The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 75

Paulina’s granddaughter had inherited Paulina’s medical skills. Then there was Leilani, whose silhouette and figure were remarkably similar to Dr. Cheney’s. Add to that the identity of “L”-wasn’t L considered the successor to the “Ghost Doctor” on the dark web because of the jade pendant and medical techniques that mirrored Paulina’s? Even if she wasn’t Paulina’s biological successor, she certainly had ties to her.

Could there be a connection between these three identities? He fell silent for a moment before finally speaking. “I’ll be back in a week.”

Dante was instantly delighted. “Good, good! Don’t you dare stand her up this time!”

Callahan gave a faint “Hmm” and hung up.

The night was deep. In the manor’s study, only a dim desk lamp was lit. Callahan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, an unlit cigarette between his fingers, gazing into the

darkness.

His phone screen lit up. He answered, his voice low and cold. “How is the investigation going?”

A raspy male voice came from the other end. “Mr. Langley, the trail has gone cold. The other party is very cautious; all traces have been wiped clean.”

Callahan’s eyes darkened further. His knuckles tightened, snapping the cigarette in half.

“Keep looking,” he ordered coldly. “Once Arnold wakes up, everything will be clear.”

Arnold was not just a patient; he was Callahan’s personal bodyguard and a trusted confidant raised by the Langley family for years.

This trip to Zamora had been going smoothly until the eve of the signing, when the other party suddenly changed their tune, having somehow learned the Langley Group’s bottom line.

Even more suspicious was the “accident” on the day of the signing. If Arnold hadn’t reacted quickly, taking the hit from the out-of-control truck and the subsequent bullet, the one lying in that hospital bed would be Callahan himself.

Someone had sold them out. And that person was definitely inside the Langley Group-perhaps even someone he trusted deeply.

Leilani knew none of this. she was solely focused on completing her treatment. The patient’s condition was more complex than she had initially thought; besides the trauma, there was a residual toxin in his system, likely a specialized neuro-inhibitor designed to slow recovery.

She quietly adjusted her prescription and used silver needles to stimulate his acupoints, aiding in metabolizing the toxin.

15.30

Once she got into the rhythm, Leilani’s acupuncture sessions became faster each day. Today’s treatment finished two hours earlier than usual. Arnold’s injuries had stabilized; all he needed now was rest.

Back at her room after work, Leilani took a deep breath and removed her prosthetic mask and voice modulator. She untied her hair, letting the locks cascade down like a waterfall.

Glancing at the clock and the sky, which was still bright, Leilani felt a rare urge to relax. She thought she might as well take a walk while she had the free time. After all, she had bought so many clothes back home; she ought to wear them out.

Making up her mind, Leilani fluffed her hair, took out her travel makeup kit, filled in her brows, and applied a layer of light lip gloss.

Half an hour later, a cool, stunning beauty emerged.

15:23

Cedella

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