Chapter 312
Turning Of The Tide (Natalie and Trevon)
Chapter 312 Emma stood upright with a commanding presence, her posture emanating grace and dignity Emma didnât 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, âYou all are Avaâs friends. It brings Ava so much joy to have you here. Iâll graciously accept these gifts this time, but I hope youâll consider coming empty-handed next time Emma quickly caught on Frank didnât 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.
âAlright, Emma, Frank courteously responded and took the items inside Emma gestured to a servant to help with the items. Behind them, Hackettâs 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 Avaâs 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 Emmaâs 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 couldnât remain in Emmaâs embrace. He squirmed and wriggled. clearly eager to explore the surroundings.
Emma sighed softly and lowered Jasper to the ground. She hadnât grasped his hand when he wriggled free and hurried toward the shaded area.
Once Jasper reached Trevonâs 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 Frankâs unusually polite and amiable demeanor. It almost felt like he had been possessed or caught under a spell. Hackett couldnât resist a teasing jab, âYouâre quite the actor, arenât you?
Your acting skills could likely squeeze into a water bottle.â
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, âGrab me a bottle, will you?â
After lugging around all those items, Hackett was slightly sweaty, but he was about to decline when another voice chimed in, âGet me one too.â
âHey, am I your waiter now? Trevon, youâre practically part of the Turner family. Shouldnât you be the one serving us?â Trevon and Frank settled into their seats, both chiming in almost immediately. âYeahâ
Hackett rolled his eyes mentally. Okay, he thought, heâd fetch then a drink. The Turners were practically Trevonâs 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 didnât hold a candle to what he was used to.
Everyone had their preferences, he supposed. He just didnât quite fancy the beverage in Frankâs hand.
Jasper sat on Trevonâs lap, reaching out his little hands toward the drinks on the table. He asked sweetly, âDaddy.â
Trevon couldnât help but notice the yearning expression on Jasperâs face, but he firmly declined, âNo, sweetheart. Mommy wouldnât like that.â
Despite his attempts to grab the drinks, Trevon held then just out of Jasperâs 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. âJust let Jasper sip to satisfy his craving. It wonât hurt as long as itâs not a regular thing. A little taste wonât hinder his growth.â
âGuess heâs not your son, huh?â
Hackett contemplated for a moment. Well, even Ruby indulged in a sneaky sip occasionally...
Frank chuckled âGood genes, huh? Come on over here. Jasper. Iâll grab you a drink.â
Jasper didnât dare move. Trevon maintained his stern expression, an icy demeanor.
Seeing Jasperâs surrender, he pouted and glanced at Frank, his expression conveying. âDadâs not going to budge.â He looked pretty bleak.
Frank found Jasperâs expression adorable and laughed. âWatch out when he grows up. He might pull the oxygen tube on you Trevon retorted. âHaving someone yank your tube is better than having no one to do it.â
Hackett said, âThank goodness I ended up with a soft-hearted daughterâ
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 Avaâs room, peering through the gaps to watch the scene unfolding beneath the canopy Alex. his arm casually draped around Avaâs 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 âHow long are you all planning to keep spying?â
When those words were uttered, the rest of the group rose. Rose was the first one up. speaking candidly. âWell. Frank might have some charm, but I still hope you stand your ground. Ava, and wipe that smug grin off his face.â
Rose had momentarily forgotten about the recent favors she had received from Frank. Her pocket money might be in jeopardy.
Natalie wasnât 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.
Avaâs expression showed a mix of uncertainty and contemplation. She furrowed her brows slightly and admitted. â1g guess my self-control isnât 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.â
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 wouldnât 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. âAva, why donât you freshen up and find your vibe? Get a little more awake,â
The next half hour was dominated by the sistersâ efforts to assist Ava in choosing her outfit, picking the right shade of lipstick, selecting earrings, and more.
âI think this one looks lovely, feminine. After all, hasnât Frank always mentioned that Ava has a bit of a tomboyish side? Letâs show him she can be elegant too.â
Rose disagreed, âDonât put too much weight on his opinions. Why should we adapt to his preferences? Heâs the one pursuing you now, not the other way around. Just go with what makes you feel confident.*
Sherri posed a question, âBut what if this style doesnât align with your brotherâs taste? What if itâs not his kind of thing?â
Rose shot back, âI doubt that would be the case. If heâs managed to make his way to the manor, he must have some appreciation for aesthetics. Why isnât he soaring with wings then?â
Alex appreciated Roseâs personality but couldnât hide his confusion, âUh, pardon my curiosity. Rose, are you all closely related, or do you share a slightly different kinship?â
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. âHey, I understand youâve got some questions swirling around. But the reality is we share the same blood. I know that might not match your expectations.â
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 â 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. âStunning.â
Rose took a step back, her hand gently covering her mouth in an amused gesture. âThis is exactly the effect weâre aiming for teasing Frank by giving him a glimpse of your legs while leaving him curious, all the while highlighting your stunning collarbone. Itâs all about sparking his imagination.â
Turning Of The Tide (Natalie and Trevon)
ï¤Chapter 311 My Ex-Wife Is A Big Shot In Disguise ï¤Chapter 227 Defying Fate: The Unstoppable Eileen ï¤Chapter 340 âDonât worry, he truly is my blood brother. No need for those suspicious looks,â she chuckled.
âIâm just helping Frank to break a few bad habits and securing Avaâs future life,â Rose explained.
Alex and Sherri exchanged a knowing glance, conveying their admiration for Roseâs approach.
Girls had a way of connecting swiftly, turning mere minutes into lasting friendships. And for those who didnât 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, âAre you ready?â
âLetâs head downstairs and dazzle Frankâs eyes,â Rose said, excitement evident in her voice as she anticipated Frankâs reaction to seeing Ava Ava gave herself a quick pep talk and then nodded after a brief pause. âIâm ready.â
The five of them shared simultaneous smiles. Alex playfully draped an arm around Avaâs waist, and the others exchanged meaningful glances before breaking into amused chuckles.
Their synchronized efforts were truly impressive.