The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 225

“Padgett? The loser son of Fabio Lambert from Lambert Construction?”

Callahan repeated the name slowly. Although his expression remained unchanged, there was a palpable sense of danger in his voice.

Jarvis nodded. “I believe that’s him. I had Grim and Quest rough him up a bit. From what he said, it seems he went to find Ms. Sloan on her father’s instructions.”

Jarvis had heard about Leilani’s family background from Dante before. He hadn’t thought much of it then, but now it was clear-Leilani’s father was a monster. To sell his own daughter, and to someone as repulsive as Padgett at that… it was obvious Hackett had no affection for her whatsoever.

Callahan’s lips curved slightly, but there was no humor in his eyes. “It seems the Sloans and the Lamberts have gotten a little too comfortable lately.”

They had the audacity to bring trouble to his doorstep.

Although Jarvis said Leilani was fine, Callahan couldn’t help but feel a lingering worry. He picked up his phone and dialed Leilani directly.

“Hello?” Leilani’s voice came through.

“Where are you?” Callahan asked, his voice low.

“Just got home. Why?”

Hearing her normal tone, the ice in Callahan’s eyes melted slightly, and his voice softened. “Did Padgett cause trouble for you today?”

Leilani was surprised. How did Callahan know? Then she realized Jarvis had been there. He must

have told him.

“Yeah. Jarvis told you, didn’t he?”

“Yes,” he replied deeply. “You weren’t hurt, were you?”

“By a loser lik

dow

?” Leilani scoffed, her tone proud. “Ten of him wouldn’t be enough to take me

ed, the tension in his shoulders finally releasing. He leaned back in his chair, his voice entle. “How about I assign a few bodyguards to you? I’d feel better if you had someone with When you go out.”

No need,” Leilani refused flatly. “I’m not used to being followed.”

Leilani preferred to be alone. Furthermore, many of her patients had sensitive identities; bringing bodyguards along would be inconvenient.

Callahan fell silent for a couple of seconds. Knowing her personality, he didn’t push it. Instead, he said seriously, “Leilani, don’t carry everything by yourself. If you’re being mistreated and you don’t tell me, then what’s the use of having me as a boyfriend?”

On the other end of the line, Leilani paused, then couldn’t help but laugh. It was the first time in her life

16:15

anyone had said something like that to her. The irritation caused by the Sloan family was inexplicably smoothed over by his words.

“Alright, I’ll definitely tell you next time,” Leilani said, her voice softening. “But I really am fine today. Padgett didn’t even touch the hem of my shirt.”

Callahan hummed in acknowledgment. He chatted with her for a while longer, ensuring her mood was stable, before hanging up.

The moment the call ended, the warmth in Callahan’s eyes vanished instantly. He stood up, grabbed his suit jacket, and turned to Jarvis. “Prepare the car. We’re going to the company.”

“Yes, sir.”

At the Langley Group, in Callahan’s office.

Callahan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his slender fingers tapping against the glass, his eyes radiating a terrifying chill.

Lennox pushed the door open and walked in, carrying a large stack of files.

16:15 T

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