Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Then, the car arrived at the Turner Manor.

The guards immediately rushed forward to help, but Joseph gestured to stop them. The guards understood his meaning and backed off.

Chris took his first moments after getting out of the car to assess the Turner Manor. Comparing it to the Roberts family estate, it was on par in many ways. If a distinction were to be made, it would lean more toward a princess-like aesthetic at his brother-in- law's home.

The commotion outside drew the attention of the people inside the house. In a white puffer jacket, black sweatpants, and a gray knitted hat, George dashed out. He was undeniably adorable, making a beeline for Angie.

Angie squatted down to greet her grandson. She was overflowing with joy. Her heart warmed at that moment. Her face beamed with a smile as she said, "My darling, | missed you so much! Come, let me kiss you." "Muack, muack! You're so cute, George. You're so handsome too. | like you so much!" Angie couldn't resist rubbing her grandson's forehead.

When Emma and Daniel stepped out of the house in their indoor slippers, they saw this heartwarming scene. Emma smiled and remarked, "Welcome! It's going to snow tomorrow, and we were worried that the plane would be delayed or even canceled, so we asked Joseph to come and pick you up today.” Charlie chimed in, saying, "Your arrangements are always so thoughtful." Daniel added, "Sapphire City gets snow around this time every year, and it usually tends to last a while. Us older folks can't help but keep an eye on the weather forecast.” Stella raised her hand. "I'm interested in the weather forecast too!" Angie teased, "Isn't it because you're picking out clothes according to the weather? How can you be the same as us?" Emma smiled gently, her warmth infectious, radiating a sense of comfort. She said, "This shows that Stella cares about her well- being by choosing the right attire to wear, which is a good thing." Stella chimed in, saying, "Emma, you always know how to strike up a conversation.” "Stop praising her. She'll float away,” Charlie said.

Several people were joking about Stella's shortcomings, but Stella, being thick-skinned and unperturbed, contributed to the lightheartedness. Joseph personally moved Angie and Charlie's luggage couple upstairs, with Chris following closely behind.

Upstairs, Joseph placed their luggage. After that, he showed Chris to his room. He told Chris, "Your sister was worried you might come too, so she prepared this room for you. If there's anything you need, just let me know." Chris glanced around the room. It was similar to his space in Athana. He said, "Thank you, Joseph." "We're family now, it's nothing. We're all thrilled you're here, especially your sister," Joseph replied.

Chris nodded, glancing downstairs at the lively scene where Stella had already bonded with her nephew. They were engrossed in a playful game of chase.

At midnight of Christmas Eve night, in Turner's downstairs living room, everyone held their phones, sending Christmas wishes and messages to their beloved family and cherished friends, sharing love and festive cheer.

Every person's face was beaming with smiles, and there was an instant of excitement and cheers as they received Christmas presents from their friends and families.

Though the most enthusiastic was, of course, Stella.

The different notification tones from various phones were pieced together, forming a melodious song that echoed throughout the vast living room, floating into every corner.

Stella exclaimed, "Wow, Natalie says she will give me a designer bag as my Christmas gift! She is so generous!" Stella found her phone buzzing incessantly with a ton of warm Christmas wishes from her circle of friends. She delved into a whirlwind of replies, hopping from one chat group to another, determined not to miss responding to anyone. She sent heartfelt wishes to everyone as she immersed herself in the joyous exchanges of the festive season.

her shawl and carrying two bags of presents. She handed one gift to Stella. "Here's a gift for you. Merry Christmas! Chris, here is yours." Emma also prepared Christmas gifts for Joseph and Christina. Regardless of their children's age, in Daniel and Emma's hearts, as long as they were still their children, they would continue the yearly tradition of giving their

Ava was absent this year, Daniel and Joseph

gave gifts to Natalie, Sherri, and Rose. It

also accepted the gift and took out a small one from his coat. He crouched down, calling out, "George!" Angie patted her grandson, leaning in to whisper, "Quick, Uncle Chris's going to

with a notification. It was a received payment with a note that read, [Honey | love you. Merry Christmas.] They turned their heads at the same time, and their gazes met.

equal intensity, exchanging

Don't let Aunt Stella find it." George took the gift and nodded seriously. He tucked it into his backpack and zipped it up, casting a wary glance at

what do you say to Uncle Chris for the gift?" George turned to Chris and said, "Thank you." Chris ruffled his nephew's hair, adoration filling his eyes. He had given his nephew an exquisite

up and dashed straight upstairs, leaving everyone puzzled as they watched her

always so restless and fidgety, making a fuss over nothing all day long." After a moment, Stella came back downstairs, hopping down three steps as one. Onlookers couldn't help but worry. Stella gave her brother a look. She crouched halfway

Christmas gifts from everyone without the need to give

wishes for over half an hour, her hands growing tired. Then, Trevon messaged her hands to relieve her

a group chat. He opened it and checked

his nickname in the group was

Hackett replied, [It's just for fun.] Chris internally cursed, "Was this supposed to be fun?" He sent another message, saying, [| already gave a Christmas gift to my nephew. | have nothing for you, Hackett.] Trevon replied, [You've got him figured

still had a wicked

Edward chimed in, saying, [My wife forced me to buy all the Christmas gifts. | only have 40 dollars left as my pocket money.] Trevon sent Edward a thumbs-up emoji and replied, [Well played on your wife's part.] Joseph took action, sending tons of Christmas gift emojis in the chat group. It left Hackett

joined in, creating a

and Chris had sent their contributions, Edward, claiming he had almost run out of money, finally promised to give Hackett

said, "You should also give Christmas wishes to Leia and Quinn. Remember to give them gifts later.” Upon hearing this,

and said, "Alright, make a video call to them and ask which day they want to go skiing." Christina nodded. "Okay." The video call connected, with three faces displayed on

and where's my cute George." The cheerful tone from the

"My mom's holding him. George, Quinn calls for you." The camera panned to Angie. Quinn, naturally lively and fond of jokes, maintained her politeness upon

are you free