Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 310

At the Turner family, Natalie remained sequestered in her room. Meanwhile, she had already ousted

Trevon downstairs, Girl talk, at times, simply didn’t necessitate the presence of boys.

A real nuisaTICE.

Once she received a message from Rose, Ava had completely sorted out the ins and outs of the

situation, and it was simply unrealistic for her heart not to be shaken and stirred.

The exchanges with Frank these past days played out vividly in her mind, flickering like scenes in a

slideshow.

After a brief moment of being lost in her thoughts, Ava finally opened up to Natalie, saying, “Natalie,

Rose spilled the beans. that the genius is Frank But what should I do? He’s sent me a friend request,

and I haven’t hit accept.”

Despite replaying her chat history with Frank over and over during this stretch, the shock lingered. Who

would have thought that the hours spent chatting and staying up late to debug were with the guy she

fancied? Now, that was a surprise,

WINDIT IN

Oh, it had been a surprise and quite the jaw-dropper.

“Frank was the undercover powerhouse, oh my gosh,” thonglit she. She felt a rush of excitement.

Natalie quipped. No wonder Ava always sensed something was off when Frank played down his tech

prowess. It turns out the bugs were his game.”

Natalie gently tousled Ava’s hair, looking at Ava with a moved expression. She gave a soft smile, “Don’t

dwell on it. Follow your heart’s lead. If it strikes a chord, accept the friend request, and, in a friendly

manner, say thank you”

“I’m on the same page. Emotions are one thing, and gratitude is another. Sure, he might have been

aloof emotionally once, but his academic guidance made a real difference. Let’s call it what it is. Basic

courtesy matters.”

She couldn’t afford to be rude. Regardless of whether he was an expert, expressing gratitude was a

fundamental gesture.

Since childhood. Emma had emphasized the art of being human, learning to act like a person before

anything else. Simply appearing human wouldn’t suffice if her actions weren’t attuned to human

Following her instincts, Ava tapped the “accept” button on her phone, gazing at the chat interface that

had been out of sight for so long. Her heart clenched

Previously, she had pursued hun with determination, unburdened by emotional baggage, and an exit

plan in hand. If things didn’t work out, she’d gracefully bow out. Later, their chats took on a mentor-

student tone, with him as the expert-no emotional strings attached. But now, it was real-a genuine

person. And yes, she felt a twinge of nervousness.

It was as if everything suddenly slipped away from her

She wondered if there would be a message popping up on the screen later.

What should she even write?

How was he doing?

Or perhaps, did he grab a bite yet?

Natalie stayed seated, not bothering to change her clothes. Seeing Ava lost in thought, phone in hand,

she reached over and gently tapped her shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. Just go with the flow. What do

you feel like doing this afternoon?”

Natalie changed the subject, steering the conversation away. One couldn’t keep fixating on one

problem. It was a sure way to get stuck.

Ava had an aha moment within seconds, flipping her phone over and clutching it. “I’ve made up my

mind. Fll stick to the original plan. I’ve got my temper too. Yes, that was the decision-three months.”

Natalie chuckled, amused by the way she was acting. “Well then, let’s see how Frank is going to chase

after you.”

“I was afraid you’d be head over heels in love just a few days into his pursuit. Once Frank was back,

you might be in tears. Sigh, thought Natalie.

Ava propped up her chin, pondered for a moment, then cast a glance at the hat in her hand, her eyes

gleaning. “Hey Natalie, how about throwing a gathering or a party at home this afternoon?”

“Follow your taste, but be prepared for Sherri and Rose to come racing over if they catch wind of it,”

Natalie pondered, tapping her foot in thought.

Ava swiftly made up her mind. “Then it’s settled. I’ll give them a heads-up, and I have the servants

prepare. I’m thinking of bringing Alex along too.”

“Is the the girl you left arm in arm with that night?”

Natalie asked, feeling a bit frustrated herself. As a doctor, she was less observant about someone’s

gender compared to Frank

and Trevon. It was a bit of a flaw

“Yeah, that’s her Alex prefers a more masculine style of dress. She’s quite a unique soul. Loyal and

principled, she even got into Sapphire City University through her hard work and paid her tuition fees

by working, Ava said with a touch of sympathy

“Your friends, your call I can tell Alex cares about you a lot and genumely looks out for you. But what if

Frank and Rose decide to drop by this afternoon?”

“If they decide to show up, well, I’m ready for whatever comes. Once they stepm, they’re guests, and I’ll

extend a warm welcome. Ava said confidently, giving off an air of self-assurance as if she’d had it all

planned out.

