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 cand 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 some 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.

Emma come 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 their children gifts.

Although Ava was absent this year, Daniel and Joseph had already given Christmas gifts to their daughter.

No one was left behind. They also gave gifts to Natalie, Sherri, and Rose. It could be said that they were considerate in every aspect.

Stella hurriedly stood up to receive the gift. "Thank you, Emma, thank you, Daniel." Chris 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 give you a gift." The young and energetic George hopped down from Angie's lap and dashed over to Chris, extending his hand. His gesture brought smiles to everyone. Joseph sat on the couch, legs apart, calmly observing his son's actions, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Christina sat 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 some time, and their gazes met. Silent love surrounded the two of them. Their hearts raced, and they smiled. Joseph raised his hand and held Christina's hand tightly.

Christina reciprocated, holding Joseph's hand with equal intensity, exchanging warmth through their palms.

Meanwhile, Chris handed the gift to his nephew, reminding him, "Hide the one | gave you well. 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 Stella.

Christina asked, "George, 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 small toy car and a wishing card.

Suddenly, Stella leaped up and dashed straight upstairs, leaving everyone puzzled as they watched her reach the staircase.

Angie sighed. "She's always so restless and fidgety, making a fuss over nothing all day long." After a moment, Stella come back downstairs, hopping down three 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." George nodded solemnly, adeptly concealing the gift, and then glanced at Chris warily.

For George, the evening was a windfall. He received Christmas gifts from everyone without the need to give back.

In the Women's Congregation chat group, a barrage of emojis flooded the screen. Natalie had been sending Christmas wishes for over half an hour, her hands growing tired. Then, Trevon messaged her hands to relieve her tiredness.

Chris was suddenly added to a group chat. He opened it and checked the members, finding Hackett, Trevon, Frank, Joseph, and Edward inside.

Hackett was the admin of the group chat, and his nickname in the group was "Men's Alliance Plus A Single Man." Chris was speechless.

Feeling a bit ridiculed, Chris lost his festive spirit due to Hackett's nickname during Christmas. He sent a message. [Why drag into this 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 was referring to Hackett, wondering why he suddenly created a group, especially on Christmas.

Hackett still had a wicked plan during Christmas.

Frank asked, [You didn't get any Christmas gifts? Poor Hackett.] Hackett retorted, [Damn it, Frank. Don't mock me! | don't care about Christmas gifts.] Edward chimed in, saying, [My wife forced 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 somewhat helpless and annoyed.

Then, others joined in, creating a sense of ceremony and atmosphere.

After Joseph, Trevon, Frank, and Chris had sent their contributions, Edward, claiming he had almost run out of money, finally promised to give Hackett a gift.

Christina turned to Joseph and said, "You should also give Christmas wishes to Leia and Quinn. Remember to give them gifts later.” Upon hearing this, it was evident that Chris's typing paused briefly, then resumed on the screen a second later.

Joseph caught onto Chris's actions. He smirked 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 the screen. Christina adjusted the camera to focus on herself. Inside the frame, Quinn wore a red down jacket, while Leia sported a beige coat.

"Merry Christmas, Christina, and where's my cute George." The cheerful tone from the other end of the screen was audible even from a distance.

Christina said, "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 seeing Angie flicker across the screen. "Angie, Merry Christmas.” Angie smiled in return. "Wishing you a Merry Christmas too." "Hello, Quinn," George said.

"Leia, are you free recently?” Christina asked.

Joseph glanced at Chris when Christina mentioned Leia, and he seemed content with Chris's reaction.

Angie leaned closer to take a look, glimpsing at the phone screen. Leia wasn't stunningly beautiful, but she had a nice appearance, unblemished. Even through the screen, Angie noticed the clarity in her smooth skin extending down her neck.

Engrossed in observing Leia for a minute, Angie seemed particularly satisfied. She instinctively glanced at Chris, who was busy typing on his phone.

Leia seemed to be lost in thought. She paused for a moment before answering, "Two or three days from now. | plan to take my parents out tomorrow." Angie felt even more pleased upon hearing this. Leia's words hinted that she showed care and love to her parents.

"I'm available anytime. No need to ask me. I'm a loner. | haven't planned on visiting relatives. They will arrange all kinds of blind dates for me. It makes me shiver,” Quinn exclaimed.

"Not like I've seen you scared,” Joseph remarked.

"You're picking on me, Joseph! Even Christina doesn't scold me. Christina, teach him some manners,” Quinn teased.

Christina laughed and said, "Alright, let's settle on the three days from now. But we'll have a few more people on our end. My sister and her group will be joining." "That's sounds great. More people, more fun," Quinn replied.

Leia pondered for a moment. Then, she smiled and said, "Sure, | don't mind." After setting the agreed-upon time, Christina ended the video call and exchanged a silent glance with Joseph.

Then, Emma's phone rang. It was a video call from Ava. As soon as it connected, the cheerful voice of Ava filled the air. "Mom, Dad, Joseph, Christina, Merry Christmas!" Sounds of fireworks burst in the air, and television shows played in the background, filtering through their respective phones.

"Sweetheart, Merry Christmas.” The camera focused on two children. Cyril and Nona were dressed in festive down jackets, and the little princess had a red hair clip.

Grace and her husband leaned closer to the phone to extend their Christmas wishes, and Frank politely greeted everyone.

Not seeing her father in the living room, Ava asked, "Where's Dad?" Emma replied, "Your dad and Chris went to the study." Then, Ava greeted Angie. "Oh, Angie, Merry Christmas." Angie replied, "Merry Christmas, Ava." Ava then told Emma, "Mom, we'll cover tomorrow." Joseph smiled, feeling a bit eager to see his little sister. "Whenever you come, I'll be there to pick you up, okay?" Ava beamed with joy and made an okay gesture.

Grace leaned closer to the screen and said, "Emma, we won't cover this time. Rose is due to give birth soon. William and | will plan to visit Sapphire City for Christmas next time." Emma replied gently, "You're welcome to visit Sapphire City anytime. Rose's child is the most important in our hearts."