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Chapter 69 The Weight of Responsibility Finished " Adriana , you're a nice girl . You're an orphan , and you don't stir up trouble - you're the best choice ... " Cynthia sighed . " But you have to understand , IVF is exhausting . You'll have to go to the clinic , get injections , undergo regular check - ups , and eventually have your eggs retrieved .... ... " She felt a twinge of guilt . Cynthia was confident Curtis wouldn't touch her , but she and Curtis had already slept together . Suddenly , a sense of immoral betrayal washed over her , like she was the other woman .
It made her chest tighten with unease . I'm not even a real wife - not in any way that mattered . " I'll follow Curtis's instructions , " Adriana said softly . " I warned you before coming , she's stubborn and won't listen ," Danielle said with an exasperated smile , pushing Cynthia's wheelchair . " So don't bother persuading her . She and Curtis are going to get a divorce sooner or later . If she wants to have a child , let her . Curtis has already promised you . From then on , the child will call you Mom . She won't be allowed to have any contact with the child ." Adriana froze in place .
Not allowed any contact with the child ? She knew she should have anticipated this before signing the contract , but now fear , sadness , and anxiety still bubbled up . " If there's nothing else ... I'll head back first ," Adriana said , not wanting to linger . In front of Cynthia , the real deal , she felt even more like a third wheel . No , to be precise , not even a third wheel . She was just ... a reproductive tool . A tool to provide an heir for Cynthia and Curtis . " Cynthia , make sure you get plenty of rest . I'll take her back , " Danielle said .
She instructed the rehab staff to wheel Cynthia away , then followed Adriana at a leisurely pace . " Let me remind you again - don't fall for Curtis , " Danielle said with a smile . " You're worried I'll fall for him ? " Adriana stopped and looked at her . " If Curtis's love for Cynthia is truly unshakable , why do you keep warning me not to fall for him ? Even if I did ... what would you do about it ? " Danielle paused , frowning . " I just don't want you to humiliate yourself . " " Instead of worrying about me , you should focus on yourself , " Adriana replied politely .
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After all , Danielle was an elder and someone she couldn't afford to offend . Danielle's expression darkened . She probably couldn't accept an orphan from the countryside speaking to her this way . " Adriana , you should know your place . An orphan from the countryside trying to match with Curtis ? That's pure fantasy . Standing next to him and getting a contract marriage - this is as good as it'll ever 1/3 20:02 Mon , Jan 5 G Chapter 69 The Weight of Responsibility get for someone like you . " She spared no effort in belittling Adriana . From Adriana's perspective ... she was overdoing it .
It was clear that Danielle's hostility toward her was oddly excessive . " I'm aware of my own limits , " Adriana reassured her . 351 ) Finished Danielle raised an eyebrow . " Fair enough . You were with Matthew for four years , and he just walked away . For men in this circle , you're nothing more than a toy ." Adriana didn't argue . Danielle's words stung , but they were true . Men like Matthew preferred naïve orphans like her - no complications , no baggage . As Matthew had said , this world was full of wolves , ready to eat you alive .
On the way back , Curtis called Adriana several times . She ignored the first two calls . She didn't know why , but she just didn't want to pick up . By the third call , Adriana answered . Refusing the boss's call for too long felt slightly rebellious . She didn't know why she'd suddenly become so willful - probably because she felt a quiet weight of grievance inside her . But she didn't understand . Why am I feeling wronged ? Wasn't this contract marriage all agreed on from the start ? Why am I getting emotional now ? I know I'm not supposed to catch feelings . " Where did she take you ?
" Curtis asked , a hint of anger in his voice . " I'm coming to get you . " " We're on our way back , " Adriana said quietly . " Still don't trust me ? Afraid I'll sell her off or something ? " Danielle teased , overhearing Curtis . " Ms. Barton , cavesdropping on someone else's call and interrupting is rude . Didn't Jeremy teach you manners ? " Curtis's voice was low and sharp . He could be vicious when he was in a bad mood - he'd even snap at a stray dog if it crossed his path . From his first words , Adriana knew Curtis was furious . And now Danielle was provoking him .
She awkwardly held the phone , unsure whether to hang up or stay on the line . 2/3 20:02 Mon , Jan 5 G. Chapter 69 The Weight of Responsibility Danielle's face had turned dark with anger . Finished Curtis's words carried immense weight . He wasn't just criticizing Danielle's manners , but reminding her that she was the daughter of the Bartons ' illegitimate son , who lived in the slums with Chandler . Danielle had only returned to the Bartons at 12 , but before that , Jeremy had refused to acknowledge his illegitimate son and granddaughter .
It took outside persuasion to convince Jeremy that the family line couldn't end , and he reluctantly allowed Chandler and his family to return to the Bartons . 匪 108 322 A 心 P 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.
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