Turning Of The Tide

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.