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

Chapter 43 Substantial Evidence Curtis never took his eyes off Adriana , the corner of his mouth tipping up . Camelia clutched her cheek , staring at Adriana in shock . " You hit me ? " 0 Finished The rich kid shielding Camelia darkened , stepped up , and swung a kick at Adriana . " Looking to die- " It never landed . He went flying three feet away . Curtis had risen , pulled Adriana into his arms , and booted the man away . A few other rich kids rolled up their sleeves to charge at them - Tom , the driver , and a bodyguard each hip - threw two to the floor in a blink . " Police !

" Kenneth arrived with officers - smartly , he'd brought Joe himself . Joe didn't coddle anyone . " All of you , come with us , " he said , voice flat . " If your families won't teach you , the state will . " " You touch me and you're done ! " one rich kid still yapped . " Officer Richardson , " Curtis said , " the evidence from four years ago - the campus bullying against Adriana - is all here . We're refiling and seeking a full investigation . Every last one of them gets charged ." He forwarded the files to Joe on the spot .

" And her , " Curtis added , flicking a glance at a woman with a phone . " Infringing on my wife's and my portrait rights . Counsel - coordinate . " Adriana's ears went pink ; she gave a tiny nod . Joe's gaze cut between Curtis and Adriana . " Wife ? " Adriana felt guilty and nodded . He had questions , but one look at Curtis and he kept them to himself . From what he'd seen , Curtis was unequivocally on Adriana's side . " You'll gain nothing by crossing us , " Camelia spat . " Mia masterminded the bullying back then . No way you're putting her in prison ." " Adriana !

" 1/3 Chapter 43 Substantial Evidence : 95 H Finished Matthew strode in ; Natasha and Mia followed on his heels . Natasha had come hoping to leverage the orphanage to force Adriana into signing a letter of leniency to reduce Rufus's sentence . She also wanted to " talk . " And to watch . " Mia ! She's insane - she called the cops and wants to dig up a four - year - old bullying case ! " Camelia perked up the second Matthew and Mia arrived , suddenly feeling confident . After all , Matthew wasn't going to watch his own sister get hauled off . " Adriana , what now ?

" Matthew sighed , stepping to her side . " Whatever it is , tell me . I'll fix it . Don't make a scene . " Curtis's look slid over Matthew , cool and faintly bored . He eased Adriana closer into his chest . " Mr. Langford , my wife's affairs aren't yours to manage ." " Curtis ! " Matthew snapped . " I told you - she's mine ." Curtis gave a quiet , contemptuous laugh . " Do you and she also have this ? " He took out a slip of paper from his pocket - a marriage certificate . Matthew's expression went grim . Even Adriana blinked - he's been carrying it around ?

" Curtis , I don't care what game you're playing , " Matthew ground out , fisting Curtis's lapel . " Stay away from her . " " Matt " Natasha rushed up , glancing around nervously at the crowd and the phones . The last thing she wanted was to become today's headline . But Matthew was past reason . The instant Curtis flashed that certificate , something snapped . Four years - Adriana from nineteen to now . He'd never planned to marry her , yet he'd long since treated her as his property . How could he accept Adriana belonging to someone else ? He couldn't .

" You're pathetic , Matthew , " Curtis said , knocking his hand aside . He laced his fingers deliberately with Adriana's . " Let me be clear : don't lay a finger on my wife again . " 213 8:42 Sat , Jan 3 Chapter 43 Substantial Evidence 195 B Finished Adriana looked up at Curtis , eyes stinging , and tucked herself behind him . Matthew lunged to drag her away - Joe stepped in , palm up . " " Mr. Langford , new evidence has surfaced in Ms. Xander's bullying case . It's substantial . She's requested we reopen and file .

Your sister- " he turned to Mia " -will come with us to assist the investigation . " " No ! " Natasha threw an arm in front of Mia . " She can't go anywhere - she's just a girl- " Mia's composure cracked . " Matthew ... I don't want to go to jail . It's been so long - how does she even remember ? " " Ms. Jones , save it . The video evidence is clear . Your brother Rufus participated as well . His sentence will be increased - combined penalties , " Joe said evenly . " Adriana ! " Natasha's voice went sharp with fury .

" So many years have passed - must you fixate on something this trivial now ? What , you think just because you've got Curtis behind you , you can throw your weight around ? " Curtis won't want you forever , she thought viciously . When he's done , we'll see how you fall . " Adriana ... " Matthew tried again , strained . " We settled the bullying mess four years ago , didn't we ? " Back then , Adriana had promised not to pursue it . 108 AdminJ