The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 220

Three days later, late at night.

Leilani sat at her desk, the cold light of the computer screen reflecting in her calm eyes. She logged into a dark web account she hadn’t touched in a long time. She had been so busy with Mr. Chilton and Arnold recently that she hadn’t had time to check her messages.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she logged in, an unread message caught her attention.

[I know about the pendant information you posted. Here are coordinates. If you want to know more, come alone in one month. Don’t try to fool me. I know who you are. I will contact you again in a month.]

Leilani stared at the message for a long time. Her fingertips tapped lightly against the desk.

The pendant Paulina had given her had always been a mystery. She had never seen any relevant information under the posts she made about it before. This was the first message that actually mentioned the pendant.

Leilani contemplated the lines of text for a long while. Finally, she replied: [Okay.]

The next morning, at Pure-Spring Clinic.

Leilani pushed open the door to the consultation room. Hale Cheney was already sitting inside, head down, playing on his phone.

It was time for Hale’s follow-up. She had come to the clinic early this morning specifically to see him.

Sunlight streamed through the carved window, landing on Hale and giving his light brown hair a faint golden sheen.

Hearing the movement, Hale looked up and grinned when he saw Leilani.

“Dr. Sloan, I’m not late, am I?”

“No.”

Leilani set down the medical chart and signaled for him to extend his hand.

“How have you been feeling lately?”

Hale obediently rolled up his sleeve, revealing the stubborn dark red patch on his arm.

“It hasn’t been itching much, but the color hasn’t fully faded.”

Leilani pressed her fingertips lightly against the affected area. It felt much smoother than before.

“Recovery looks good. With your condition, stick with it for two more courses of treatment, and you should be fine.”

Hale’s eyes lit up. “Does that mean I can stop the diet restrictions?”

“You can have slightly spicy food now.” She looked down to write the prescription. “But try to avoid seafood and cold foods a while longer.”

10:20

Chapter

“Ugh… I haven’t had a seafood feast in ages.” Realizing he still had to watch what he ate, Hale groaned and slumped back in the chair.

Leilani didn’t stop writing, but the corner of her mouth lifted slightly. “Once you’re cured, you can eat whatever you want.”

“Ding.”

Leilani’s phone vibrated on the desk. The screen lit up, showing a new message notification. She glanced at it, ignored it, and continued writing the prescription.

“Ding, ding, ding.”

Messages popped up one after another.

Hale leaned forward curiously. “Dr. Sloan, seems like someone’s looking for you?”

“It’s nothing.”

She wrote down the final herb before picking up her phone. On the screen, the contact request note contained a long block of text.

[Hello Ms. Sloan, I’m the blind date your parents introduced. What do you do for work? A girl should really prioritize family. I saw your photo; your looks pass, but I suggest your makeup should be more modest and gentle…]

The overwhelming condescension and “mansplaining” made Leilani frown instantly.

As for the “parents” the guy mentioned-Hackett and Zadie? If he hadn’t said anything, Leilani might have actually accepted just to see who set it up.

But since he explicitly mentioned Hackett and Zadie, she simply kept a poker face, swiped the notification away, and blocked him immediately.

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