Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 79

Several days they had passed since the bidding conference, bringing them closer to the upcoming New

Year

Since Natalie moved in with Sherri, they were inseparable, like two peas in a pod, practically joined at

the hip. They followed a predictable routine between the hospital and residence, becoming a dynamic

duo

After wrapping up their night shifts, they occasionally indulged in a midnight snack. They enjoyed

cooking their meals at home the rest of the time, and Sherri had grown quite fond of Natalie’s culinary

prowess.

As the New Year drew nearer, the hospital saw many patients coming in for check-ups. Many elderly

individuals wished to undergo examinations before the new year. Consequently, the workload had

substantially increased in the past few days, keeping them busier than ever.

On the other hand, Sherri found herself with more idle time. Despite the bustling nature of the

obstetrics and gynecology department, birthing activities in the hospital followed seasonal patterns.

In Athana, the end of August marked the peak season for newborn arrivals, reaching an evident surge.

The reason was crystal clear Babies born at the end of August would be able to start school in the

same academic year, while those born after September would have to wait an extra year before their

educational journey commenced.

This prompted many mothers to calculate their dates of conception meticulously.

Of course, some wealthy individuals conceived without much consideration. As they say. “Money can

work miracles.”

As noon approached, when a young girl timidly entered the room, Sherri was calling out patient

numbers. She glanced nervously and timidly at Sherri before turning around to close the door politely.

She stole another glance at Sherri and then took a seat, lowering her head shyly.

Patients came in all shapes and sizes, Sherri had a hunch and patiently asked. “What seemed to be

the problem?”

The girl kept her heal down, nervously clasping her fingers. L. my period is late.”

Sherri wasn’t surprised. After years of working in the outpatient department, she had learned to pick up

on certain cues. “Normally, when did you expect your period each month?”

The girl still dared not lift her gaze, whispering. “The 6th.”

Sherri heard her, despite the faintness of her voice. “Go get a urine test done. Bring me the results in

half an hour.”

The girl remained meek, never daring to raise her head throughout the interaction. “Okay”

Watching the girl’s retreating figure. Sherri couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. Yet another girl

who had neglected to take precautions. How could they lack the foresight to protect themselves?

This was not about allowing men to feel at ease while women suffered. As a doctor, Sherri did not

advocate for abortions. Even when patients required the procedure, she always sought the assistance

of others. She had never been involved in terminating a life herself.

Her heart ached at the thought. After all, it was a fragile, precious life that deserved consideration.

During their lunch break.

Sherri shared the incident with Natalie, observing her fatigued expression. ‘Natalie, let me tell you

something. Another girl came to my outpatient department this morning. I suspect she didn’t take any

precautions and ended up getting pregnant. I gave her a urine test order, but she never returned, even

after I finished my shift. I’m afraid she might have gone to a private clinic.”

When Sherri finished her sentence, Natalie seemed to realize something, her expression hinting at

panic. “Sherri, what’s today’s date?”

Sherri glanced at her, a touch of disbelief in her eyes. “Are you serious? It’s the 12th today…” She

abruptly trailed off. realizing the implications of what she had just said.

She remembered Natalie’s menstrual cycle. Their cycles were similar. Natalie’s was on the 5th, and

hers was on the 7th Thus…

Natalie’s thoughts raced as she desperately hoped that luck wouldn’t be so unkind!

Yet, her heart couldn’t help but flutter with anxiety.

Sherri was taken aback by Natalie’s comument, feeling a sudden rush of panic. She glanced around

the cafeteria at the people eating their meals and whispered, “Natalie, I think mine is late too. But it

can’t be…” She even doubted her own words, the uncertainty evident in her elongated tone.

Natalie tried to reassure herself, “It’s highly unlikely. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Perhaps it’s just due

to recent stress and hormonal imbalance.”

Sherri felt a pang of guilt, unable to argue further. “But I have so much free time…

Natalie fell into a momentary silence, unsure of what to say.

Sherri swallowed hard, feeling a sense of unease. To ease the tension, she suggested, “How about we

go to the pharmacy after work and get two pregnancy tests? We can take the tests tomorro morning

with our first urine

After making their decision, they both struggled to maintain focus throughout the rest of their afternoon

shift.

Meanwhile….

In the CEO’s office of the Wilson Group, Jim walked in, holding a stack of documents neatly tucked

inside a file folder.

Pushing the door open, he placed the documents on the man’s desk and discussed the contents. “Mr.

Wilson, I love completed the investigation you requested.”

