The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 154

“Josiah… you guys didn’t start a fight with her, did you?”

Zeus felt a pang of guilt just asking the question. After all, he knew exactly how the family had treated Leilani in the past.

Josiah remained silent for a long moment before muttering, “Why else do you think she blocked the entire family?”

Zeus was speechless. He suddenly remembered how he had humiliated Leilani in the archives earlier, and a chill ran down his spine.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he complained. “Now that she thinks she’s untouchable, we don’t even have a chance to smooth things over!”

Josiah scoffed. “Weren’t you the one who pushed hardest to put her behind bars?”

And now he was trying to shift the blame?

Zeus choked on his words. It took him a while to respond, his tone resentful. “…Fine. Forget it. I’ll figure something out myself.”

After hanging up, Zeus refused to give up. He pulled up Leilani’s number and sent a connection request.

[Leilani, it’s Zeus. Can we talk?]

Five minutes passed. No response.”

He sent another message: [I spoke too harshly before. Don’t take it to heart.]

Still, total silence.

Gritting his teeth, Zeus dialed Leilani directly.

“We are sorry, the subscriber you are trying to reach is currently busy…”

Zeus called three times in disbelief before finally accepting the reality: He had been blocked. Josiah wasn’t lying. Leilani had blocked the entire family.

Zeus slammed his phone down, his face livid. How dare she?

But then he remembered she had Mr. Dillon backing her, and possibly even ties to Callahan… All the fight drained out of him.

While Zeus was at his wit’s end, Leilani was living her best life. The Sloan family couldn’t get a rise out of her anymore.

Back at Celestial Heights, Leilani took a nap. She had just woken up when her phone buzzed. She opened WhatsApp and found a greeting and an invitation from Dante Langley.

14:36

[Kiddo, how’s your health? Busy with work?]

[Tomorrow is my 80th birthday. Come have dinner with me.]

[If you’re free tomorrow, you have to come!]

Dante’s voice messages were loud and full of energy, leaving no room for refusal.

Leilani thought about it. Apart from checking the archives at the hospital, she didn’t have plans for tomorrow. Dante had always been kind to her, and he had paid generously for her medical services back then. She really should attend his birthday.

Leilani typed a reply: [Mr. Langley, don’t worry. I’ll be there tomorrow.]

The next afternoon, at the Langley Estate.

Leilani made a special stop at a high-end herbalist to pick up a box of vintage wild ginseng and a bottle of custom heart tonic as a birthday gift. Her car slowly entered the Langley grounds and parked in front of the main house. Just as she stepped out, a gentle, smiling voice called out from behind her with a hint of surprise.

“Ms. Sloan?”

Leilani turned around and paused. It was Judie’s aunt, Letty.

“Letty?” Leilani was surprised. “What a coincidence. What are you doing here?”

Was she here for Dante’s birthday party too?

Letty smiled warmly, walking over to take her hand. “It really is a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

She had a strong impression of this young woman. Plus, the herbal packs Leilani had prepared for her and Libby had worked wonders.

14:36

Chapter

She had only met Callahan three times in total, and she was here today strictly because of Dante’s invitation. She didn’t know if Judie had misheard or was just willfully ignoring the facts, but Judie made it sound like she and Callahan had some secret illicit affair.

She couldn’t let the girl keep talking nonsense. f Dante and Letty overheard, they might get the wrong idea. Thinking about the family’s collective enthusiasm for matchmaking, Leilani felt a headache coming on.

“Judie! Stop imagining things. Your cousin and I just happened to meet a few times. It’s not what think.”

you

Judie ignored the explanation, only hearing what she wanted to hear. Seeing Leilani so eager to explain only made her want to tease her more. She bumped her shoulder with a mischievous grin. “Oh, come on, Leilani, don’t be shy! My cousin has a terrible temper,

got together, I’d be the first to

sure, but he’s got great qualifications. If you two actually

support it!”

Desperate to change the subject, Leilani said, Actually… I met your cousin through his grandpa.”

Judie blinked. “Through Dante?”

“Yes. I was doing rehabilitation therapy for him I met your cousin a few times when he visited,” Leilani said. “He probably doesn’t even remember who I am.”

Judie looked skeptical. “Really?” She felt like Leilani was bluffing.

Leilani cleared her throat, feeling guilty.

Judie wanted

to

Really. When have I ever lied to you?”

ess further, but Leilani quickly pointed toward Dante, who was talking

ok, I think Dante is looking for your mom.”

saw Dante waving in their direction. She pouted, unsatisfied. “Fine, fine. ate you later!”

lani breathed a sigh of relief, though she felt a twinge of guilt. She had made that up. As for her and Callahan… they would have to clear things up themselves when he

returned.

On the other side of the room, Dante pulled Letty into a side hall and lowered his voice with a grin. “Letty, what do you think of Leilani?”

Letty’s eyes lit up. “Dad, you see it too?”

そう

st

nodded happily. “The girl has a good heart and a great personality. I’ve wanted to up with Callahan for a while now! It’s just a shame they’re both so busy. I tried to e it a few times, but they never met.”

14:36

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.