The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 81
Josiah frowned, feeling that Milford was just making excuses. “The evidence was irrefutable back then, and Leilani admitted to it herself. By dredging up the past now, are you trying to humiliate the Sloan family?”
Clive added coldly from the side, “Milford, don’t forget that your marriage to Tamara was arranged by our two families long ago. If you dare to fail her, don’t blame us for being ruthless.”
Tamara lowered her head, the corners of her lips curving up slightly, but when she looked up, she wore an expression of being on the verge of tears. “Josiah, Clive, please don’t be like this. Milford might just be confused for a moment…”
Josiah scoffed, “Confused? I think he’s been bewitched by someone!”
Pressed by the Sloan brothers and hearing Tamara’s faint sobbing on the phone, Milford fell silent for a long time. He realized he had indeed been impulsive today. How could he speculate about Tamara without evidence? He had hurt Tamara and caused a misunderstanding with the Sloan family.
If he made a mistake, he had to make amends. Milford lowered his voice and promised, “I will arrange our engagement as soon as possible.”
A gleam of triumph flashed in Tamara’s eyes, but she quickly reverted to her fragile, innocent act, gently tugging at Josiah’s sleeve. “Josiah, Milford has already said so, please don’t pressure him anymore.”
Having received Milford’s confirmation, Josiah hung up the phone. He rubbed her hair and softened his tone. “Silly girl, we’re doing this for your own good.”
Tamara nodded obediently, looking every bit the well-behaved sister. She would never let anyone destroy everything she had painstakingly built.
At the Sherwood estate.
Not long after the call ended, Gloria pushed the door open, her face grave.
“Milford, what did you say to Tamara today? Why did the Sloan family call you?”
It was obvious Gloria had been eavesdropping while Milford was on the phone with Josiah. She walked up to Milford, her tone reproachful. “Your marriage to Tamara was settled long ago. What are you trying to stir up by suddenly digging up the past?”
Milford stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gripping his phone until his knuckles turned white. After a moment of silence, he spoke coldly, “I just want to find out the truth.”
15.24
“The truth?” Gloria frowned, her voice rising. “The evidence was solid, and Leilani pleaded guilty. What truth is there to find? Have you forgotten that Yvonne was almost killed by her?”
Milford turned around, suppressing the irritation in his eyes. “Mom, Yvonne has recovered now. Yvonne told me herself.”
“Yvonne recovered because of luck! It’s not Leilani’s credit!” Gloria interrupted him sharply. “That woman is vicious. She’s been to prison, and now she’s back to ruin your marriage. Can’t you see she has ulterior motives?”
Milford’s jaw tightened, the suffocating feeling of being pushed around growing heavier.
He didn’t understand. He had already compromised by agreeing to discuss the engagement with the Sloan family soon. But they wouldn’t listen. They were all forcing him. The Sloan family was forcing him to marry Tamara, his mother was forcing him to stay away from Leilani, and even he himself… had begun to doubt who he had misplaced his trust in all these years.
“Milford!” Gloria urged when she saw his silence. “Wake up! Someone like Leilani doesn’t deserve to enter our family! Tamara is the one who suits you best. She’s gentle and sensible, and our families are old friends. You…”
Cedella
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.