The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 233
Milford fell silent, but it felt as though something had pierced his heart. He knew she was right, but he simply couldn’t let go.
Meanwhile, Tamara returned to the Sloan estate.
She glanced around but didn’t see Zadie. After searching the house, she found Hackett sitting in the study, staring gloomily at the stock market data on his computer screen.
Tamara knocked gently on the door, her voice soft. “Dad, I’m home.”
Hackett looked up. Seeing it was her, his brow relaxed slightly. “Tamara, you’re back? What did Milford say?”
Hackett knew Tamara had gone out specifically to see Milford. The Sherwood family was their only hope now.
Tamara walked in and stood obediently by his side to reassure him. “Milford agreed. He said he’d
contact you as soon as possible to discuss the capital injection…”
Hackett’s eyes widened in delight. “The Sherwoods are willing to help?”
Tamara nodded. “He said he’d talk to his family about it. Milford said that since the Sloans helped the Sherwoods in the past, his father would definitely agree to the investment. It won’t be less than fifty million dollars. It should be enough to get us through this crisis.”
The tension in Hackett’s shoulders finally released, and he let out a long sigh. “At least someone still has a sense of duty.”
Tamara lowered her eyes. She didn’t mirror Hackett’s relief. Instead, she spoke quietly. “But… Milford also mentioned that this money is just a temporary bridge. We’ll still need to rely on ourselves for the long term.”
Hackett’s face darkened again. “How long can fifty million last? If we don’t find new investors…”
Tamara bit her lip, her eyes rimmed with red. “Dad, please don’t be angry. It’s my fault for being useless and not being able to help more.”
Seeing her like this, Hackett’s heart softened. He patted her shoulder. “Silly child, how can I blame you? You’ve done very well.”
Tamara looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude and dependence. “Dad, don’t worry. I’ll make sure the wedding with Milford is perfect. I won’t let our family be disgraced.”
Hackett looked at her obedient, submissive demeanor and felt a wave of comfort. Inevitably, he thought of his other daughter, who was utterly atrocious compared to the well-behaved Tamara. Leilani, that rebellious girl! From the moment she returned to the Sloan family, she had been unmanageable, full of defiance. Now, she was openly opposing the family.
Hackett scoffed coldly. “If Leilani had half your sense, the family wouldn’t be in this state!”
Hearing Hackett mention Leilani, Tamara’s eyes darkened for a split second before she assumed a
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wronged expression. She whispered, “Dad, Leilani didn’t mean it. It’s all my fault. If it weren’t for me, Leilani wouldn’t resent the family so much. I just wish I were your biological daughter.”
Hackett felt even more pity for her. His tone softened further. “Tamara, don’t think like that. I’m not blaming you. No matter how capable Leilani is, she’s an ungrateful wretch. Not like you, sensible and filially pious.”
Tamara lowered her head, the corners of her mouth curving up imperceptibly, before she adopted a look of concern. “Dad, please don’t ruin your health with anger.”
Hackett took a deep breath, suppressing his rage, and looked at Tamara with paternal affection. “You really are a good girl. Don’t worry. Once the Sherwood funding comes in, we will weather this storm.” Tamara nodded obediently. “Yes, I believe in you, Dad.”
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