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

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“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.

Reporters were gathered at the entrance, their cameras poised to capture the scene. Natalie couldn’t

help but feel a twinge of skepticism.

This was quite the spectacle!

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

be small-scale!”

Sherri, sensing the discrepancy, swiftly changed the subject. “Oh, it doesn’t matter. As long as I’m here

with Edward, the event’s size doesn’t matter. Besides, we’re both single, so let’s enjoy ourselves,

right?”

Natalie was momentarily at a loss for words. She did have reservations, mainly when it came to large-

scale gatherings with a sizeable crowd.

But since they had already arrived, returning now wasn’t an option.

Edward sensed Natalie’s discomfort and leaned in to reassure her, “Don’t worry. Sit beside me in a little

while. Once the official list is announced, we can make our exit,”

Natalie nodded.

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

stretched as far as the eye could see

Even Sherri was taken aback, questioning the sheer number of attendees. Were they all here for the

bidding? Was this event intended to be small-scale, or had it unexpectedly become something more

significant?

Questions swirled in Sherri’s mind. How had so many people managed to secure their presence?

Were qualifications not thoroughly vetted?

Kyle leaned closer to Edward and whispered. “There’s a significant number of attendees from outside

Athana today, which explains the large turnout.”

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

Everyone wants a slice of the pie.”

The four of them settled into their seats in the front row

Soon enough,

a procession of individuals made their grand entrance through the doors. Leading the way was a

distinguished man dressed in a sleek black suit. He casually strolled toward the front row, his hands

nonchalantly tucked into his pockets.

Hackett, usually 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.

Fate had intertwined their paths once again

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

elegant creamy hue dress.

Her lustrous black hair cascaded down her back.

Without hesitation, he sat beside her, his countenance calm and unruffled, as if they were mere

strangers.

Natalie couldn’t help but feel a momentary surprise. “Aren’t there other seat?”

However, as she observed his composed demeanor, her apprehension faded.

Sherri, too, couldn’t help but be intrigued by the situation. With several empty seats remaining, she

wondered why he had deliberately chosen to sit next to Natalie.

Yet, his expression betrayed no intention of initiating a conversation or showing any particular interest

in Natalie.

Frank settled beside Trevon while Hackett sat on the row’s outer edge.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Hackett leaned in and murmured, “What brings the sister-in-law here?*

Frank corrected him. ‘Former sister-in-law.”

Hackett persisted. “So, they went through with the divorce?”

Frank didn’t feel it was appropriate to discuss Trevon’s marital status at such a formal gathering. He

brushed off the question, unwilling to engage further.

Meanwhile, Trevon appeared utterly calm as he sat beside her. Throughout the event, he didn’t

exchange words or betray emotions. Even when Sherri and Natalie exchanged brief remarks, he

maintained his stoic and composed demeanor.

This helped ease the initial awkwardness that Natalie felt.

To everyone’s surprise, Mia was the host for today’s bidding event.

Even Trevon’s eyes subtly flickered, and his brows furrowed slightly.

Natalie and Sherri had just finished their conversation when they looked up and saw a woman in a

stylish short skirt, confidently holding a microphone, taking charge of the proceedings.

Sherri immediately noticed and couldn’t hide her discontent. She exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, how

did such a prestigious bidding event end up with someone like her as the host? It’s lowering the

standard, isn’t it?”

Trying to be discreetly blunt, Edward reminded his sister, “Keep it down.”

Sherri fell silent, but her fingers couldn’t resist sending a quick message to Natalie, “I can guarantee

you that this woman must have used some unethical means to get on that stage.”

The phone buzzed in her hand, indicating an unread message. Initially, she hesitated to open it, but a

gentle nudge from Sherri urged her to take a look.

Reluctantly, she extended her finger and swiped open the phone. In that flecting moment, the man

sitting next to her

discreetly glanced at her screen before quickly shifting his gaze forward, unnoticed by others

Natalie had sent a few words, “So now you know, huh? You have too much free time on your hands.”

Sherri replied, “Are you going to seek revenge?”

