The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 202
Compared to Callahan’s anger, Leilani was remarkably calm. Not only was she not upset, but she also seemed surprised that Callahan was so worked up about it.
Seeing her reaction, Callahan felt even more frustrated. He let out a short, incredulous laugh and pinched Leilani’s cheek.
“You’re certainly calm. Have you considered what you would have done if he had actually broken in? You’re a defenseless young woman.”
Leilani scoffed. Had he forgotten about what happened in Zamora? If not for her needle back then, Callahan would have been dead or critically injured.
Her fingertips unconsciously brushed the silver needle hidden at her wrist as she shot Callahan a scornful look.
“You’re underestimating me a bit, aren’t you? Did you forget I saved you in Zamora? Even if he had broken in, he would have been the unlucky one.”
She was no helpless damsel. Four years in prison had honed her close combat skills enough to take down three professional bodyguards hired by the Sloans. Combined with her precise knowledge of human anatomy, if that thug had broken in, Leilani would have taught him a painful lesson.
Callahan watched her nonchalant demeanor, his eyes darkening with helpless resignation.
“I know you’re capable. But even the best swimmers drown. You still need to be careful and pay attention. I’ll have the building management step up patrols and add more high-definition cameras. Ideally, you shouldn’t go out alone for a while.”
Leilani raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?”
“It’s not an exaggeration. Leilani, don’t make me worry.” His voice was low, his gaze profound as he stared into her eyes.
Leilani’s heart skipped a beat. Seeing his firm attitude, she didn’t argue further and simply smiled.
“Fine, whatever you say.”
Seeing Leilani agree, Callahan’s expression finally softened. They got into the elevator together and went home.
Three days later, Callahan invited Leilani to an auction. Knowing she had no interest in jewelry, he specifically mentioned that some rare medicinal herbs would be appearing. Upon hearing this, Leilani readily agreed.
An hour later, at Alloy City International Auction House.
The crystal chandeliers refracted brilliant light, and the auction hall was packed. Leilani sat in a VIP box, her fingers lightly flipping through the auction catalog, her gaze lingering on the descriptions of
several rare herbs.
“Ancient Snow Reishi, Red Ginseng…” She murmured the names, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “I
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didn’t expect this auction to actually have good stuff.”
Callahan sat beside her, his long fingers resting on the armrest. He glanced at her sideways. “See anything you like?”
“That Reishi is nice. Its medicinal properties are mild, perfect for compounding.”
Of all the items, that was the one Leilani had her eye on.
Callahan gave a faint “Hmm” and didn’t say more. Leilani didn’t elaborate either.
“Next up is Lot 17, a wild Reishi. Starting bid, three million dollars.”
The auctioneer had barely finished speaking when Leilani raised her paddle. “Three and a half million.”
Suddenly, a lazy male voice drifted from the box opposite. “Four million.”
Leilani raised an eyebrow and looked in the direction of the voice. In the VIP section opposite them, a man in a dark, patterned suit was looking over with a faint smile. His features were sharp, his expression carrying a hint of roguishness. His gaze lingered on Leilani for two seconds before shifting to Callahan, the corners of his lips curling into a provocative smirk.
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