The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 147

It was no wonder the security inside and outside the villa was so tight, even blocking communication signals. The doctors there were all solemn, acting with caution and precision.

“What about Mr. Dillon?” Leilani continued to ask.

Mr. Dillon’s age and aura suggested his rank wouldn’t be low either. Plus, the badge he had just given her allowed access to hospital archives nationwide-that wasn’t an ordinary privilege.

At the mention of Mr. Dillon, Marlon visibly relaxed. “Mr. Dillon is no ordinary man. He started as a military doctor and holds a very high rank. He’s the Director of the Capital Military Hospital. During the border conflicts years ago, he led medical teams on the front lines and saved countless lives.”

Leilani recalled the confidence Mr. Dillon had shown when he wanted her as an apprentice. That made sense. A doctor of his caliber probably had baskets of people wanting to learn from him. Someone of his status was rarely rejected so bluntly. Fortunately, Mr. Dillon hadn’t been angry at her refusal, or her future work would have been difficult.

“Dr. Cheney?” Marlon sharply noticed her distraction. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Leilani shook her head. “I was just thinking about how Mr. Dillon said he wanted to take me as an apprentice.”

Her tone was light, making it hard to realize what a bombshell she had just dropped.

“What? Mr. Dillon wanted you as his apprentice?” Marlon slammed on the brakes, then quickly released them, pressing for details. “You… you refused?”

Seeing Leilani’s silence confirm it, Marlon felt anxious for her. “Oh my! How could you refuse? Do you know how many people want to study under Mr. Dillon? If you became his apprentice, your family would grovel at your feet!”

Leilani looked out the window at the rapidly retreating tree shadows, her voice quiet. “I

know.”

Even before knowing Mr. Dillon’s specific identity, she had guessed he wasn’t simple. She knew perfectly well that becoming his apprentice would elevate her status. The profit-driven Sloan family wouldn’t dare treat her rudely anymore, and she might even have a chance to clear her name.

But none of that was what Leilani wanted most. Even if the Sloans treated her well, after four

years in prison, she looked down on them. And without those four years in prison, she wouldn’t have met Paulina or learned these skills. The Sloans would likely still be bleeding her dry.

14:35

As for clearing her name, Leilani didn’t care much. Yvonne was about to recover her memory, so there was no need to take shortcuts.

“Paulina is important to me.”

Five simple words silenced Marlon instantly. The car fell silent for a while, save for the hum of the engine. Finally, he sighed. “I understand.”

He knew what Paulina meant to Leilani. For an eighteen-year-old girl in a place as chaotic as prison, if she hadn’t had someone to rely on she might have died of despair. Paulina, who protected her and taught her medicine, was perhaps the only light in her dark years.

After a long time, Marlon spoke again, though still feeling a bit of regret for her.

14:35

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.