The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 167
At the time, Leilani had mentally remarked on the coincidence of running into Callahan abroad. Turns out, there was a reason for it all.
Surprised by this string of coincidences, Leilani continued to explain. “Later, your grandpa mistook me for Paulina’s granddaughter and kept trying to set us up. I wanted to explain, but I had just gotten out of prison then… I didn’t want to tell anyone I was from the Sloan family, so I just let him misunderstand. I wanted to explain later, but I never found the right opportunity.”
“And!” Leilani paused, her voice becoming louder and firmer. “At that time, I had no idea you were his grandson.”
Callahan’s eyes darkened slightly. “But later, when you knew, why didn’t you say anything?”
Leilani fell silent for a moment, then laughed self-deprecatingly. “Say what? Just tell you straight out, ‘I am the blind date your grandfather arranged for you”?”
How could someone who had been to prison be worthy of the head of the Langley Group? Leilani knew very well how wide the gap between her and Callahan was.
She looked up at him, a trace of stubbornness in her eyes. “Besides, we didn’t really have a relationship to begin with. There was no need to go out of my way to explain.”
Callahan’s gaze turned cold. He suddenly took a step forward, closing the distance between them again.
“No relationship?” His voice was husky, carrying a dangerous edge. “Leilani, are you sure?”
Leilani’s heart rate spiked. Her back was pressed tight against the door panel; there was nowhere left to retreat. She forced herself to remain calm. “Otherwise? Aren’t we just doctor and patient?”
Callahan suddenly chuckled low, though the humor didn’t reach his eyes. He leaned down slowly, his presence looming. “Then why… did you ask Judie that question just now?”
Leilani’s breath hitched, her ears instantly burning. He really did hear it!
She instinctively denied it. “I didn’t!”
Callahan’s eyes were deep. “Is that so? I was standing right behind you, listening clearly.”
Leilani was rendered speechless.
Watching her reaction, Callahan finally processed something else. How did Leilani and Judie get so close?
Judie was his cousin; he knew her. He wasn’t surprised that Judie, with her outgoing personality, could make friends quickly. He was surprised at Leilani. Through their interactions, he could tell Leilani had a cold exterior and a guarded heart. Unless some specific events had occurred, Leilani wouldn’t have gotten so close to someone in such a short time. So, something he didn’t know about must have happened between Leilani and Judie.
Callahan asked, “What’s the deal with you and Judie? I recall you two shouldn’t have had any interaction. When did you become such good friends?”
12:09
Leilani could explain the previous identities, but she didn’t want to explain this one. Dante and a mysterious tycoon were enough. Add Judie and Letty to the mix…
She had practically befriended every single relative Callahan cared about. And she got along well with all of them. Even as the person involved, she felt these coincidences were a bit too contrived. She didn’t want to say it and make Callahan misunderstand.
Seeing her silence, Callahan decided to let her off for now. After all, if Leilani wouldn’t talk, he could just ask Judie. With Judie’s personality, she would spill everything, word for word, without missing a detail.
“Leilani.” Callahan called her name.
12.00
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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.