Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 84

After completing their orders, the two of them remained inside the room, exchanging laughter and banter while eagerly awaiting the arrival of Edward

A few minutes later, they heard some commotion at the door.

Natalie nudged Sherri beside her, urging her to get up and suggesting going out for a meal first.

Now feeling a hint of unease, Sherri found her smile freezing on her face. “Natalie, I suddenly feel a bit lightheaded. Please tell Edward that I’m not feeling well”

Natalie raised an eyebrow, her thoughts racing. “She’s going to pull off this act?”

But realizing Sherri’s genuine fear, Natalie decided to play along and not expose her ruse.

She powered down the computer. set it aside, and made her way out of the room. As she caught sight of the man’s shoulders, still glistening with water droplets, “Has it been raining outside?

Edward’s voice, as soothing as ever, filled the room. “Yeah, it’s pouring out there. Thankfully, I parked the car in the basement, so it didn’t get wet.”

Natalie swiftly entered the bathroom, retrieved a dry towel, and offered it to Edward. “Here, give yourself a quick wipe. Your clothes seem to have gotten a little damp.”

Edward accepted the towel with a smile, using it to pat dry his shoulders. He then turned around and inquired, “Is my back

wet?”

She took the towel from his hands and gently dried his back without hesitation. “All taken care of”

Edward seemed momentarily puzzled but quickly regained his composure. He asked. “And what about Sherri?”

Knowing that she couldn’t deceive Edward, known for his kindness and honesty. “Um, well, Sherri isn’t feeling well.”

Upon hearing her answer, Edward immediately grasped the situation. He called out to the guest room, lus voice firm and resolute. “Sherri, you have one minute to come out or face the consequences”

Sherri swiftly recovered from her illness and dashed out of the room, calling out in a low voice, “Edward,” with her head bowed to convey her acknowledgment of wrongdoing, much like a repentant child.

Natalie stepped in to defuse the impending explosion, attempting to alleviate the tension. “Why don’t we grab a bite and have a detailed conversation afterward?”

Edward shot Sherri a stern glance. “We’ll discuss this later.”

Behind Edward, Sherri gestured to Natalie, silently conveying that she would be saved later. Natalie couldn’t help but think that she might also face a lecture. After all, crossing a muddy river was no easy feat. She shrugged her shoulders, accepting the situation.

Unbeknownst to Edward, the two girls engaged in a silent mime performance behind him.

into her evening cooking, showcasing her

dissipated as Edward laid eyes on the table laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes. Grilled salmon fillet, grilled steak, roasted turkey, buttered lobster, garden salad with ranch dressing, creamy potato soup. The extensive menu offered ample portions to

brought her a small sense of

beckoned Edward. ‘Please help

his head, a soft smile playing on his lips. “You girls are using sugary

into a stunned

was left speechless.

picking at her food, counting each morsel she brought to her

weight of responsibility pressing on her. She couldn’t let Sherri take all the blame or make decisions on her behalf. She found

address the issue directly and shoulder the responsibility herself. “Edward, I need to come clean about something.

in her defense, but a meaningful

was defending Sherri, Edward refrained from speaking

safety. However, we were unknowingly subjected to a malicious act. The culprit tampered with the entire table, drugging all the guests, including older people and children. We let our guard down, and as a result, we lost consciousness. During that time, I failed to protect

disclose to Edward that Mia was behind this incident. After all, the

the responsibility for not caring

realization struck him, causing a moment of hesitation before he mustered the courage to

were you affected too? Are you

to stretch as he tightly gripped his fork,

struggled to find the right words, pausing briefly to collect her thoughts. She had always regarded Edward as an older brother figure, imbued with a sense of reverence. She wanted to carefully choose her words before

as she hastily interjected,

and motionless. It felt as if his soul had been wrenched from his body. His gaze remained fixed on the girl before him, desperately seeking

parched lips and felt a constriction in his throat. “Is

to resemble a child caught in a transgression. She lowered her head, her fork idly twirling in

sensation enveloped his chest. Though he was not an avid smoker, he stood up to gather his thoughts and maintain a facade of composure. “I need some

door open, seeking solace and a moment to gather his emotions

girls exchanged perplexed glances, unsure how to proceed. They shared a common understanding. Edward’s apparent anger stemmed from both of them being pregnant. Their minds

sense of unease, they found it difficult to continue eating without Edward’s

him.

Edward, who was engrossed in his cigarette on the balcony. Then, she leaned toward Natalie and asked, “Do you think Edward will confront us

in such a distracted state for the first time. It was genuinely uncertain what actions he might take next. All they could do was wait for his return and gauge his reaction. Hence, she shook her head, indicating her lack of certainty.

back in her chair, deflated like a balloon losing air. “What do we do now? If Edward refuses to help, it will be quite a predicament. I truly wish that Mia would also face the consequences, but not at the hands

had no moral boundaries, showing no mercy to the young or the elderly. At this point, she was too overwhelmed to care about anyone else. Natalie knew she wasn’t perfect, struggling to navigate her

a jumble

brief

composure, returning to his usual refined and composed demeanor. He calmly sat as if nothing had transpired and casually inquired, “What

food with his fork while posing a fair question.