Too Late, Mr. Cooper: Your Bride Ran with Your Baby novel Chapter 168

Edward Nightfall was just a diversion, a smokescreen. The real mastermind was just outside the bathroom door.

Liliana's breathing grew ragged, her vision blurring at the edges.

*Click.*

The man's hand closed around the bathroom doorknob, turning it slowly.

Liliana's face was drained of all color. She gripped her phone tightly. The last thing on her chat screen was a single, unsent message, addressed to no one in particular.

...

[Save me.]

*Click.*

Liliana shut her eyes in despair.

The doorknob turned completely, the lock disengaging without a sound. Through the thin fabric of the shower curtain, she heard the man's heavy footsteps enter the bathroom.

Liliana bit her lip, her eyes flying open. Mustering every last ounce of courage, she raised her phone high, ready to smash it down on the man's head.

"...Liliana?"

Suddenly, a familiar, cool voice cut through the tension.

Liliana's eyes widened in disbelief.

Huddled in the cramped bathtub, she looked up, her terrified gaze meeting Linton's anxious, worried eyes.

They stared at each other in silence, both frozen for a long moment.

"..."

A wave of relief washed over Liliana, so powerful it left her weak. She was still trembling, her clothes soaked with cold sweat, her face pale. She was a pathetic, wretched sight.

"Sir." Linton squeezed Liliana's cold hand, then rose to his full height, his body completely shielding her from view. "You seem to have frightened my fiancée."

The man's gaze slowly shifted to Linton's sharp, handsome face.

"Is that so? My apologies. I was merely conducting a routine check of the room's security features. Perhaps your fiancée misunderstood."

Linton pressed his tongue against his cheek. "And are you finished with your check now?" he asked, a faint smile not reaching his eyes. "If you are, you can leave."

At that, the man's gaze flickered past Linton to Liliana, huddled in the tub. An apologetic look touched his face, yet his eyes were as cold as ever. “I’m sorry, Miss Hart. It seems I gave you a fright.”

"Wait!"

Liliana's voice cut through the air. She peeked out from behind Linton, her clear, bright eyes fixed on the man.

"What's your name?"