Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 316

On the way to the airport. Frank halted the car at an open space not far from Turner Manor.

Rose observed her brother deftly maneuver the car into a parking spot using one hand and inquired,

“What are you up to?”

Ignoring Rose’s question, Frank retrieved his phone from the central console and typed a few words on

the open chat interface. Then, he exited the app after typing and dialing a number. Once the call

connected, he instructed. “You can proceed now

Rose was utterly perplexed by this sequence of actions and speculated. “What on earth is he doing?

He isn’t setting off explosives, is he Curiosity piqued, she questioned once more. “What’s your plan?

You…”

Betore she could complete her sentence, a sudden explosive sound erupted, overpowering her voice.

A spectacular burst of fireworks shot swiftly into the sky, instantly illuminating the darkness

The interior of the car, previously dim, now glowed brightly with the radiance of the fireworks Rose’s

gaze fixed on the night sky, where the colorful explosions lett a briet yet dazzling imprint against the

dark canvas

Overlapping memories flashed through her mind. It was the scene of Trevon confessing his feelings to

Natalie on the island not long ago. At that time. Trevon had ignited fireworks for Natalie. Ava was

envious of that proposal. As Rose admired that moment, she had made it sound like she had arranged

it for Ava

A sudden realization dawned on Rose. Her mind raced. Surprised and playfully, she swatted Frank,

who reclined lazily in his seat and gazed at the fireworks above. “Geez, you’re quite strategic. So, you

overheard everything that night. You arranged this for Ava tonight because she envied the fireworks on

the island, right?”

Frank tapped the steering wheel with one hand and leaned against the car window with the other,

responding, Pursuing someone is a man’s affair What’s a girl doing meddling with it?”

For reasons she couldn’t quite fathom. Rose found Frank incredibly impressive-domineering yet

charismatic.

Rose contemplated. “No wonder Cranky Franky said he’d take the first 99 steps towards her in the

future. So, this is what he meant- a touch of male chauvinism. But it’s alright, after all, he is my brother”

Meanwhile, a passionate encounter was unfolding in a room at Turner Manor. Prioritizing quality and

gentleness, two people were engrossed in their realm of ecstasy.

However, their cuphoria was abruptly interrupted by the loud sound of fireworks a few minutes later.

Trevon frowned and glanced at the gap in the curtains. The bursts of light occasionally pierced through

the cracks, disrupting their climax.

With her vision blurred, Natalie suggested. “Aren’t you going to close the curtains?”

Annoyed by Frank’s antics. Trevon clenched his teeth in irritation and muttered. “This Frank guy sticks

to a script, following a set routine. He is copying what I’ve done before. He lacks originality. Let Ava

hang on a bit longer. It’ll toughen him up.”

At this instant, Natalie’s delicate appearance reflected the softness of spring rain, her cheeks tinged

with a sheer flush, her hues perfectly harmonized, chimed in with a hoarse and soft voice. “You’re

exacting your revenge here. Go and close the curtains.”

Without hesitation. Trevon surged forward again, saying. “Once you’re in, you won’t want to leave. Let’s

keep going.”

On the balcony’s diamond swing, the fireworks in the night sky harmonized with the sparkling gems

adorning the chair.

In a state of mutual resonance, Ava’s phone received a message from Frank. The message contained

simple words. [Look at the sky 1

Clad in a smooth and silky silk nightgown, the fabric felt icy to the touch, imparting a refreshing

sensation upon contact. A warmth spread through Ava’s heart as her fingers grazed the cool cloth.

Each firework blossoming in the sky left a fleeting beauty etched within her heart, creating a sense of

warmth that radiated through her being.

Ava’s gaze settled on the bunny imprints on her nightgown, and a rush of happiness surged within her.

Without conscious thought, she reached out to touch the celestial beauty above.

Nestled within the swing, her body sank deep into its embrace as if she had become one with this

surprise. Her chest swelled with joy, her toes tapping rhythmically along the swing’s edge, her hand

cradling her head as she tilted it to take in the night sky.

After observing for a while, she lapsed into contemplation. Her mind raced, “Frank said he’d take 99

steps toward me. So, is the final step marriage or having a child? Never mind the last step for now.

Let’s tally up how many steps Frank has taken.

“The first step was coming to Sapphire City to find me. It is worth one point. The second step was

secretly helping me, which is worth one point. The third step is giving me 11 flowers. That’s one point.

