his inheritance and vanished from the face of the world . He left my grandfather and me to fix everything he destroyed . And now he has the nerve to show his face here ? " Denton's eyes went wide . He turned to Michael . " Dad ... is that true ? " The silence hit like ice .

Adriana and Belinda stared at Michael , their faces full of disbelief . So he hadn't died back then . He'd run . The Lincolns couldn't stand the shame , so they told the world he was dead . 274 3/3 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.