The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 224
“Leilani…” Josiah’s voice was tight.
“What?” Leilani cut him off, her tone icy. “Does the Sloan family think that four years in prison rotted my brain? Or do you actually think I’d be a good pawn for the sake of ‘blood ties’? You found the wrong person!”
Leilani enunciated every word clearly. “If you dare scheme against me again, I won’t mind sending Padgett back to the Lamberts on a stretcher. And while I’m at it, I’ll let the media know exactly how the Sloan family sells off its daughters for profit.”
The breathing on the other end of the line hitched.
Leilani smirked, doubling down. “Tell me, if the Lamberts find out their intended daughter-in-law is a ‘violent ex-con,’ do you think they’ll still want to go through with the deal?”
Josiah was silent for a long time before speaking hoarsely. “I understand. I’ll handle it.”
“You better.” Leilani hung up abruptly, unwilling to listen to another word.
At the Sloan Group, inside Josiah’s office.
Josiah sat with his brow furrowed after the call ended. Leilani’s threat didn’t sound empty. Given her personality, if Hackett didn’t listen and provoked her again, she would absolutely follow through and drag their dirty laundry into the public eye. That would deal a massive blow to the company’s reputation.
Josiah drummed his fingers on the desk twice before finally dialing Hackett’s number.
The call connected, and Hackett’s voice carried its usual authority. “Josiah, what is it?”
Josiah took a deep breath and got straight to the point. “Dad, why didn’t you discuss sending Padgett to Leilani with me first?”
Hackett snorted. “Discuss what? The Lamberts are willing to invest five hundred million. The condition is a marriage alliance with our family. Since Leilani carries the Sloan name, she should contribute to the family!”
Josiah’s voice deepened. “You know Leilani has a special relationship with Callahan Langley. The Langley family terminated our cooperation specifically because of what we did to her. Now you send Padgett to harass her? If Callahan finds out-”
“So what if he finds out?” Hackett shouted, his anger flaring. “That ungrateful wretched girl! I should have drowned her at birth! The family is in crisis, and not only does she stand by and watch, but she dares to threaten her own kin? I never should have acknowledged her!”
Josiah’s grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles turned white, but his tone remained steady. “Dad, you know Leilani’s temper. She won’t compromise.”
“She won’t compromise? Hah!” Hackett sneered. “Then she can suffer the consequences! I’ve already given the Lamberts my word. If she dares refuse, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
16:15
Josiah was silent for a moment before whispering, “…I’ll think of something else.”
After hanging up, he stood by the window, staring grimly into the distance.
Meanwhile, after leaving Celestial Heights, Jarvis immediately reported the incident at the gate to Callahan.
“…That Padgett Lambert was using foul language and tried to get physical with Ms. Sloan. She ended up throwing him to the ground herself. Although I had the bodyguards remove him, judging by his arrogance, he might try to trouble Ms. Sloan again.”
Callahan sat at his desk, listening to Jarvis. His expression was cool, but a chill flashed in his eyes.
16:15
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