The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 151
Inside the archives, Leilani sat at a computer, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she pulled up every case record related to “poisoning.” Data scrolled rapidly across the screen until a file from ten years ago caught her eye.
[Patient: Lyle Lawson]
[Gender: Male, Age: 32]
[Symptoms: Sudden onset neural paralysis, organ failure, suspected Blood Vine toxin…]
Blood Vine!
Leilani’s gaze sharpened. That was the primary ingredient in the Thousand-Strand Poison. Although this patient’s symptoms differed slightly from Mr. Chilton’s, it was one of the few reference cases available.
She quickly opened the report. The patient had ultimately died from multiple organ failure. The file detailed the medications used and every treatment attempted. There was a lot of data here for Leilani to analyze and learn from
She immediately copied the file to her drive. After checking a few other sources and finding no further leads, she noted the time, shut down the computer, and stood up to leave.
She pushed open the archive room door. She had barely taken a step when someone grabbed her wrist.
“Leilani!” Zeus stared at her with intensity. “What were you doing in the hospital’s Classified Archives? And how do you have a badge from the Global Special Medical Team lead?”
Zeus fired off the questions in rapid succession. It wasn’t out of concern; it was an interrogation filled with disbelief and shock.
Leilani gave him a cool glance and shook off his hand.
“Don’t you have work to do, Zeus? Or is your job just lurking around corners waiting for
me?”
Want Zeus supposed to
be the hospital’ or? Since when did he have time fo
play stalker?
Zeus’s expression darkened. He stared at her obsessively, demanding an answer. “Don’t change the subject! What kind of tricks did you pull? Even I can’t get into that medical team. How does an ex-convict like you get a badge and security clearance?”
As a doctor, he knew exactly how important a personal ID badge was. Especially since Floyd Dillon wasn’t just the team lead-he was the Director of the Capital Military
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Hospital. His badge granted authority that transcended specific hospitals, allowing access to confidential archives anywhere.
The power Floyd wielded was immense, and the fact that such a badge was now in the hands of someone who had been to prison made Zeus sick with jealousy. If not for the verification signature from Floyd himself, he would have accused her of stealing it.
Leilani let out a short, mocking laugh. “So, because you can’t get in, I shouldn’t be able to either? Maybe the fact that you can’t get in just means you’re incompetent, and the fact that I can means I’m better than you.”
Zeus laughed in anger. “You? You didn’t even go to college, and you’re calling me incompetent? It’s obvious you used some dirty method to threaten him! Speak! Where did you get Mr. Dillon’s access card?”
He stepped forward aggressively, snatching the badge from Leilani’s hand to inspect it again. Even now, he refused to believe it.
But the badge was genuine. It wasn’t a forgery. Leilani actually knew Floyd. She had connections. For him to trust her with his badge and credentials…
What had Leilani done? Since when had she become this formidable?
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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.