Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 78

Unbeknownst to them, time slipped away unnoticed, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the bidding had arrived.

Sherri was filled with sheer delight, beaming like a child.

She twirled in front of the mirror, unable to contain her excitement. The reason for her joy was the limited-edition dress that Edward had purchased for her to wear at the bidding event. Notably, it was the same design as the one worn by Natalie, affectionately known as the sister dress. One was a delicate shade of blue, while the other boasted a soft, creamy hue.

Without a doubt, Sherri had chosen the pale blue one.

Meanwhile. Natalie had already finished her makeup and sat primly on the bed, waiting patiently for Sherri. She had been waiting for half an hour while Sherri meticulously curled her eyelashes, taking her time with every detail.

Completely unaware of the passing time, Sherri didn’t consider the minutes ticking by. For a woman, getting dressed and applying makeup was an effortless endeavor, as if time had no hold on her.

Looking beautiful was all that mattered,

Natalie felt reluctant to remund Sherri. ‘Sherri, we’re attending a bidding event, not a beauty pageant. You already look stunning. Even the celebrities walking the red carpet can’t compare to you.”

Sherri had an air of confidence, proudly stating, “Absolutely! You have great taste. But I can’t afford to embarrass Edward. What if I run into my future sister-in-law? I can’t risk looking anything less than perfect”

Deep down, Sherri always had a nagging feeling that Edward had a girlfriend overseas!

Feeling tired, Natalie propped her chin up and said. “You keep going. I’ll grab a drink to wake myself up. I haven’t had a single sip of water since I woke up this morning.”

“Hey, Natalie, does my makeup look good? Are my lashes curled enough?”

Natalie glanced up and commented, “Looks good. No need to curl them anymore. They’re reaching for the sky”

Sherri was in high spirits and didn’t pay much attention to Natalie’s hidden implications.

Edward had been waiting downstairs for an hour without making a single phone call. He sat in the passenger seat, patiently

waiting

Meanwhile, Kyle, showing no sense of urgency, reclined in his seat with his eyes half-closed, nearly drifting off to sleep. Once Sherri and Natalie finished their preparations, they spotted Edward’s Maybach downstairs. Opening the car doors, they carefully adjusted their dresses before stepping inside.

Edward, you’re here so early”

“Yeah”

With everyone seated, Kyle started the car engine and headed toward the Grand Manor Hotel

The bidding event was being held in the penthouse conference room of the Grand Manor Hotel.

Natalie, who had a late shaft that evening, was anxious about possibly being late. “Edward, what time does the bidding event wrap up?”

Edward turned his head slightly and spoke in a reassuring tone, “Worried about being late for work?”

Natalie answered honestly. “Yes.”

“Don’t worry. It will be over before dinner. The results will be announced, and after that. I’ll drop you off at the hospital

“Oh, alright.”

The entrance of the Grand Manor Hotel was bustling with activity as one luxury car after another pulled into the parking lot. The available spaces quickly filled up, indicating a significant turnout for the bidding event.

were gathered at the entrance, their cameras poised to capture the scene. Natalie couldn’t help but feel a twinge

quite the

Sherri, who appeared visibly excited. “Sherri, are you sure this bidding event is supposed

here with Edward, the event’s

reservations, mainly when it came to large-scale gatherings with

they had already arrived, returning

me in a little while. Once the

Natalie nodded.

stepped into the conference hall, their eyes were met with a sea of people, a dense crowd that stretched as

questioning the sheer number of attendees. Were they all here for the bidding? Was this

had so many

not thoroughly vetted?

Edward and whispered. “There’s a significant number of attendees from outside Athana today, which explains the large

nodded knowingly, understanding the competitive nature of such events. “It’s to

four of them settled into their seats in the front

Soon enough,

of individuals made their grand entrance through the doors. Leading the way was a distinguished man dressed in a sleek

known for his laid-back demeanor, was followed closely behind and appeared surprisingly composed and focused. Like Frank, his hands were in his pockets, his face betraying no emotion.

intertwined their paths once

the room, his gaze immediately drawn to the woman seated next to Sherri in the

black hair cascaded down

calm and unruffled, as if they were mere strangers.

but feel a momentary surprise. “Aren’t there

his composed

help but be intrigued by the situation. With several empty seats remaining, she wondered why he had deliberately chosen to sit next

of initiating a conversation or showing

Hackett sat on the

curiosity, Hackett leaned in and

him. ‘Former

“So, they went through with

was appropriate to discuss Trevon’s marital status at such a formal gathering. He brushed off

exchange words or betray emotions. Even when Sherri and Natalie exchanged brief remarks, he maintained his stoic and composed demeanor.

initial awkwardness

surprise, Mia was the host for today’s bidding

subtly flickered, and his brows furrowed slightly.

conversation when they looked up and saw a woman in a stylish short skirt, confidently holding a microphone, taking charge of the

immediately noticed and couldn’t hide her discontent. She exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, how did such a prestigious bidding event

be discreetly blunt, Edward reminded his sister,

a quick message to Natalie, “I can guarantee you that

she hesitated to open it, but a gentle nudge from Sherri urged

open the phone. In

before quickly shifting his gaze forward,

“So now you know, huh? You have too much free time on

“Are you going to seek

Why should I let someone’s betrayal go unanswered’ I’ve already

unease, Frank leaned in

situation?”

not that.”

Group emerged as