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.”

you be the one serving us?” Trevon

family now, and Frank might end up as the head of the household. Weighing the

didn’t hold a candle to what he was

their preferences, he supposed. He just didn’t quite fancy the

hands toward the drinks on the table.

help but notice the yearning expression on Jasper’s face, but he firmly declined, “No,

just out of Jasper’s reach.

gaze to Hackett.

those pleading eyes, immediately reminded of Ruby. He relented, advising. “Just let Jasper sip to satisfy his

he’s not your

Ruby indulged

on over here. Jasper. I’ll grab

dare move. Trevon maintained his stern expression, an icy

Jasper’s surrender, he pouted and glanced at Frank, his expression conveying. “Dad’s not going to budge.” He looked

when he grows up. He might pull the oxygen tube on

you

your tube is better than having no one to do

ended up with a soft-hearted

remarks were met with frosty glares the next instant.

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

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

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

about the recent favors she had received from Frank. Her pocket money might be

meddle, so she settled onto the bed, while Sherri took a

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

Rose remained speechless.

a loss for words.

bed, leaning back with a faint smile. With Frank employing such relentless tactics, how long could Ava possibly

was easy to predict that it wouldn’t

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

never been in a relationship before. Yet, his emotions remained

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

by the sisters’ efforts to assist Ava in choosing her outfit, picking the right shade of lipstick, selecting earrings,

all, hasn’t Frank always mentioned that Ava has a bit of

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

this style doesn’t align with your brother’s taste? What

be the case. If he’s managed to make his way to the manor, he must have some appreciation

personality but couldn’t hide his confusion, “Uh, pardon my curiosity. Rose, are you all