The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 98
Before Leilani went abroad, to thank them for taking her shopping and treating her, she had given them some of her custom-blended calming drink, as she didn’t have anything expensive to give at the time.
“I’m glad they liked it. It wasn’t anything valuable anyway. If I get the chance, I’ll mix some more for them.”
“Okay! Thanks!” Since the items weren’t expensive, Judie agreed readily.
Exchanging favors was how relationships grew closer. Judie held Leilani’s hand as they found a restaurant and sat down.
“By the way! When you’re done with this busy stretch, let’s go shopping together? I know a new dessert shop that’s amazing!”
Leilani always found it hard to refuse Judie’s warmth, so she nodded with a smile. “Okay, I’ll contact you when I’m free.”
“It’s a promise!” Judie held out her pinky, insisting on a pinky swear.
Leilani was helpless but cooperated, hooking her finger around Judie’s, a rare look of relaxation in her eyes.
Just like that, Leilani’s first dinner out back in the country wrapped up nicely.
Two days later. At the main gate of Celestial Heights, security guards and property management staff were on high alert, blocking a group of aggressive people.
“Do you know who we are? You dare stop us?” Zadie’s shrill voice pierced the air. In her high heels and exquisite makeup, her face was full of anger, her eyes looking at the security guard with disdain. “Does that wretched girl Leilani live here? Tell her to get out here!”
The head of security looked stern and didn’t budge. “Sorry, Ma’am. Without the owner’s permission, we cannot let outsiders in.”
“Outsiders?” Hackett’s face was livid, surprised that the security at Celestial Heights was so strict. “I am her father! Tell Leilani to come out here. I want to see if she dares not recognize her own father!”
Josiah stood aside, the stares of passersby making his expression dark. His eyes scanned the interior of the complex, seemingly searching for Leilani.
Tamara held her mother’s arm, eyes red, looking like she had suffered a massive injustice.
The Sloans, draped in designer brands, looked formidable, and since it was rush hour for people returning home from work and school, blocking the gate was making things difficult
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for the staff.
Just then, a low-profile black sedan pulled up slowly and stopped at the gate. The door opened, and Leilani stepped out, carrying a medical kit, clearly just returning from a consultation. She wore a simple long dress, her hair loosely pinned up, her expression indifferent. Seeing the Sloan family blocking the entrance didn’t seem to surprise her.
“Leilani!” Zadie recognized her instantly and shrieked. “You stop right there!”
Leilani didn’t stop, barely giving them a glance as she walked straight toward the complex.
“You heartless thing!” Shaking with rage, Zadie tried to push past the guard to rush at her. “We raised you for so many years, and you help outsiders bully your own family?”
Leilani finally stopped, turning slowly, her eyes cold as ice. “Family?” Her lips curled in a mocking arc. “Didn’t I sever ties with you a long time ago?”
Hackett exploded in rage. “You wretch! What kind of attitude is that?”
Josiah also reached his limit; the public scrutiny was unbearable. He strode forward, reaching out to grab Leilani’s arm. “Leilani, don’t go too far! If you have something to say, let’s go to your place. Don’t embarrass us in public.”
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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.