Too Late, Mr. Cooper: Your Bride Ran with Your Baby novel Chapter 18

Sebastian was one of Linton’s friends, a notorious playboy in Crownport who’d had a crush on Isabella since they were kids.

Like everyone else, he was convinced that Liliana was the one desperately clinging to Linton, refusing to let go. Eager to impress his goddess, he decided to voice his contempt.

Liliana had already been on her way out, but his words made her stop. She turned, her brilliant eyes flashing as a slow smile spread across her face.

"You're right. I am here to cause trouble. Since I'm already here, you can count me in for the celebration."

Sebastian’s eyes went wide. He knew Liliana could be shameless, but he never imagined she’d be this brazen. She wasn't even trying to hide it. He shot a hesitant look at Linton, only to see him lift his chin slightly, a barely perceptible smile playing on his cool lips.

"Linton..."

Sebastian began, unsure what to do.

Linton's voice was a low, lazy drawl.

"Then count her in."

...

Inside the private room, the moment Sebastian led Liliana in, the lively atmosphere evaporated. A heavy, unnerving silence fell over the crowd.

Holy hell. Everyone stared, their faces a mask of shock.

What was happening? Was this the start of a total showdown?

Liliana, however, was the picture of calm. She pulled Helena down to sit with her right in the center of the room and smiled.

"Go on, sit. What are you all staring at? Aren't we here to celebrate?"

Helena was just as baffled. She tugged on Liliana's sleeve, her voice a tense whisper.

"Whoa!" "Starting off this intense?!"

Gasps rippled through the room, but most were just excited for the drama. Everyone in Crownport knew Liliana was madly in love with Linton. She was utterly obsessed, a walking joke among their circle. A pampered heiress, who had thrown away all her dignity for love.

And this moment was no different. Mocking glances came from every direction. Since Linton made no move to stop it, they grew even more brazen.

But Liliana didn't seem bothered in the slightest. She smiled magnanimously.

"Yes."

Then, she reached out and spun the bottle until it pointed at Isabella. Her bright eyes sparkled as she spoke calmly, "Miss Rowe, my turn to ask. Is it true that you've been in love with your own brother since you were children, and even though your husband's family gave you property, you deliberately came back here with the intention of marrying him one day and becoming the next Mrs. Cooper?"

A collective, sharp intake of breath hissed through the room. Damn, these questions were getting juicier by the second.

All eyes, hungry for more drama, swiveled to Isabella, waiting for her answer. Isabella, however, remained composed. She met Liliana’s gaze with a serene smile, her poise unshaken.