Too Late, Mr. Cooper: Your Bride Ran with Your Baby novel Chapter 19

"I have adored my brother since we were children," Isabella admitted freely.

"But it's the admiration a sister has for her older brother, nothing more."

"Exactly! Isabella just sees Linton as a brother," Sebastian chimed in, his voice taking on a whiny, sarcastic tone.

"Not like some people, who are so petty they can't stand to see anyone else happy. They're always jealous and love to slander innocent people."

He added pointedly, "In reality, they're the ones with the darkest thoughts!"

Everyone knew exactly who Sebastian was talking about.

"Oh, give me a break," Helena scoffed, a humorless laugh escaping her. "We'll see who really has the darkest thoughts!"

Liliana remained unbothered. She looked at Isabella calmly, a serene smile on her face.

"Your turn to ask." Isabella shifted her gaze to Linton, who had been sitting in silence. She smiled softly. "Brother, may I ask you a question?"

Linton didn't even lift his long, thick lashes. He took a slow drag from his cigarette and said flatly,

"You all play."

The message was clear: he wasn't participating. Isabella's smile froze on her face, the moment turning awkward.

Sebastian quickly jumped in to smooth things over. "Isabella, Linton never plays these games at parties. Not even God himself could persuade him. You should probably ask someone else."

Seizing the opportunity, Isabella offered a graceful smile.

"In that case, I'll ask Liliana." She paused, her eyes locking onto Liliana's as she asked with a sweet smile, "Liliana, all these years, is it true that you've always hated me?"

No one had expected Liliana to play this card. Helena finally understood what this was all about. She silently gave her best friend a thumbs-up and, in a surge of satisfaction, downed her drink in one go.

"Liliana, didn't you hear Linton? He's not playing. Are you trying to ruin the mood on purpose?" Sebastian glared, his face flushed with anger.

"Ouch!"

A moment later, he yelped in pain, clutching his leg as tears welled in his eyes.

"Linton, what the hell did you kick me for?!"

Linton slowly retracted his long leg, a cigarette still dangling from his lips. He lazily lifted his gaze and sneered,

"Who told you to run your mouth? I said, if Liliana wants to play, we play. Didn't you understand?"