The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 62
Carola’s eyes widened in shock, her expression darkening instantly. “Do you know who I am? I’m a VIP at this mall!”
The security guard looked apologetic but remained firm. “I’m sorry, these are orders from management. Please come back another day.”
Seeing the guard’s unyielding stance, they realized they couldn’t force their way in. Disappointed, Tamara tugged at Carola’s sleeve to console her. “Carola, let it go. It looks like we won’t get in today. Since the timing is bad, let’s just come back another time.”
Hearing Tamara’s soothing words, Carola decided to take the out she was offered.
Just as the two were turning to leave, looking visibly displeased, they froze. Walking out of the mall entrance was Leilani, carrying several exquisite shopping bags, followed by Judie and the two older women. She had changed into the new black dress; the sharp tailoring accentuated her porcelain skin and slender waist, giving her an air of cool nobility that was completely different from her usual plain appearance.
Judie held her arm, grinning. “Dr. Sloan, you look amazing in this! If my cousin saw you, he would definitely…”
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“Judie,” Libby coughed lightly, cutting off her daughter’s loose tongue.
Judie stuck out her tongue, staying silent but looking teasingly at Leilani.
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Leilani smiled helplessly. She was about to speak when a shrill voice cut through the air.
“Leilani!”
Carola stomped over in her high heels, her face a mixture of disbelief and shock.
“Why are you here? Don’t tell me the VIP guest the guard mentioned is you?”
Tamara followed, wearing a mask of surprise and innocence. “Leilani, so you were the VIP. Mom and Dad have been trying to call you, but you blocked us all. We were worried you didn’t have money, but it seems…”
She trailed off, implying that Leilani had inexplicably come into enough money to shop at such a high-end venue.
Hearing the insinuation in Tamara’s voice, Leilani paused, her eyes turning cold. She didn’t say a word, nor did she deign to look at Tamara. She simply stepped around her and continued walking.
Carola, already irritated by the security guard’s rejection, was now infuriated that Leilani-someone she despised-dared to ignore her. Her face stiffened, and in a fit of humiliation and rage, she reached out to grab Leilani’s arm. “What are you pretending for? I’m talking to you, didn’t you hear me? You have no manners! No wonder you’re an
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ex-convict…”
“Smack!”
She was about to say ‘bitch, but the slap landed before the word could leave her mouth. Before her hand could touch Leilani, Judie slapped it away.
“Who the heck are you? Getting touchy-feely, got no respect, huh?” Judie glared at her, her tone hostile.
Carola froze, not expecting anyone to stand up for Leilani, before sneering. “Miss, you probably don’t know who you’re protecting. She is the abandoned daughter of the Sloan family who went to prison four years ago for intentional assault! She almost killed the daughter of the Sherwood family back then. Now she’s used some trick to cozy up to you. Don’t be fooled by her!”
Tamara stood beside Carola, acting as if Judie’s violence had frightened her, tears instantly welling up in her eyes. She reached out to hold Carola’s hand as if in pain. “Miss, although I don’t know who you are, we can talk things over properly. Why did you have to hit her? Look, Carola’s hand is red.”
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.