Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 314

The warm and bright rays of sunlight fought a desperate battle to pierce through the canopy, yet its

efforts were in vain. Surrendering, the sun allowed its rays to refract across the ground and the lawn.

The shade canopy remained resolute, casting unyielding shadows on the yard beneath it.

The card game had commenced.

Trevon cradled his young son. Jasper, in his arms as he managed the deck of cards with a single hand.

Beside them, Natalie intermittently fed pieces of fruit to Trevon and their son, Jasper.

The latter action was not a conscious decision on Natalie’s part. Jealousy knows no bounds. Even the

affection a son receives can ignite us flames. Thus, she had to tend to both her beloved “sons.”

After numerous rounds of games, Hackett and his companions found themselves consistently

outplayed Their initial confidence had been shattered, leaving them struggling in the game. Hackett

sighed and said, “This isn’t enjoyable at all. Can’t you allow us to win for once? We’re merely playing

cards, not waging war.”

Witnessing Hackett’s waning spirits. Jasper hastily played a pair of clown cards and exclaimed

excitedly. “A pair!”

“My dear Jasper, your father is already thoroughly defeating me in this game, yet you present a pair of

clowns. At this rate, I will suffer utter defeat, Hackett said with a smile, his gaze tenderly fixed upon the

endearing Jasper.

Natalie emitted a soft chuckle. Jasper had actively participated in the game for over half an hour

without a hint of boredom. He continuously attempted to contribute to the game at every opportunity.

Hearing Hackett’s words, Trevon proudly declared, “Te is my biological son, and we are in complete

agreement with each other.” With a fond gesture, he playfully tousled his son’s hair, believing him to be

a well-behaved young boy who knew how to protect his father.

Upon hearing that, Hackett found himself at a loss for words.

Seated beside them, Frank played his hand and advised Hackett, “If you maintain silence and keep

your nonsense to yourself, your mind will gain agility and focus. Give it a try.”

Following this, he shared a knowing glance with Trevon, both men understanding their forthcoming

strategy for the next round.

Henceforth, Hackett maintained absolute silence and did not utter a single word. Trevon leisurely

played his cards, and remarkably, Hackett emerged victorious in the next round.

Following his victory, Hackett pondered, “Perhaps I’m not cut out for multitasking. Concentration may

lead to triumph and good results!”

But, little did Hackett know Trevon had intentionally allowed him to win this round.

Frank diligently supported Ava throughout the game on the opposing side, suppressing her opponents

and anticipating her cards and moves. He synchronized his plays with hers, trying to help Ava exhaust

the cards in her hand.

With Frank playing as her shield, it became a two-on-one situation.

Each time Ava emptied her hand, her countenance bloomed into a radiant smile, and it was a delightful

spectacle.

In a deep, husky voice, Frank asked Ava, “How many cards are in your hand?”

Unperturbed by her defeat, Rose interjected and said, “You’re blatantly cheating now. This is hardly

fair.”

Ava grappled with whether to inquire about her teammates’ card count. During her past games with

Alex and others, she had never probed her partners about their cards. Now cornered, she hesitated,

unsure whether to answer Frank’s question.

Frank glanced at his sister and responded, “We’re no different from you. We’re merely mindlessly

discarding our cards.”

Noticing Ava’s silence, Frank paused his play and turned his attention to the blushing girl beside him. In

a gentle and somewhat seductive tone, he inquired. “Hmmm? How many cards remain in your

possession?”

Frank’s fleeting gaze caused Ava’s cheeks to flush uncontrollably. In a soft whisper, she replied

hesitantly. “Four.”

Frank swiftly comprehended her situation and played a 3 card. Rose harbored no reservations about

their overt manipulation, and she consoled herself with the fact that the loser had some perks.

Turning to Alex, she asked, “Alex, do you have any straights?”

Hearing Rose’s question, Alex contemplated, “Why not reveal all my cards?”

Confidence radiated from Frank as he reclined in his chair, his legs spread apart, his muscular arms

poised in defiance. In a casual tone, he remarked, “You have the option to unveil all your cards.”

Rose scoffed and replied, “Cheater, that’s not allowed”

As he played, Frank’s arms occasionally brushed against the sleeves of Ava’s white shirt, whether by

design or coincidence.

Ava’s heart experienced tumultuous fluctuations throughout the game, akin to a roller coaster ride.

Ava felt an overwhelming nervousness, prompting her to snack on the different cakes and pastries in

an attempt to calm her tumultuous heart.

Emma and Joseph occupied the second-floor balcony, gazing upon the yard’s unfolding scene below.

Joseph and Emma lingered on the balcony for over half an hour after politely excusing themselves from

the yard to grant the guests some space. Despite the distance. their presence cast an undercurrent of

unease.

