The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 119
Leilani tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, her voice calm. “So, right now, no one in the entire market dares to sell to me?”
“For the time being, yes… But don’t worry too much. Wait for this to blow over.”
“Thanks, Barlow. I understand.”
Hanging up, Leilani stood by the window, watching the pedestrians on the street, a frown creasing her forehead.
When the first supplier warned her, she hadn’t thought much of it. She hadn’t realized Gilbert’s influence was strong enough to interfere with signed contracts.
Meanwhile, inside Bounty Herbs.
Gilbert sat with his legs crossed, smugly drinking coffee. Several suppliers sat opposite him, toasting him with flattering smiles.
“Gilbert, thanks for the heads-up. We almost offended Market Regulatory Board’s director.” “Exactly. That Dr. Sloan is too ungrateful, daring to challenge you!”
Gilbert sneered. “A little girl thinks she can look down on people just because she knows some medicine? I’ll make sure she can’t even buy a slice of licorice! Without herbs, let’s see how long her little clinic lasts!”
The group laughed, eagerly stroking Gilbert’s ego.
The herb situation would have to be put on hold. Luckily, it wasn’t an immediate crisis for
Leilani.
Just as she was planning to head home and think of a solution, her phone rang. It was Judie.
“Leilani! How are your injuries?”
Judie’s voice was full of energy, her enthusiasm radiating through the receiver.
Leilani’s lips curled up slightly. “I’m fine now. Thanks to you guys getting me to the hospital that day.”
It was just a scratch; she had healed long ago
“That’s good!” Judie chirped. “By the way, are you free today? I’m treating you to dinner! To celebrate your recovery!”
18:43
Leilani thought about it. She really should thank Judie for the help that day, so she agreed. “Sure. You pick the place.”
Leilani didn’t intend to let Judie pay. Since she was the one who received help, she should be the one footing the bill.
Evening. A high-end bistro downtown.
udie was already waiting in a private booth. Seeing Leilani enter, she waved excitedly.
Mani! Over here!”
eilani sat down, Judie eagerly started ordering. “Their prawn cocktail and roast en are to die for. You have to try them.”
The food arrived quickly, and they chatted as they ate.
Judie had a bubbly personality, and the conversation flowed from celebrity gossip to fashion trends before somehow turning to her cousin.
“Ugh, my cousin is such a workaholic!” Judie bit her straw, looking frustrated. “He’s in his thirties and doesn’t even have a girlfriend. All he does is work. My aunt is worried sick!”
Leilani picked up a piece of roast chicken and replied casually, “Aren’t most young people like that these days?”
She was the same, after all.
“But he’s too extreme!” Judie leaned in, whispering conspiratorially. “Last time Grandpa set him up on a blind date, he stood the girl up! He made Grandpa almost kick him out of the house!”
Leilani’s fork paused. Stood someone up? She suddenly remembered that she had stood Callahan up for three hours recently. Feeling a twinge of guilt, she cleared her throat and defended Judie’s cousin.
“Maybe… your cousin actually had something important to do?”
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18:43
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.