Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 68

The heavy rain was accompanied by a subtle touch of snow, resulting in a bone chilling coldness that permeated the atmosphere, penetrating every cell in the body and sending a shiver down the spine.

Growing increasingly impatient as Sherri Landor continued to take an eternity to arrive, Natalie headed upstairs to fetch a cigarette and a lighter.

Perched on the sofa, Natalie delicately cradled a cigarette between her slender fingers, igniting it with the flicker of a lighter. The swirling smoke wistfully concealed the complexity of her emotions. Despite finishing a cigarette, her inner turmoil refused to dissipate. Retrieving another from the box, she lifted it to her lips, poised to light it anew. At that very moment, the blare of Sherri incessantly honking the car horn outside could be heard.

Natalie extinguished the half-smoked cigarette and rose to her feet, making her way toward the door. As she moved, her hand instinctively picked up a conveniently positioned black umbrella before entering Sherri’s Mercedes-Benz passenger side.

The rain poured relentlessly, drenching the seat. Sherri inquired, her voice laced with curiosity, “Please, do tell me, what is the reason behind summoning me to pick you up? And where exactly are we headed in this weather?”

Sherri knew Natalie well enough to know that her friend would not go out of her way to request assistance unless necessary. The fact that Natalie had asked for her to pick her up from Adare Manor, Trevon’s residence, indicated a compelling and crucial reason behind her presence there.

Natalie playfully quipped, “Let’s go to Lovers’ Cafe to meet Trevon’s awful lover.”

Sherri turned around in shock and asked, “What do you mean?”

Observing Sherri’s perplexed expression, it became clear that she did not grasp the underlying meaning of Natalie’s remark. “Don’t zone out. Come on, take me there. Once we arrive, everything will become clear,” Natalie urged.

As Natalie’s words resonated, Sherri slowly met Natalie’s eyes before shifting back to face forward. She ignited the engine, stealing another glance at Natalie before focusing on the road ahead.

Natalie was dumbfounded and wondered, “Is she going for a confrontation?”

This time, Sherri drove relatively quickly while Natalie navigated from the passenger seat.

Following the instructions provided by the unfamiliar individual, Natalia pushed the door open and entered the private room with Sherri trailing closely behind her.

As they entered the private room, their attention was drawn to the presence of a woman with flowing, milk tea-colored curly hair. She exuded an air of elegance, adorned in a limited-edition Chanel suit that accentuated her style. Her white down jacket hung gracefully on the coat rack near the entrance.

woman elegantly stirred her coffee. Her nails, meticulously adorned with black sugar caramel tea-inspired nail art, shimmered and glimmered, capturing attention effortlessly.

lavish presence, Natalie’s down jacket, valued at a few hundred dollars, appeared relatively

the sight of

see you’re also here. Did Miss

remark did not sit well with Sherri, and

intervene, Natalie gently placed her hand on Sherri’s arm, leaning closer to whisper in her ear. “Sherri, wait for me downstairs.

in the presence of Trevon’s ex-girlfriend. Uncertain of Natalie’s feelings towards Trevon, the unexpected

her friend to leave.

not to order coffee, opting for a simple glass of plain water. She held

warmth radiate through her

acknowledge Mia. She paused before speaking slowly. “May I know how you want to be

of displeasure at Natalie’s perceived aloofness, responded with an air

our meeting

and she wasted no time. Exuding even more incredible arrogance, she replied in a commanding tone, “Leave Trevon Wilson.” As

her calm demeanor, Natalie nodded in agreement while holding the glass of hot water to warm her hands. She picked up the check from the table, her eyes widening with surprise at the substantial amount. However, instead of accepting the offer, she placed the check back down. Natalie then posed a counterquestion with a steady voice, “Miss Mia, while I appreciate your generous offer of 200,000 dollars. But, I must inquire about

were to leave now, you would still be rewarded with 200,000 dollars. It’s a rather generous offer. Do not think that a physical relationship with him entitles you to assume Mrs.

her hands, before responding with a calm yet probing tone, “Hmm, you speak as if you are the sole person deserving of his affections. I’m curious to know what gave

aback by Natalie’s sharp retort and refusal to be swayed, Mia found herself at a loss for words. Frustration twisted her facial expression, and she

gives you the right to speak when you have not even figured out who you are to Trevon? Let me help you: Are you an ex-girlfriend, a casual fling, or a mistress? Which category do you believe you fall into?” Without waiting for a response, Natalie continued, her tone laced with sarcasm, “Secondly, it appears that you may

a piercing gaze upon Natalie. “So it appears that your true motive is simply money, isn’t it?” she

that the case?” she asked rhetorically, a hint of amusement in her voice. “You’re cunningly attempting to make me leave Trevon Wilson, all in the name of true love, or so you claim. But do you even believe that yourself? You had the audacity to arrange this meeting with me

proved futile, leaving her visibly frustrated and causing her words to stumble. “You… You’re just a crude woman from the streets. Don’t assume you’re the only one who has had a relationship with Mr. Wilson. I have also been intimate with him!” she

by her desire to argue, Natalie fired back, “So

mistress? Do you take pride in counting the number of times you’ve slept with Trevon Wilson? Is being a mistress considered a prestigious status now? By

“Yes, it was

on that day,”