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

Denton really was their trump card - that was the only reason Michael and Juliet dared walk back into the Lincoln Estate . Michael knew exactly what he'd done years ago : he'd signed away his inheritance . He also knew he didn't have the chops to run the Lincoln Group . The only leverage he and Juliet had was their son , Denton . And Curtis hated Michael's guts . There was no universe where Curtis simply welcomed him home . " Denton's still in Haldoria .

Smart , driven , stubborn in the best way - insists on paying his own tuition , " Juliet said , pride warming her voice . Rosa and the others piled on with easy smiles and nods . " What a good boy . He knows he's a Lincoln and still refuses to coast . Just like Mr. Harold back in the day ." One of the uncles cut a glance at Harold to gauge his mood . The old man had been stone - faced from the start . Michael's years of absence still sat in his craw ; even if the rage had cooled , there was no fondness to spare .

But the moment they mentioned the grandson he hadn't met yet , the hard line of his mouth loosened . " Hmph . You brag about letting the boy suffer like that ? " He was angry , yes - but the anger came from concern . Michael wasn't stupid . He knew Denton was his only shot at a way back in . " Dad , Denton's a good kid . He doesn't want to live off the family . He's not staying away to slight you - he just wants to earn his tuition first . " A flicker of pain moved behind Harold's eyes . " He has to earn his own tuition ? You two can't even cover that ? " Michael's face tightened .

Juliet , thick - skinned as ever , stepped in smoothly . " Dad , you've always had a soft spot for your grandson . Even if you don't care for Michael's sake , at least look at the boy . We can't walk out of here empty - handed again , can we ? " She was outright asking for money . Harold's expression darkened . He snorted . " Michael signed a severance agreement with his own hand . You come back now for money - where's your shame ? " " Mr. Harold , cut him some slack ." A paternal uncle hurried to smooth things over , grinning . " You obviously . want him here. No need to drive him off .

How about this - I'll take the initiative : let Michael stay , and in a few days , we'll bring Denton back so he can be acknowledged as family sooner . " Harold gripped his cane and let out another huff , offering no opinion for a long beat . Finally , he said , " We wait for Curtis . If he won't agree , there's nothing I can do." " Mr. Lincoln , you're the head of the family - your word is law . Curtis is a junior . This house still answers to you , " the uncle and Rosa pressed , clearly trying to lock it in before Curtis arrived .

" In that case , why don't we have you run the Lincolns from now on ? You can take the Lincoln Group off my hands while you're at it . How does that sound ? " A cool baritone cut in from the courtyard . Curtis walked in 1/3 10:25 Mon , Jan 12 RD . Outwardly , they all feared Curtis - because they still needed him .

Inwardly , they were here for the spectacle . People could be cold in scary ways . Adriana's chest ached for him . In a blink , everything he'd done for the Lincoln Group and this family felt insultingly cheapened . She used to never understand the saying , but now she really did - give someone an inch , and they'll take a mile ... and then blame you for it . Every person in this room made money because of Curtis , and still , each one nursed their own little scheme . Greed stacked on greed . They wanted more - more side deals , more " gray " income .

When Curtis shut those pipelines and demanded clean books , all they remembered was him cutting off their extra cash , not the prosperity he'd built for them . People say you should always remember who helped you - but these folks took the water and then tried to bury the well - digger . " Curtis , he's still your father . And you've got a younger brother now . Families should be together . You can't keep being so headstrong . " Curtis's third uncle , Harry Lincoln , couldn't hold it in any longer . " I thought my father was dead , " Curtis said evenly .

Harry flinched , then shot Harold a strained look . Harold's expression shifted . His gaze slid past Curtis and landed on Adriana . " This is family business . If you don't mind , go sit in the side hall . " Clear as day - he didn't see her as one of them . And because he didn't dare swing at Curtis , he took a swipe at Adriana instead . Anger flared hot beneath Adriana's ribs . Even she - slow to anger by nature - was ready to bite . Joe had been right : if she intended to stay beside Curtis , she couldn't be the meek , accommodating " good person " anymore . She needed thorns . A spine .

She couldn't be his soft spot ; / she had to be someone who could help him steady the table and make this relationship last . " Grandpa , that's a little cold . I'm Curtis's wife . When something this embarrassing hits our home , why shouldn't a granddaughter - in - law be present ? " Adriana refused , plain and simple . She wasn't leaving . She was staying right here . 10:25 Mon , Jan 12 RD AdminJ