The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 222
“Ah!” Padgett screamed, grimacing in pain. “You… you dare hit me?”
“So what if I hit you?” Leilani looked down at him, her eyes as cold as if she were looking at a dead man. “If you dare touch me again, it’ll be more than just your suit buttons that break.”
Padgett’s face turned purple. He struggled to scramble up, pointing a trembling finger at her as he unleashed a stream of curses.
“You bitch! I gave you a chance and you threw it in my face! Do you know who I am? How dare you treat me like this! I’m telling you, our families have already made the deal! The Sloans have promised you to me. You’re marrying me whether you like it or not!”
Padgett was a petty man with a fragile ego. Leilani had just humiliated him publicly. He swore internally that this bitch would pay. Once she married into the Lambert family, he would make her life a living hell.
Padgett continued to spew filth as he stumbled to his feet.
Suddenly, a sleek, black Maybach pulled up slowly to the complex entrance. The door opened, and a sharply dressed middle-aged man stepped out, followed by two burly bodyguards.
It was Jarvis. He was holding an insulated food container. Clearly, he was here on Dante’s orders to deliver soup to Leilani. As he approached, he heard Padgett’s vulgar insults, with Leilani’s name peppering the abuse.
Jarvis frowned immediately. He saw Leilani standing to the side with a cold expression, while Padgett, looking disheveled and manic, was clearly trying to escalate the conflict. Leilani looked slender and delicate compared to Padgett’s bulk. Seeing Padgett’s aggressive stance, it was obvious he intended to get physical.
Jarvis’s eyes darkened. He moved quickly, stepping between them to shield Leilani, his tone respectful but laced with concern. “Ms. Sloan, are you alright?”
Leilani paused, surprised that Jarvis had shown up at this exact moment. She shook her head. “Jarvis, I’m fine. This guy came out of nowhere and started causing a scene.”
Seeing an old man appear with bodyguards, Padgett flared up again. “Who the hell are you? Mind your own business!”
Jarvis didn’t even look at him. He simply turned his head slightly and gave an order to the bodyguards behind him. “Remove him.”
The two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, grabbing Padgett by the arms and dragging him
away.
Padgett struggled and roared, “What are you doing? Do you know who I am? I’m a Lambert!”
“A Lambert?” Jarvis finally spared him a glance, his voice calm. “Which Lamberts? I haven’t heard of you. We represent the Langley family. If you have any complaints, feel free to take them up with Mr. Callahan Langley.”
Padgett went silent instantly, his face draining of color.
16:15
The Langley family? Callahan? In Alloy City, the Langley name was heavy. Callahan was one of the most feared young entrepreneurs in the business world. No matter how arrogant Padgett was, he wouldn’t dare challenge the Langleys.
He held his tongue as the bodyguards “escorted” him away from the complex, shooting one last vicious glare at Leilani before he disappeared.
Only then did Jarvis turn back, handing the food container to Leilani with a kind smile.
“Mr. Dante specifically had the kitchen prepare this ginseng soup. He said it would help with your recovery and energy.”
Leilani took the container, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Thank you, Jarvis. And please thank Dante for me.”
Jarvis nodded and added, “Mr. Dante also said that if any other blind fools come to harass you, just let him know. The Langley family won’t sit idly by.”
16:15
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