The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 327

Thinking of her daughter, who had fled the house because of Tamara and was now out there somewhere unable to come home, Gloria ground her teeth in hatred.

It was this innocent, pitiful face of Tamara’s that had nearly destroyed Yvonne! Four years! Tamara had deceived them for four whole years!

Thinking of all the love, effort, and trust the Sherwoods had poured into Tamara over the years, Gloria’s hatred intensified.

“Don’t act like we’re close!” she shouted, her voice shrill with fury. “Tamara, you liar! You murderer! Do you realize Yvonne refuses to come home because of you? You were the one who caused my daughter to fall and be paralyzed for four years, yet you pretended to know nothing and lurked by our sides the entire time! You are terrifying…”

A chill ran down Gloria’s spine. She felt a mix of immense relief and regret. Thank God her daughter survived this time. If something had happened to her, Gloria would have torn Tamara apart with her bare hands, even if it cost her her life.

Tamara’s tears flowed instantly as she shook her head frantically. “I didn’t! You misunderstood! I really didn’t hurt Yvonne!”

She turned to Fitch, weeping bitterly. “Mr. Sherwood, please believe me… How could I hurt Yvonne? She’s Milford’s sister, which makes her my

sister too!”

Fitch looked at her coldly and said nothing.

Milford stood to the side, his gaze icy. “Tamara, Yvonne identified you herself. You still want to deny it?”

Tamara trembled, crying even harder. “Milford, even you don’t believe me? I’m innocent!”

She suddenly threw herself at Gloria’s feet, clutching the hem of her

dress. “Think about it. If I really wanted to hurt Yvonne, why would I choose my own wedding day? Wouldn’t that be destroying my own future?”

Gloria shook her hand off and sneered. “Because you were too confident! You never imagined Yvonne would regain her memory on your wedding day and expose your true colors. If you had known, with your vicious mind, my daughter would probably be dead by now!”

Tamara slumped to the floor, tears raining down. “How can you think of me like that…”

Fitch finally spoke, his voice freezing the air in the room. “Enough. There’s nothing more to say to her.”

He looked at Tamara with a sharp, penetrating gaze. “Tamara, the fact that I didn’t expose you in front of all those guests was already an act of mercy. From now on, you will stay in this room. You are not to go anywhere. We will decide your fate once we have fully investigated the

matter.”

With that, he turned and left.

Gloria glared at Tamara one last time before following him..

After Fitch and Gloria left, only Milford and Tamara remained in the room. The air was stagnant, suffocating.

Milford looked down at Tamara, his voice devoid of warmth. “For the next three months, you’re on your own. After that, we’re getting a divorce.”

Tamara’s head snapped up, a flash of malice passing through her eyes. “Divorce? Milford, do you think I’m some dog you can call over and kick away whenever you please? You want to divorce me? So you can be with Leilani, is that it? Keep dreaming! You think I’ll let you off that easy?”

She let out a cold laugh. “The Sloans aren’t people you can just walk over! You humiliated me today, and I will not let this go!”

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