As soon as his voice filled the room, the man’s face turned cold. These past few days, he was

surrounded by an aura that said “do not disturb”, emitting a palpable anger.

He seemed almost on the verge of inscribing the words “I am furious across his forehead.

Not only were the staff in the secretary’s office forced to hold their breath, but even the members of the

Marketing department and the Planning department felt the tension in the air

Extending his cold, pale, slender fingers, he retrieved the documents from the desk. With a piercing

gaze, he skimmed through them briefly, then narrowed his upturned eyes and inquired. “Is the chef

from Sapphire City?”

Jim presented the gathered information truthfully. “Indeed. Mr. Wilson, the chef, is registered as a

resident of Sapphire City. His motive for applying to the Grand Manor in Athana was to pursue

opportunities in the capital. The profile is concise, but it would be advisable to consult Mr. Roberts”

Jim believed Mr. Roberts must have conducted a thorough screening process when recruiting

personnel.

Given Mr. Roberts background, he likely found it easier to inquire about specific individuals.

As for why Mr. Wilson didn’t approach Mr. Roberts for this inquiry. Jim Hawk was unsure.

The man continued to flip through the documents, reaching the second page that contained information

about the two servants in the mansion, including their backgrounds. From the records, both servants

were born and raised in Athana and had never left the city. His gaze landed on the last name on the

page, and his eyebrows furrowed with a mix of intrigue.

Emma Lopez, an orphan, was taken in by the Lopez family from an orphanage during her early

childhood, becoming their adopted daughter and the apple of their eye.

Having clarified the general details, Mr. Wilson raised his gaze and inquired, “Are we certain that the

information is accurate?”

Jim nodded confidently. Absolutely. We have thoroughly cross-checked every detail, and the final piece

of information has been verified multiple tintes. It is worth noting that the Lopez family has never

disclosed the fact that their daughter was adopted. According to accounts from people close to the

family. Emma holds a special place in the Lopez family’s heart. She is a prodigy in music, chess,

calligraphy, and painting, indicating that the Lopez family has invested significant efforts in her

upbringing. Moreover, at the age of 26, she married Harry during the same year when the Foster family

faced a severe financial crisis. Subsequently, the Lopez family injected a substantial amount of capital

into the Foster family, effectively revitalizing their business.”

Considering her status as Mr. Wilson’s former mother-in-law, he refrained from using her name directly.

Jim proceeded to provide a detailed account of all the information he had gathered, leaving no stone

unturned.

Since they married, Trevon had never bothered to delve into this woman’s background. He had only

intended to satisfy his curiosity with a casual investigation, but little did he expect to uncover such

significant information.

If he hadn’t pursued the inquiry, Emma’s origins would have remained a lifelong secret, known only

within the Lopez family as their cherished heiress.

According to the gathered data, the Lopez family had been instrumental in saving the Foster family

from their financial crisis. However, during his previous visit to the Foster family. Trevon couldn’t help

but notice Harry’s lack of regard for his daughter. Instead, he seemed to favor Emily, and there was

even a palpable animosity toward Natalie. What concealed truths. lay beneath the surface?

After a brief pause, Trevon mustered the courage to speak. His voice tinged with embarrassment. “Can

we find any information about Emma’s… biological parents?”

The name felt strangely difficult to utter directly for some inexplicable reason.

Jim couldn’t help but feel a sense of annoyance. “Mr. Wilson, it’s been quite a long time, almost 49

years ago. It’s highly challenging to uncover every detail from that time. Record-keeping systems

weren’t as advanced back then, mostly relying on paper-based records. With time, it’s doubtful that

we’ll be able to find extensive information. Furthermore, the former director who had those records has

already passed away. The available records indicate that Mrs. Wilson was born in the same year when

Emma from the Lopez family turned 26. Should we continue the investigation?”

“Yes. Dig deeper. And also, find out the true relationship between Emily and Harry.”

Jim sensed a hidden motive behind Mr. Wilson’s requests. “Mr. Wilson, are you discreetly investigating

on behalf of Mrs. Wilson? Are you planning to win her back?”

Finding detailed information about his deceased mother-in-law would likely prove challenging.

Suppressing his inner excitement, Jim’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “Mr. Wilson, are you trying to

help Mrs. Wilson? Are you planning to pursue her once again?”

Trevon gave him a cold, disdainful glance. “You seem to have plenty of free time on your hands. Did I

ever mention that I intend to pursue her?”

Jim hastily replied, “No, I’ll get back to work.” But he thought, “Keep acting aloof. But remember, when

someone else wins over Mrs. Wilson, you’ll be filled with regret.