Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 312

Emma stood upright with a commanding presence, her posture emanating grace and dignity

Emma didn’t break into a smile at that moment, but a subtle warmth was evident on her face, creating

an aura of approachable courtesy

Observing Frank carrying the items, Emma feigned ignorance about him being someone Ava favored.

She exchanged polite pleasantries, “You all are Ava’s friends. It brings Ava so much joy to have you

here. I’ll graciously accept these gifts this time, but I hope you’ll consider coming empty-handed next

time

Emma quickly caught on Frank didn’t want to be impolite. Refusing in front of so many people would

affront his dignity. So, she gracefully accepted for now. She had no choice but to get them for now. If

they ended up being with Ava in the future, taking these gifts would be natural What they had prepared

for Ava went beyond what was before them.

If circumstances led to them not being together in the future, it would be appropriate for Joseph to

return these gifts. But from her current perspective, the likelihood of the former was more substantial

Frank had a favorable impression of Emma. Her smile was soothing, perfectly complementing her

stylish outfit. Like a gentle breeze from the south, she exuded warmth and gentleness, a stark contrast

to Grace, whose presence carried an assertive and dominating energy.

“Alright, Emma, Frank courteously responded and took the items inside

Emma gestured to a servant to help with the items. Behind them, Hackett’s fingers practically turned

white from gripping so tightly. Upon seeing the servant approaching, he hurriedly handed over the

things

As Frank walked inside, Emma gave him a quick appraisal. At first glance, he exuded a handsome air.

His face was undoubtedly crafted to match Ava’s preferences, flawless from every angle. He radiated a

mix of coolness and politeness.

Seeing Frank stow away the items and depart, he nodded courteously in her direction. This only

elevated Emma’s opinion of him. He conducted himself with poise, without a trace of undue familiarity.

He desired to see Ava, yet he refrained from advancing toward the staircase.

He certainly knew how to strike the right balance.

Ava seemned to have a discerning eye.

Observing the scene unfolding in the courtyard, Jasper couldn’t remain in Emma’s embrace. He

squirmed and wriggled. clearly eager to explore the surroundings.

Emma sighed softly and lowered Jasper to the ground. She hadn’t grasped his hand when he wriggled

free and hurried toward the shaded area.

Once Jasper reached Trevon’s side, Emma turned and returned to her study.

Under the shade, Joseph had thoughtfully arranged a comfortable setup with a sofa, a coffee table,

chairs, and a cooler stocked with various beverages popular among young people like Ava.

Having shared countless adventures with Hackett and Frank over the years, Hackett was taken aback

by Frank’s unusually polite and amiable demeanor. It almost felt like he had been possessed or caught

under a spell. Hackett couldn’t resist a teasing jab, “You’re quite the actor, aren’t you? Your acting skills

could likely squeeze into a water bottle.”

Hackett grabbed a drink from the cooler with a playful grin, popped it open, and took a refreshing sip.

The cooling sensation cascaded down his throat, revitalizing him from the inside out.

Frank lounged casually in his chair. His gaze locked onto the second-floor windows. He casually told

Hackett, “Grab me a bottle, will you?”

After lugging around all those items, Hackett was slightly sweaty, but he was about to decline when

another voice chimed in,

“Get me one too.”

“Hey, am I your waiter now? Trevon, you’re practically part of the Turner family. Shouldn’t you be the

one serving us?” Trevon and Frank settled into their seats, both chiming in almost immediately. “Yeah”

Hackett rolled his eyes mentally. Okay, he thought, he’d fetch then a drink. The Turners were practically

Trevon’s family now, and Frank might end up as the head of the household. Weighing the pros and

cons, he fetched several bottles from the cooler.

Although, honestly, the taste didn’t hold a candle to what he was used to.

Everyone had their preferences, he supposed. He just didn’t quite fancy the beverage in Frank’s hand.

Jasper sat on Trevon’s lap, reaching out his little hands toward the drinks on the table. He asked

sweetly, “Daddy.”

Trevon couldn’t help but notice the yearning expression on Jasper’s face, but he firmly declined, “No,

sweetheart. Mommy wouldn’t like that.”

Despite his attempts to grab the drinks, Trevon held then just out of Jasper’s reach. After a while,

Jasper gave up, shifting his

pleading gaze to Hackett.

Hackett sighed inwardly, unable to resist those pleading eyes, immediately reminded of Ruby. He

relented, advising. “Just let Jasper sip to satisfy his craving. It won’t hurt as long as it’s not a regular

thing. A little taste won’t hinder his growth.”

“Guess he’s not your son, huh?”

Hackett contemplated for a moment. Well, even Ruby indulged in a sneaky sip occasionally…

Frank chuckled “Good genes, huh? Come on over here. Jasper. I’ll grab you a drink.”

Jasper didn’t dare move. Trevon maintained his stern expression, an icy demeanor.

Seeing Jasper’s surrender, he pouted and glanced at Frank, his expression conveying. “Dad’s not

going to budge.” He looked pretty bleak.

Frank found Jasper’s expression adorable and laughed. “Watch out when he grows up. He might pull

the oxygen tube on

you

Trevon retorted. “Having someone yank your tube is better than having no one to do it.”

Hackett said, “Thank goodness I ended up with a soft-hearted daughter”

Their matter-of-fact remarks were met with frosty glares the next instant. A chill seemed to run down

spines.

Five heads huddled behind the curtains on the second floor, within Ava’s room, peering through the

gaps to watch the scene unfolding beneath the canopy

Alex. his arm casually draped around Ava’s shoulder, leaned over in his usual calm manner. He

sported a navy short-sleeved shirt and ash-gray jeans that fit his waist just right. No belt was needed.

