"..."
...
After the baby finished the bottle and fell asleep, Cecilia Adler took off her coat, slipped into bed, and closed her eyes, trying hard to fall asleep.
She didn't know how long had passed before she was jolted awake by shouting and cursing outside. Opening her eyes, she saw that it was already dark. The desk lamp in the room was still on.
A moment later, she figured out what was happening. It was Vivian Lee. Vivian was screaming that Cecilia wasn't Lucas Lee's biological daughter, broadcasting to everyone how Cecilia's mother had deceived Lucas. By the time the family rushed out to shut her up, Vivian had already summarized the entire scandalous affair.
A few neighbors who had gathered to watch the spectacle began to gossip among themselves.
Mr. Quincy tried to usher her inside. "Whatever you have to say, say it in the house."