Sherri responded, her tone laced with determination. “Of course, I’m going to seek revenge. Why

should I let someone’s betrayal go unanswered’ I’ve already gone through a divorce, so I have nothing

left to lose.”

Trevon furrowed his brow. Sensing his unease, Frank leaned in and asked. “Feeling uncertain, Trevon?

Can’t handle the

situation?”

“No, it’s not that.”

After an hour, the bid results were announced, and the Wilson Group emerged as the victorious bidder,

eliciting a mix of indifference from many in attendance.

The Landor Group came tantalizingly close to clinching the bid, missing out by a hair’s breadth.

The room erupted in applause and congratulations, accompanied by envy and admiration swirling in

the air.

A distinguished man in his fifties approached Trevon, extending his hand in a friendly greeting. “Mr.

Wilson, your reputation as a prominent figure in Athana is well deserved. Congratulations on your

remarkable achievement.”

Though unfamiliar with the man, Trevon sensed an air of confidence and luxury emanating from him, a

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telltale sign of his status among the city’s elite.

Jim leaned closer to Trevon and whispered, “That’s Daniel Turner, the influential Head of the Turner

family and the wealthiest man in Sapphire City. Azureland

Trevon responded graciously, engaging in polite conversation. “Thank you for your kind words, Mr.

Turner.”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, he left.

Daniel’s gaze locked onto the girl standing next to Edward. Her captivating features sent a shiver down

his spine, and his footsteps instinctively led him toward her.

His assistant followed suit

Noticing Mr. Turner’s approach. Edward greeted him politely, “Long time no see, Mr. Turner. Are you

here to participate in the bidding event as well?”

Daniel smiled Indeed. I thought Id come to explore new opportunities. It appears that the young talents

of Athana continue to impress. The next generation always surpasses the last. It seems there are many

remarkable individuals in this city. I hope to have the chance to visit again in the future”

Edward extended Jus hand for a firm handshake, saying, “The feeling is mutual. I hope we can

collaborate someday.”

Edward had crossed paths with Daniel several times during his time abroad due to their projects,

leaving a lasting impression on lum

This man was rumored to be the wealthiest man in Azureland, known for his understated demeanor

and extensive philanthropic endeavors. His personal affairs and famaly details remain shrouded in

mystery.

With little information available about his siblings, children, or even his inner circle.

He was always accompanied by a fleet of bodyguards, making it difficult for anyone to approach him

closely.

“And who might this be?” he inquired, gesturing toward Natalie.

Edward smiled warmly as he introduced. “This is my friend.”

When her name was called. Natalie presented herself with grace and composure, “Hello, Mr. Turner. I

am Natalie”

“Forgive my curiosity. Miss Foster, but may I inquire about the origin of your mother?”

Natalie appeared somewhat peculiar, yet she maintained her composure and extended courtesy when

referring to her mother. “My parents are from Athana”

“No offense taken. I sensed a familiarity with Miss Foster and inquired further. I hope you don’t mind

the questions, and 1 appreciate your explanation, striking a perfect balance of politeness that puts

others at ease.

Natalie graciously smiled and remarked. “No problem at all. I suppose I have a rather farmiliar face.”

Daniel didn’t linger any longer than necessary. After exchanging pleasantries, he made his exit.

Sherri, puzzled, inquired, “Who is this person, Edward? He appears to be quite formidable.”

The wealthiest man in Azureland”

Sherri was taken aback. This person possessed great discretion, showing no outward signs of wealth.

She had initially presumed he was simply a successful individual. “Impressive indeed. The more

affluent one becomes, the more frank they

strive to be, while those with less wealth tend to adopt a more ostentatious demeanor.”

“Sherri, quit picking up those nonsensical words every single day. Spare yourself the unproductive

dramas.”

With Edward leading the way, Sherri couldn’t help but playfully stick her tongue out at him from behind.

Natalie couldn’t help but burst into heartfelt laughter.

Yet, this scene caught the man’s attention, and his gaze darkened, perceiving an unsettling glare.