The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 163
Seeing the expressions of those around her softening, Judie doubled down. “Besides, we aren’t the type of people to be swayed by a few careless words. Think about it seriously. Even if Leilani has been to prison, so what? Mr. Langley and I were aware of this. Leilani didn’t lie to us.”
“On the contrary… Brenda, on the day of Mr. Langley’s eightieth birthday, even if you wanted to remind him, you should have done it in private. But doing it in front of so many people? Whether you’re trying to satisfy your own selfishness or actually thinking of him, you know best in your own heart.”
Judie’s sharp gaze shot toward Brenda. Gone was the girlish innocence she showed in front of Leilani. In its place was a rare dominance.
Judie’s words hit the mark, causing the people around them to subconsciously turn their eyes toward Brenda.
Those scrutinizing gazes made the already guilty Brenda even angrier. She blamed all this embarrassment on Leilani. If not for Leilani, would she be in this awkward position?
Brenda wanted to argue back in a fit of rage. But Judie beat her to it, striking first.
“Alright, it’s good that the misunderstanding is cleared up. Everyone should be more alert in the future. Don’t let people who claim to be acting ‘for your own good,’ but actually don’t consider the consequences, appear around you.”
Judie glanced sarcastically at Brenda; the meaning was clear.
Brenda missed her best chance to argue. The looks many people cast at Leilani were no longer filled with the previous disdain and contempt, but rather with apology and admiration. Some even took the initiative to approach Leilani.
“Ms. Sloan, I heard that your medical skills are brilliant. I wonder if it would be convenient to exchange contact information?”
It was as if a floodgate had opened. People wanting to curry favor with Leilani swarmed forward
instantly.
“Yes, I have a family member whose health hasn’t been great lately…”
“Ms. Sloan, let’s exchange numbers.”
Facing both the inexplicable hostility earlier and the sudden inexplicable goodwill now, Leilani adapted well, remaining calm and composed. She smiled faintly at them, responding politely but without offering much explanation.
However, over at Talbot’s side, the atmosphere was starkly different.
Reese watched coldly, scoffed lightly, and lowered her voice to her husband. “Dante is determined to support your brother’s family. He even treats an ex-con like a treasure.”
Talbot narrowed his eyes, his tone dark. “That girl is close to Callahan and has Dante’s favor. She’s clearly an asset to them.”
Bagot stood aside, his gaze lingering on Leilani for a moment, a half-smile on his face. “Interesting…
12:09
A felon, yet she can make Dante and Judie protect her personally.”
Beatty bit her lip and whispered, “Mom, Brenda was too impulsive just now…”
Reese glared at her. “What do you know? Brenda was helping us test the waters! If this girl really is one of Callahan’s people, we have to be even more guarded in the future!”
Dante already favored Callahan. If a Leilani that Dante genuinely liked was added to the mix, would there be any room left for their family?
12:09
Cedella
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