The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 301

For a moment, the expressions on both men’s faces were somewhat subtle.

Zeus sneered, swirling the red wine in his glass, his tone dripping with mockery. “She actually dared to show up? Dressed like that, people might think she’s here for a funeral.”

Josiah frowned and glanced at him. “Watch what you say.”

Zeus shrugged, unbothered. “Am I wrong? Look at her. All black, not a single piece of jewelry. It’s pathetic.” He narrowed his eyes, his tone flippant. “I really don’t know what those big shots see in her. Her medical skills? Hah, they’re probably just interested in her face, aren’t they?”

Josiah’s frown deepened, but he didn’t engage with the comment. He simply stated, “Today is Tamara’s wedding. Don’t bring up useless topics.”

Zeus huffed lightly and stopped his sarcasm. He turned his attention to Tamara and Milford on the stage, speaking lazily, “Milford is lucky, marrying our Tamara.”

Josiah followed his gaze, his expression indifferent. “A marriage alliance between the two families benefits the Sloan Group.”

Zeus raised an eyebrow. “Josiah, you make it sound like Tamara is just a bargaining chip.”

Josiah didn’t reply; he just took a sip of his wine. In his eyes, whether it was Tamara or Leilani, they were nothing more than pawns for the Sloan family. It was just that Tamara was more useful.

The volume of their conversation was neither loud nor quiet-just enough for the nearby guests to

hear.

Someone whispered in agreement, “Leilani really has no manners. Dressing like that for an occasion like this is so disrespectful.”

“Exactly. It’s her own sister’s wedding, and she looks like she’s attending a wake.”

The gossip reached Leilani’s ears, but she didn’t even lift her eyelids. She just sat quietly in the guest seating, the corners of her lips curling up slightly.

Milford stood in the center of the stage, but his gaze drifted uncontrollably toward Leilani in the audience. She sat there quietly, her expression calm, as if she were attending a mundane banquet.

But the calmer she appeared, the more Milford felt an indescribable surge of guilt and bitterness rising in his chest. Why did she come? Was she here to see him make a fool of himself?

He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning slightly white.

Tamara noticed his distraction. She quietly reached out and dug her nails hard into his palm.

Milford snapped back to reality, looking down to meet Tamara’s eyes, which were filled with grievance and pleading.

“Milford…” Her voice trembled slightly, carrying a note of begging. “Don’t do this…”

Milford’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he forced a smile. “I’m sorry.”

He forced himself to look away, refusing to look at Leilani again. But his heart felt like it was being

17:49

crushed by a boulder, heavy and suffocating. This wedding had been a mistake from the beginning. And now, there was no turning back.

Seeing that he had finally composed himself, Tamara let out a small sigh of relief, though a shadow of gloom flickered in her eyes.

Although she had previously invited Leilani to the wedding, the moment Leilani actually appeared and seeing Milford’s expression…

Tamara inevitably felt a twinge of regret. She gripped her bouquet tightly, her knuckles white, though a sweet smile remained plastered on her face.

Tamara glanced at the officiant, signaling with her eyes for him to start the vows immediately. She wanted to avoid any further complications.

The officiant received the hint, nodding to show he understood. Just as he prepared to speak and Leilani was about to stand up, the doors to the banquet hall were violently thrown open!

17:56 3

admin