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.

down the stairs, arranging 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

and Joseph had already given Christmas

Natalie, Sherri, and Rose. It could be said that they

her grandson, leaning in to whisper, "Quick, Uncle Chris's going to give you a gift." The young

beside Joseph, holding his wrist. Her phone chimed 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. Silent love surrounded the two of them. Their hearts raced, and they smiled. Joseph raised his hand and

hand with equal

find it." George took the gift and nodded seriously. He tucked it into his backpack and zipped

"Thank you." Chris ruffled his nephew's hair, adoration filling his eyes. He had given his nephew an exquisite small toy car and

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

steps as one. Onlookers couldn't help but worry. Stella gave her brother a look. She crouched halfway and gave the gift to her nephew, saying, "This is my gift for you. Hide it well, and don't let Uncle Chris find it."

the evening was a windfall. He received Christmas gifts from everyone without the need

wishes for over half an hour, her hands

to a group chat. He opened it and checked the

admin of the group chat, and his nickname in the

group?] 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 out.] Trevon

had a

Hackett retorted, [Damn it, Frank. Don't mock me! | don't care about Christmas gifts.] Edward chimed in, saying, [My wife forced me to buy all the Christmas gifts. | only have 40 dollars

joined in, creating a sense of ceremony and

Trevon, Frank, and Chris had sent their contributions, Edward, claiming he had almost run

give them gifts later.” Upon hearing this, it was evident that Chris's

they want to go skiing." Christina nodded. "Okay." The video call connected, with three faces displayed on the screen. Christina adjusted the camera to focus on herself. Inside the frame, Quinn wore

my cute George." The cheerful tone from the other end of the

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 seeing Angie flicker across the screen. "Angie, Merry Christmas.” Angie smiled in return. "Wishing you a

are you free recently?” Christina