Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 16

The next day, Natalie woke up early and prepared breakfast for herself, without considering Trevon’s portion.

During the rush hour, the roads in Athana were extremely congested. It made Natalie miss her black motorcycle dearly.

After 15 minutes, the car hadn’t even passed a single traffic light, remaining motionless. Impatient and frustrated, she took out a cigarette from her pocket. Then she placed it on her pale red lips, lit it with a lighter, and held the cigarette butt between her long, slender fingers. She was exhaling smoke as she waited.

Then she felt more comfortable. She opened the car window, allowing the cold wind to rush in, which cleared her mind to

some extent.

Coincidentally, this captivating and enchanting posture caught the attention of Hackett, who was waiting in the car next to Natalie’s. He initially thought it was his good friend Edward returning. So after checking the license plate, Hackett planned to greet him through the window.

But to his surprise, it was an attractive woman in the driver’s seat. Intrigued, Hackett couldn’t help but wonder if she was Edward’s girlfriend. If not, he would ask Edward to introduce her to himself.

Being a man of action, Hackett curiously opened his contact list to find Edward’s number.

A few seconds later, the call connected. And then he teasingly asked, “Mr. Landor, where are you?”

A calm and warm voice came from the other side. Edward replied, “Mr. Blackwell, what’s the occasion for calling me so early? You’re not with your girl?”

Hackett kept his gaze fixed on the woman in the sports car without blinking. Then he said to Edward, “Oh. I was just thinking about you.”

“Go ahead. What’s the matter?” Edward asked. He didn’t think Hackett had so much free time on his hands to call him.

“I just wanted to ask who’s driving your sports car today. Is it your new girlfriend?” Hackett inquired, trying to probe.

“What? What sports car?” Edward was completely puzzled.

However, his mind quickly processed the situation. If it was Sherri driving the car, Hackett wouldn’t have made this call. If it was his mother, that was even more unlikely. Because she had her own driver and didn’t drive sports cars. The only person. who had a good relationship with Sherri was Natalie. So it could be reasonably concluded that the one driving today was Natalie.

“Just a friend,” Edward replied.

“Oh. So she’s a friend of yours. I originally thought she was your girlfriend. Since she’s just a friend, could you please introduce her to me?” Hackett asked. He thought that as long as she wasn’t Edward’s girlfriend, he could still make a move.

Edward, who was working in his office, stopped what he was doing and furrowed his brows. Then he said, “Don’t have any ideas about her.” His tone carried a warning.

Natalie, who was in the car, was engulfed in her own thoughts and smoke. She had no idea that her actions were captured and shared in a group chat among Hackett, Frank, and Trevon.

me a favor and find out about this woman. I’ve fallen for her since this morning. I want to pursue

her.”

when she had reached her destination and

than her.

had been feeling uneasy and anxious. It wasn’t because she was afraid her brother’s car would be damaged, but rather because she was concerned

U

in the world who truly cared about her well–being. She felt deeply touched and walked over to hug Sherri, saying, “I’m sorry for making you worry. Look, I’m fine,

But there was always the possibility of unforeseen circumstances. Although Natalie emerged from this

I’m afraid someone might come after you again,”

to spend more money,” Natalie replied. She didn’t think her so–called father would willingly foot the bill for this

hurt, and now they’re extorting money

night. Hearing

they’re fuming right now,” Sherri

such a mess was definitely

their lively conversation, Sherri’s phone rang, interrupting their chat. Sherri glanced at the caller ID and then hurriedly answered. “Hey, Edward.” Perhaps she was feeling a bit

being driven by Natalie?” Edward asked

actually lent it to Natalie. She had some urgent matter

who was listening on the side, felt a bit embarrassed. She thought Edward might be angry. She was unaware that the car belonged to Sherri’s

driving sports cars usually didn’t like lending their beloved cars to others. Some people even said that one should never lend

to someone

phone on speaker,” Edward said. He sensed that

placed the phone on the table and

out, “Edward, it’s me.”

he heard Natalie’s voice. He spoke

a minor issue yesterday and needed a car. I

astute, immediately interrupted and said, “Natalie, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not angry because you borrowed the car. I was just worried that something might have happened to you. The car

“Oh. I see. But, Edward, I’ve already used it. And I’ll return it to Sherri today. I’ll ask you if I need it

can use it anytime you need. If there’s anything you can’t solve, let me know Even though I’m abroad, I still have resources in the country and can

replied gratefully Her heart warmed, as Edward always treated her

system that controlled Natalie’s emotions was more sensitive compared

entire conversation, was at a loss for words. She remembered how her brother had sternly warned her about his car, saying. “If you even touch my

by his intimidating expression at that time. And she never dared to touch his beloved car. It was only because her best friend encountered an issue this time that she mustered the courage to borrow

couldn’t help but wonder who

her brother had some kind of