Leaning against the side of the curtain, he observed the boy Ava was fond of “How long are you all

planning to keep spying?”

When those words were uttered, the rest of the group rose. Rose was the first one up. speaking

candidly. “Well. Frank might have some charm, but I still hope you stand your ground. Ava, and wipe

that smug grin off his face.”

Rose had momentarily forgotten about the recent favors she had received from Frank. Her pocket

money might be in jeopardy.

Natalie wasn’t one to meddle, so she settled onto the bed, while Sherri took a seat in the nearby chair.

Rose, Alex, and Ava remained on their feet.

Ava’s expression showed a mix of uncertainty and contemplation. She furrowed her brows slightly and

admitted. “1g guess my self-control isn’t that great. What should I do? For a moment, I was genuinely

touched seeing him carrying all those bags. There was this split second when I wanted to thank him for

all his hard work.”

Rose remained speechless.

Sherri was at a loss for words.

Natalie rested on the bed, leaning back with a faint smile. With Frank employing such relentless tactics,

how long could Ava possibly resist?

It was easy to predict that it wouldn’t take three months.

It commenced with the delivery of flowers, a prelude to an unanticipated appearance at the mask party.

They then coincidentally became classmates, sharing the same lecture halls. The friend request came

next, yet messages remained unsent, leaving Ava to weave her tapestry of fantasies. And then, without

a single salutation, he would materialize at the manor, each orchestrated meeting causing Ava to

descend even deeper into the realms of infatuation.

The truth was, it was hard to believe he had never been in a relationship before. Yet, his emotions

remained untarnished, as pure as a blank canvas.

Alex had given up any attempts to intervene, leaning against the curtain with a defeated air. “Ava, why

don’t you freshen up and find your vibe? Get a little more awake,”

The next half hour was dominated by the sisters’ efforts to assist Ava in choosing her outfit, picking the

right shade of lipstick, selecting earrings, and more.

“I think this one looks lovely, feminine. After all, hasn’t Frank always mentioned that Ava has a bit of a

tomboyish side? Let’s show him she can be elegant too.”

Rose disagreed, “Don’t put too much weight on his opinions. Why should we adapt to his preferences?

He’s the one pursuing you now, not the other way around. Just go with what makes you feel confident.*

Sherri posed a question, “But what if this style doesn’t align with your brother’s taste? What if it’s not

his kind of thing?”

Rose shot back, “I doubt that would be the case. If he’s managed to make his way to the manor, he

must have some appreciation for aesthetics. Why isn’t he soaring with wings then?”

Alex appreciated Rose’s personality but couldn’t hide his confusion, “Uh, pardon my curiosity. Rose,

are you all closely related, or do you share a slightly different kinship?”

Laughter erupted from the group, especially Sherri, who had to hold her stomach due to her hearty

laughter. It was evident that Rose was quite forthright in her disapproval of Frank. She seemed to be

either firinly against him or actively encouraging Ava to playfully tease Frank.

In most situations, sisters would praise their brother, but this particular sister not only refrained from

such praise but also seemed determined to keep Ava from getting too close to him.

Ah, the complexities of sisterhood.

Rose approached Alex and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Hey, I understand you’ve got

some questions swirling around. But the reality is we share the same blood. I know that might not

match your expectations.”

Alex admired their close sibling bond but seemed uncertain about something.

The courtyard was meticulously arranged, overseen by Joseph himself. Emma took a quick look at the

setup and then stepped into her study wearing indoor shoes.

The scene was picturesque – the elegant Princess Villa, the tranquil stream, the lush green lawn, and

the trees casting pleasant shadows in the abundant sunlight.

Ava donned black bell-bottom pants paired with a slightly irregular white blouse. The short sleeves

struck a balance between trendy and age-appropriate. Her hair was elegantly tied high up, revealing a

pair of milk-white pearl earrings and a delicate clover necklace. A deep blue diamond-studded

wristwatch adorned her wrist,

She unbuttoned the top collar button of her blouse, exposing a slender neck and smooth skin. The

curve of her collarbones peeked through, alluring and captivating

Subtle makeup enhanced her features, and her soft, full lips exuded an enticing charm. Her flawlessly

proportioned features carried a gentle grace, while her black pants highlighted her well-toned legs,

provoking imaginative thoughts in the minds

of men.

It was a move designed to leave an impression.

Natalie, captivated by the sight, discreetly gave Ava a thumbs-up of approval. “Stunning.”

Rose took a step back, her hand gently covering her mouth in an amused gesture. “This is exactly the

effect we’re aiming for teasing Frank by giving him a glimpse of your legs while leaving him curious, all

the while highlighting your stunning collarbone. It’s all about sparking his imagination.”

“Don’t worry, he truly is my blood brother. No need for those suspicious looks,” she chuckled.

“I’m just helping Frank to break a few bad habits and securing Ava’s future life,” Rose explained.

Alex and Sherri exchanged a knowing glance, conveying their admiration for Rose’s approach.

Girls had a way of connecting swiftly, turning mere minutes into lasting friendships. And for those who

didn’t click, no amount of effort could bridge the gap.

Natalie stood up, smoothing out her floral maxi dress. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and

scrutinized Ava thoughtfully. Satisfied with her assessment, she asked, “Are you ready?”

“Let’s head downstairs and dazzle Frank’s eyes,” Rose said, excitement evident in her voice as she

anticipated Frank’s reaction to seeing Ava

Ava gave herself a quick pep talk and then nodded after a brief pause. “I’m ready.”

The five of them shared simultaneous smiles. Alex playfully draped an arm around Ava’s waist, and the

others exchanged meaningful glances before breaking into amused chuckles.

Their synchronized efforts were truly impressive.