At a glance. Ava’s face radiated smiles mingled with a touch of shyness. Joseph and Emma’s

observant eyes even caught her occasional glimpses of Frank.

Holding a book, Emma delicately removed the bookmark and placed it on the page. Seated gracefully

on a white wicker chair, she spoke gently. Your sister’s affection for that young man holds more weight

than one might think. It borders on love. Even if you examine the situation, it’s unlikely that her feelings

for him will change *

Joseph fiddled with Jasper’s Rubiks cube as he sat beside his mother. After a swift look towards Frank,

he replied, “Mom, I understand that ”

Emma’s perceptiveness was matched by her trust in Ava’s judgment. When that young man returns to

Athana, return the secret defense map to him.” Emma instructed her son.

The secret defense map could function as leverage against Frank but feelings coerced by manipulation

would not be pure. Genuine, unforced emotional expressions held the greatest beauty, and Ava did not

require such reinforcements in her budding relationship.

Frank’s offer to stake his family’s fate was his earnestness and a way of conveying his feelings for Ava.

Emma and Daniel were content with his actions, further elevating their opinion of Frank

However, no one would intervene and interfere in the unfolding dynamic between Frank and Ava

The family consistently respected their children, allowing them to mature organically Each phase of

growth should not be prematurely disrupted Undergoing each stage naturally held more value than a

multitude of counsel

Of course, it’s not about exposing children to danger without proper awareness. Like what they did with

Frank Emma, and Daniel evaluated their personalities, delved into emotional dynamics between the

couple, and facilitated Ava’s organic experiences within a secure framework

Joseph nodded in agreement. He had no intention of exploiting the secret defense map against Frank. I

will return it to him, he replied

Emma then instructed. “I am going back to my room. You tend to affairs here. Your father has a late

meeting and will not return home until later tonight. Also, escort that young man s sister home”

Detecting a trace of unusual anticipation in his mother’s eyes. Joseph smiled his lips curving upwards.

He added with a grin “Mom, you’re overthinking again. There is no need to anticipate anything between

me and Frank’s sister. It would have done so years ago if our connection were meant to flourish. You

need not worry about me. I’ve already arranged a private jet for her return

Emma felt extremely helpless. Persuasion would prove futile if her son were not inclined to pursue a

relationship. Love was bound by destiny. For instance, Ava had numerous admirers at university, yet

none piqued her interest.

However, upon arriving in Athana, she fell for this young man. Despite the distance. fate united them.

Emma resolved to allow her son’s path to unfold naturally. Despite excelling in his career and

character, he held no desire to pursue any romantic relationships.

With Emma’s departure. Joseph remained alone on the balcony, gazing at the stars and moon. He

inadvertently slipped into deep contemplation Solitude held its own merit. Witnessing his two sisters

happiness was sufficient for him.

He had no excess affection and love to extend to others. Besides that, Joseph was engrossed in his

pursuits and had no time to spare

As evening descended, the estate hosted a bonfire party.

Joseph had prepared a high-quality speaker. The speaker was currently playing music that infused the

gathering with a lively atmosphere.

The elongated, melodious tunes wafted through every corner of the estate. The wind also joined the

party, sweeping into the vibrant scene and offering a gentle breeze to all the guests who were present.

Tree branches and blossoms swayed in response to the music’s rhythm.

The melody encapsulated young men and women’s joy, confidence, and smiles, blooming in the

picturesque estate. Laughter reverberated, each note resonating in their hearts.

Jasper discarded his previously aloof demeanor, struggling to move to the music. His dancing

improved, shedding its initial awkwardness

Having attended such gatherings in various countries. Rose recognized the fun diminishes without

games. A circle formed as everyone sat down

She proposed enthusiastically. Thave a game suggestion, and no objections will be entertained. You

must accomodate me as I leave in an hour and a half Let me share the rules with everyone First, we

will start with me. For each round, we will count from one to 99 in chronological order. Anyone saying a

number containing eight must skip the number and gently pat the next person’s head. The count then

resumes. The person who gets it wrong must either dance or sing as a penalty What does everyone

think of this game?

Hackett held Sherri’s hand as they sat cross-legged on the ground. He squinted slightly and inquired.

“Rose, am I mistaken or was your game originally based on the number seven”

Without hesitation. Rose responded confidently. “Because the number eight is my favorite number”

Subsequently, Hackett fell into silence. Next to them, Natalie chuckled lightly. “Sherri’s new spouse

suggests you continue concealing your identity”

Hackett thought the term “new spouse” had a pleasant ring to it. It sounded fresh. In response, he

playfully gestured, zipping his lips in Natalie’s direction