Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 18

At precisely 10 o’clock in the evening, Sherri’s car came to a steady stop outside the Lithern Club. She exited the vehicle and handed the keys to the security guard.

True to its reputation as the prime bar in Athana, the Lithern Club exuded luxury from its exterior alone. Natalie was somewhat hesitant to go inside.

Knowing her best friend’s intentions, Sherri couldn’t let it slide. Then she told Natalie, “You can’t do something so unethical. If you bail on me tonight, we’ll cut ties.”

“You’d better watch fewer soap operas,” Natalie replied.

“Soap operas are so entertaining. You just don’t get it,” Sherri said.

Natalie wore a black form–fitting knee–length dress that evening. Her face had a subtle natural makeup look, comfortable and effortless. Her dark curly hair cascaded down, creating a beautiful aesthetic.

On the other hand, Sherri wore a contrasting red form–fitting dress, seductive and alluring. Her dress was shorter than Natalie’s, and she wore a pair of white high heels. Her chestnut–colored curls were also flowing freely.

When they were getting their hair permed together, Sherri asked Natalie to dye their hair together. But Natalie adamantly

refused.

With the night breeze on her face, Natalie adjusted her suit jacket and asked skeptically, “Can we go in now, Sherri? Aren’t you cold?”

On such a cold night, Sherri prioritized style over warmth and didn’t even wear a jacket.

Just looking at her, Natalie already felt cold.

Thinking the bar’s exterior was already luxurious, little did they know that the interior design was even more extravagant. The ground floor had a dance floor with a starry sky design overhead. Blaring notes reached their ears. And in the dim environment, the starry sky above shimmered even more brilliantly, like a galaxy of stars.

Standing there, one could feel the class divide. This was where the wealthy gathered.

Natalie couldn’t bear to spend her hard–earned money here.

The second floor housed VIP seating, undoubtedly a spot for the affluent to sit above and look down on everything.

Indeed, poverty could limit one’s imagination. There was nothing you couldn’t achieve, only things hadn’t thought of.

The temperature inside was relatively high. Sherri grabbed Natalie and found a nice spot where they could oversee the entire dance floor.

Natalie hung her jacket on the back of the chair and lazily leaned against the bar counter. Then she asked the bartender for at low–proof drink.

Sherri leaned closer to her ear and said, “Is it too weak? Why don’t we order a stronger bottle?”

seemed that Sherri had no idea about

out.

a disapproving look, Sherri didn’t dare to order a stronger

and she started feeling tipsy.

was nothing Natalie could do.

Sherri to the dance floor. Natalie knew how to dance. Since she was young, her mother had cultivated her skills in music, chess, dance, and painting. After her mother passed away, her grandfather didn’t send her to learn outside but instead secretly arranged

or the effects of the alcohol, Natalie couldn’t help but sway her slender waist along with the music. Her movements were seductive and graceful. Moreover, their appearances were attractive. They drew the attention of the people around them. Many

was a release, an

the dazzling Natalie on the dance floor. He couldn’t help. but exclaim. “Oh, my God! Quick, look! It’s my crush. My crush is there. Frank, look! I asked you to help me look her up, but you didn’t.

the countless searches, he turned around abruptly, only to find his

was boiling. He just wanted to

great lengths and. persuaded Trevon

had gone to boxing tonight, he wouldn’t

floor. And his gaze turned to the woman on the dance floor. Natalie was

and uncertain. He didn’t expect to run into Natalie in a place like

also ride motorcycles and dance

my grandfather say she was a well–behaved girl?

young protective animal guarding its food, couldn’t stand it anymore. He exclaimed, “Trevon, we’re friends. But I had my eyes on this

sitting nearby. He wondered what kind of woman worth Hackett’s protection was and made Hackett bold enough to compete openly with Trevon. When Jim finally took a

of yourself. The woman you’re interested

Wilson.”

Then he asked, “What’s with that look, Mr. Hawk?”

silenced by a cold glance from Trevon sitting next to him.

who had been spectating the whole scene, casually glanced at the dance floor. After careful consideration, he seemed to understand the situation, and a smirk of

had attracted attention, grew tired from dancing and decided to take a break and sit down.

was surrounded by a circle of men trying to strike up a conversation. He

help but marvel at her best friend’s figure and beauty. She

he wanted to remind Hackett that Natalie was Trevon’s newlywed wife.

Hackett left, Frank calmly spoke, “That woman is your newlywed

to himself, “Mr. Roberts is really impressive. He could

stared in Natalie’s direction, feeling increasingly annoyed and

drop of alcohol that night, added, “Hackett isn’t one to back down when it comes to women. He’s quite obsessed.” Hackett had never been able to resist attractive women,

thoughts. He didn’t respond to Frank’s

sat next to Natalie. The people here were familiar with Hackett, Frank, and Trevon, the three of them. And upon seeing the audacious Hackett showing interest in Natalie, the people around

Hackett. This playboy was well–known in the social circle of Athana. And then Sherri, who was still

asked, “Mr. Blackwell, is there