After finalizing the decision, Wa contacted the group and shared the news about the afternoon

gathering. It was a rare chance to hang out, and heading out would likely result in Joseph assigning a

bunch of bodyguards to tag along, making it awkward Their home had plenty of room for everyone to

relax and have a good time.

Ava chimed in. [Have you all finished up with lunch? We’re having a gathering at the manor this

afternoon. Quick, put your heads together and brainstorm how to dress up 1

Natalie retrained from chatting in the group. Witnessing Ava’s cheerful mood, a broad smile lighting up

her face, Natalie followed suit, curling her lips. She selected a short black dress from her wardrobe and

draped a pure white silk shawl over it.

Rose responded. (Give me an hour I’ll be there]

Sherri chimed in. On my way Delay even by a minute, and you’re a goof. Ava. I’ve given up on my

tasks entirely]

Rose playfully teased (Sherri, didn’t you say it’s about finding balance? What kind of balance are you

striking in broad daylight’

Sherri defended herself [Isi’t it because emotions got the best of me? Just a few more minutes, don’t

rush me.]

Rose sent. You’re texting even in this state. You’re pretty damn impressive.]

Ava sent a question mark and added a personal touch with a crafted emoji hinting. “Don’t lead me

astray.”

Rose burst into laughter Avas putting up a protest. Be careful with your wording, or Natalie might

reprimand you.]

On the other side Sherri prodded Hackett, “Hackett, feeling better now)

Hackett was panting heavily sweat dripping down his forehead in beads, falling onto Sherri’s

collarbone. “Sherri, you’re driving me crazy with this pace It’s draining

“Well, I didn’t want you to get too exhausted. How about picking up the pace a bit?”

Hackett was exasperated. Having chosen his wife, he had to endure her teasing. He couldn’t text right

now but would get back to her later T deal with you Later tonight Let’s see if you can still be clear-

headed enough to play with your phone.” In the next moment, Sherri let out a howl akin to a distressed

creature, begging for mercy, asking him to slow down, to take

Meanwhile, Rose was busy coordinating her outfit in the room. She thought that showing up at the

manor in ripped jeans might not be the best idea, especially considering Emma had a certain level of

sophistication. After a moment’s consideration, she rummaged through her wardrobe and picked out a

knee-length emerald green dress made of faux silk with a cinched waist.

Once dressed, she stepped into the bathroom and used a hotel’s curling wand to wave her collarbone-

length hair. After she was satisfied with her hair, she nodded approvingly at her reflection in the mirror.

After all, who wasn’t a beauty!

She was indeed.

She then applied a delicate touch of makeup and a simple rose-pink lipstick.

With her makeup done, she walked out of the bathroom and retrieved a jewelry box from her suitcase.

Choosing an emerald gemstone pendant necklace, she delicately secured it around her neck. She also

opted for a pair of circular earrings.

Her overall presence was instantly elevated. Not everyone could pull off the emerald. It could either

radiate elegance or look gaudy At that very moment. Rose carried the look with effortless grace.

The dress’s cinched waist design showcased her slender, curvy figure to perfection, exuding feminine

elegance and sensuality, all while blending seamlessly with the current trend

Just as she finished putting on the outfit, the door swung open.

Urgent voices followed closely “It’s been a few minutes, and you’re still not ready. Hurry up

It was Frank again, reminding her to grab a bite.

When Frank caught a glimpse of Rose in her ensemble, his eyes lit up with surprise. She seemed

transformed, bearing a striking resemblance to Grace. “You’re looking put-together.

“If you’re not up for handing out compliments, you can always opt for silence. I won’t hold it against

you,” Röse quipped,

shooting a playful glance at Frank, who was known for being straightforward Has way Ave wodd end

up being draven mad by frustration.

Three seconds of sympathy for the endearing Aval

Continuing the conversation. Rose inquited, Sherri and are heading to Turner Mantu Are you able to

pan r

tergelt

She couldn’t just blurt that they were going together. What if Ava didn’t like the ideal After all, de

apology for their earlier disagreement

all wowed A

“I can give you a ride, Fran

“Ava will send

To pick you up So, are your up|

your mul

Frank still didn’t provide a clear answer “You’ve got one minute frec

Rose retorted. “Are we on the same page Can’t comprehend plain words?”

Had she posed so many

ail? It felt like there were answers given, yet it also left like there were none at all.