The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 173

Arnold’s condition was probably more complex than Callahan had let on. If it really was poison from a foreign cartel, delaying would only make treatment more difficult.

Leilani checked the time. There were still three hours before her appointment with the old man’s team. Her original plan was to drive to Brass City, but if she changed plans and took the high-speed train, it would be a bit rushed, but she could still make it. The free time in between would be enough for her to stop by the hospital and check on Arnold’s condition first.

Leilani wasn’t one to hesitate. Once she made up her mind, she acted. She decisively dialed

Callahan’s number.

The call was answered almost instantly, the man’s deep voice coming through. “What’s wrong?”

“I changed my mind. I still have plenty of time before my appointment with that team, so I’ll go to the hospital to check on Arnold first.”

There was a second of silence on the other end, followed by a low chuckle. “Alright, I’ll take you there.”

Ten minutes later, at the hospital.

Leilani followed Callahan through the VIP exclusive channel, taking the elevator straight to the intensive care unit on the top floor.

The security on the entire floor was tight. Several bodyguards in black suits stood on both sides of the corridor. Seeing Callahan, they all bowed their heads. “Mr. Langley.”

Callahan nodded slightly and led Leilani straight to the innermost ward. Pushing open the door, she saw a young man lying on the hospital bed. His face was pale, and his body was connected to various monitoring instruments. His breathing was weak but steady.

Leilani approached, carefully checked the monitoring data at the bedside, then opened Arnold’s eyelids to check his pupil reaction. Her frown deepened.

She put on gloves, focused on listening to Arnold’s pulse, and flipped through the previous medical records and lab reports. Her brow knitted tighter and tighter.

“The residual toxins in Arnold are more serious than I imagined. Having delayed until now, his liver and kidney functions might be damaged, and his nervous system has also been affected.”

Callahan stood to the side, his eyes dark. “Is there still a chance for him to recover?”

Leilani didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she placed her hand on Arnold’s wrist again, listening quietly with furrowed brows.

“Although the situation is more serious than before, it’s manageable. It will just take longer than the treatment in Zamora. And in his current state, he can’t withstand any more trauma. If he gets poisoned again, even God himself probably couldn’t save him.”

Leilani paused, then suddenly asked, “Was Arnold poisoned in Zamora?”

Callahan’s eyes darkened slightly. “Yes.”

10

12:10

Leilani looked thoughtful. “Did you catch the person who poisoned him?”

“Dead.” Callahan’s tone was calm, but it carried a hint of ice.

Leilani’s fingertips paused slightly. That didn’t sound like a typical gang hit. And judging by Callahan’s tone, the poisoner must have died a miserable death.

However, Leilani didn’t ask further. She simply took off her gloves.

“It’s getting late, I have to go. I’ll send you a list of the medicinal herbs and tools required. Just have them prepared in advance.”

Callahan nodded and reached out to hold her wrist. “Leilani.”

Leilani looked up. “Hm?”

His voice was low. “Thank you.”

Leilani was stunned for a moment, then laughed softly. “Mr. Langley, for a ten-million-dollar treatment fee, a simple thank you isn’t worth much.”

Callahan’s gaze deepened, his thumb gently rubbing against her wrist. “Then thank you in a different way?”

Leilani’s ears warmed, and she quickly pulled her hand back. “…I need to hurry to catch the train.”

If she delayed any longer, she really wouldn’t make it.

Leilani walked quickly out of the ward, her heartbeat accelerating uncontrollably.

This man… why was he able to flirt anytime, anywhere?

12:10

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.