Too Late, Mr. Cooper: Your Bride Ran with Your Baby novel Chapter 96

With limited time, Liliana decided on a more intricate, smaller piece of jewelry. She practically lived in her workshop for the next few days, completely immersed in her craft. When the piece was finally finished, a genuine, relieved smile spread across her face. She had managed to complete it just in time for the professor's birthday.

She carefully placed her creation in a red velvet box, wrapping it meticulously. On the back of the box, the 'Phoenix' logo was embossed in gold foil—understated, luxurious, and elegant. Yawning, she rubbed her tired eyes and collapsed onto the sofa in the workshop, falling into a deep sleep.

When she woke up the next day, she blinked blearily at her phone and saw over a dozen missed calls from Aiden.

A jolt of panic shot through her. Fearing she was late, she grabbed the box from the table, quickly changed her clothes, and rushed out. She tried calling Aiden back, but the call went straight to voicemail. She frowned.

That was unusual.

Aiden always answered her calls, no matter how busy he was.

Then again, she reasoned, Aiden was the professor's most prized student. The old man had no children of his own, and Aiden was like a son to him. He was probably in charge of hosting the entire event, which would explain why he was too busy to pick up.

Liliana didn't give it another thought. She checked the time again, confirmed she was still early, and headed back to her apartment for a quick shower and to get properly dressed for the party.

The birthday celebration was being held at the Crownport Grand Hotel. As a revered figure in the fashion world, the professor's birthday was a major event, attended by socialites and industry leaders from all over the country.

Liliana clutched the invitation Aiden had given her, her heart pounding with a nervous rhythm as she drove. After so many years, she wondered if he still held a grudge against her. She didn't dare call him; the memory of their last fight still filled her with shame.

Fortunately, the crowd was large, and she blended in easily, handing her invitation to the staff and being led to her assigned table. It was filled with other young people from Crownport's elite circles, and she recognized a few familiar faces.

She knew that look all too well. It was the same condescending stare she used to get years ago whenever she would chase after Linton, only to be met with his cold indifference.

But Linton wasn't here today. Confused and irritated by their stares, she let her lips curl into a cold smile. "If you're going to keep gawking like that, I suggest you get your eyes checked. And if you can't say anything intelligent, then shut your mouths. No one will mistake you for being mute."

She was done being polite. Why should she endure any more humiliation because of Linton? Her sharp words made their faces flush with anger.

One of them sneered back, unable to resist. "Who do you think you are, Liliana? You're nothing but a pathetic lapdog who trails after Mr. Cooper. You shouldn't have even come today. Do you even know Mr. Foster? Or are you just here to suck up to Linton? Too bad for you, he couldn't care less. He treats his sister way better than he'll ever treat you! That's the difference, you get it?"

Liliana's eyes narrowed. She took a breath, about to deliver a scathing reply, when a commotion erupted at the main entrance. A voice announced, "Mr. Cooper is here! What a pleasure to have you join us tonight!"