The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 169
Callahan had been holding her hand ever since he led her out of the room. She wanted to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her.
“Callahan, let go…” She lowered her voice, the tips of her ears slightly red.
Dante and the others had been trying to set them up all along. If they saw this…
She could guess exactly what kind of misunderstanding would ensue!
Callahan glanced sideways at her, the corners of his lips hooking up. “No.”
He was doing it on purpose.
Leilani was helpless. She had to accept her fate and let him lead her through the corridor and back to the banquet hall. Then, they ran smack into Dante, Letty, and… a very excited Judie.
The moment everyone saw them, the air seemed to freeze for a second.
Dante’s eyes went wide. His gaze moved slowly down to their joined hands, and his mustache twitched. “You two are…”
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Was progress this fast? He, an old man, hadn’t even reacted yet.
Letty was also stunned, then surprise surfaced in her eyes. “Callahan, you and Ms. Sloan…”
Judie was frantically stifling laughter on the side, practically having “The ship I support has sailed” written on her face.
ahan looked composed, tightening his hold on Leilani’s hand slightly. “Yes, we know each other.”
ani was at a loss for words. That explanation was far too casual.
Dante and Letty exchanged a look. Then Dante took the lead. He immediately put on a stern face, pretending to be angry as he looked at Leilani.
“Young lady, so you two knew each other all along. And you kept it from me?”
Leilani hurriedly explained, “Mr. Langley, I didn’t mean to, it’s just…”
“Just what?” Dante narrowed his eyes. “Afraid if I knew you two already met, I wouldn’t try to set you
up?”
Leilani choked on her words, her ears burning.
Judie snickered on the side, muttering, “I told you, my cousin treats Ms. Sloan differently…”
Letty couldn’t help smiling too. Just as she was about to speak, a sarcastic voice suddenly cut in.
“Oh, so Ms. Sloan and Callahan knew each other before? How come you’re holding hands already?”
Everyone turned around to see Reese, clicking over in high heels. Her gaze swept contemptuously over Leilani, finally landing on their clasped hands.
She spoke to Callahan with profound implication. “Callahan, do you know that this Ms. Sloan… has a ‘record’?”
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She smiled pointedly. “I heard she went to prison back then. Are you sure you want to be with someone like that?”
The air instantly turned cold.
Leilani’s fingers stiffened. She instinctively wanted to withdraw her hand, but Callahan held it even tighter. His eyes were cold and heavy, his voice icy. “Aunt Reese, watch your words.”
Reese wouldn’t let it go. “What, did I say something wrong? I don’t know what kind of love potion this little swindler fed you people.”
She looked Leilani up and down. No matter how she looked at it, Leilani was just an ordinary young
girl.
“Enough!” Dante shouted angrily, his face dark.
Callahan suddenly let out a cold laugh, looking sharply at Reese. “Since you’re so concerned about Leilani’s past, why not show some concern for your own son’s gambling debts in foreign casinos?”
Reese’s face changed drastically. “What nonsense are you talking about!”
Callahan’s tone was icy. “Whether it’s nonsense or not, you know best.”
He turned to look at Leilani, his voice firm. “I will investigate Leilani’s matters and clear her name. As for those who spread rumors and cause trouble..”
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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.