The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 32
Hackett seemed choked by her words. It took him a long moment before he could grit his teeth and say, “You really are unrepentant!”
Leilani didn’t bother listening further. She hung up directly and blocked Hackett’s number. The moment the screen went dark, she let out a long breath, as if unloading a boulder from her shoulders.
At the Sloan villa.
“Dad, please don’t be angry.” Tamara patted Hackett’s back gently, her voice as sweet as honey. “Leilani is probably just confused. She… she just got out of prison, so it’s normal for her to hold some resentment.”
“Resentment?” Hackett slammed the table again, making the cups rattle. “What right does she have to feel resentment? The Sloan family took her back, yet she shows no gratitude. Instead, she goes out and ruins our family name!”
Tamara lowered her lashes to hide the smugness in her eyes, but her voice sounded even more aggrieved. “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t fallen down the stairs back then, Leilani wouldn’t have…”
“Tamara!” Zadie hugged her, her heart aching for her favorite daughter. “Don’t take the blame for everything! She’s the one with a twisted heart!”
Hackett’s face was dark. He stared at the disconnected phone, wanting to call back and curse her out, only to discover that Leilani had blocked him. His fury skyrocketed. “She actually dared to block me?”
Tamara’s eyes reddened at the perfect moment, her voice choking up. “Dad, don’t ruin your health over this. Leilani… she was probably just acting on impulse.”
“Impulse?” Hackett sneered. “I think she’s just grown arrogant. She doesn’t take this family seriously anymore!”
He stood up abruptly, his voice harsh. “Since she doesn’t want to acknowledge this family, then from now on, I don’t have a daughter like her!”
Tamara lowered her head, the corners of her mouth curving up imperceptibly.
…
The next morning, Leilani had just changed her clothes when the doorbell rang. She looked through the peephole, frowning slightly. It was the building manager. She had only just moved in; why was management here?
“Ms. Sloan, sorry to disturb you.”
As soon as the door opened, the manager looked apologetic and explained the reason for the intrusion.
“It’s like this. A Mr. Sloan called claiming to be your father. He demanded we provide your resident information. For the sake of client privacy and security, we refused.”
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“However, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, we came to inform you. We also wanted to ask for your instructions. Should we disclose your information to this Mr. Sloan? If necessary, we can return his call.”
Leilani’s gaze turned cold. The Sloan family wouldn’t let her go that easily; now they were trying to dig up her housing details. They were like leeches, impossible to shake off, and it was starting to irritate
her.
“I have no relationship with him.” Though annoyed, Leilani’s voice remained calm. “If he harasses you again, call the police directly.”
The manager paused, then nodded quickly. “Understood, Ms. Sloan. Also, if that gentleman comes here to disturb you in the future, please call the front desk. We will ensure your safety.”
“Good.”
After closing the door, Leilani walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the river view, her eyes dark. The Sloan family drama was just a minor interlude. The most important thing now was Yvonne’s treatment.
Yesterday, Milford had agreed to her terms, so she couldn’t delay. Leilani dialed Milford’s number.
“Hello.” On the other end, Milford’s voice was as cold and hard as before, carrying a hint of
impatience.
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