Showing up at the masquerade, that is another point. Accompanying me to class, one point. Walking

me home, one point. Attending the gathering at the manor, one point. The fireworks are another point.

“Adding them up, he’s taken eight steps. 1, 2, 3, 4… 8 points. He’s still 91 points short.

“With just one point for each step, it feels like too little. When will be reach 99 99 points seem a little far

away. How about we make each step worth five points? That would be 40 points.

“No, I wouldn’t say I like that number. Let’s go with six points per step. That will be 48. That number

feels a bit awkward, though. Scratch that. Seven points per step, which makes it a total of 56 points.

Yes, that’s good. It’s just a bit shy of reaching the goal”

Ava reviewed the multiplication tables up to 100 from her elementary school days as she delved deep

into her thoughts. Finally, she made her decision. She unlocked her phone, glanced at the screen, and

spotted a few words. A sinile tugged at her lips.

Brimming with joy, she typed a message on the screen, her fingers dancing merrily across the

keyboard, [For the person walking 99 steps, thanks to your fireworks, I’ll bump you up to 56 points.]

A response arrived instantly, and Frank wrote, [How did you come up with that calculation?]

He inquired about the method behind the points.

Without hesitation, Ava replied, I worked out the calculations based on my criteria. If there are any

opportunities or points, I will add them to your score.]

Frank countered. [What are the criteria?]

Ava replied proudly. [Ava’s criteria.]

Frank responded with a simple, [Hmm, alright.]

Following the exchange, Frank’s responses seemed more extensive!

It felt strangely familiar as if they were already in love.

Ava rose from her seat and jumped with joy while holding her phone. Then, she leaned against the

balcony railing to continue watching the endless cascade of fireworks in the sky. The extent of the

fireworks Frank had arranged was hard to discern

There was hardly a girl who did not have a soft spot for romance. If a girl told a man she disliked

romance or surprises, she might not honestly dislike romance; she might dislike the man.

Ava, however, welcomed surprises, particularly the romantic gestures of Frank. She wasn’t opposed to

romance, so why not embrace it?

Frank accompanied his sister to the airport. Upon arrival, Joseph’s private jet was already awaiting

them.

During the car journey, Rose observed Frank’s occasional smirks and laughter as he undoubtedly

engaged in a chat with Ava. She could sense that her brother held a genuine fondness for Ava.

After the luggage was moved onto the plane, Rose followed suit and boarded the aircraft.

With things in order, Frank stood before Rose with his hands in his pockets, and he said thoughtfully,

“Behave when you’re back home. Don’t stir up trouble. If there’s a problem, find Grace and sort it out.

Understood?”

Rose chuckled absentmindedly, then shrugged casually as she replied, “Got it. You’re playing the

parental role even before you officially start dating.”

Taking a step forward, Frank reached out and patted his sister’s short hair. There was a trace of

unspoken concern in his gaze. He reiterated, “Don’t go searching for Edward. And seriously, thank you

for waiting until I returned.”

Rose did not inquire about his return, and Frank did not reveal when he would return.

With matters settled. Frank prepared to disembark from the plane. He turned to his standing sister and

added, “Give us a call once you’re home. I’ll make sure you have enough money to make the call.”

Rose smiled at her brother’s retreating figure and said, “Frank.”

Frank paused briefly, momentarily thinking she was reluctant to leave. A gentle warmth touched his

heart. “If you don’t want to return, I can help you request leave. No need to act as if you’re wronged.”

Rose, with an uncommonly serious demeanor, offered a gentle smile. She sincerely said, “Frank, Ava

is wonderful. You two are a perfect match. Bring her to Athana soon. Keep going”

Frank was momentarily taken aback, then a rare smile graced his lips. He walked back to Rose,

affectionately patting her head. He affectionately said, “There will be a time when you will start calling

her sister-in-law’. Go now.”

Rose nodded, saying, “Alright.”

After disembarking, Frank did not immediately drive away. He lingered in a corner, watching the plane

ascend into the clouds, vanishing into the night sky. Only then did he shift his gaze away and dial a call

to his father, William. The call was swiftly answered. Frank reported saying, “Rose’s plane has taken

off. Time it yourself”

On the other end, William acknowledged. After Frank finished speaking, he hung up the call.

Reopening the chat interface on his piione. Fra visualizing the expression she might hamu

She seemed to feel ko pride nend

messages. Aan had use. He read each i attentively.

He found in twredibly endearing. The calls of fit prente warnet i panong grade and we quite a journey

ahead. I spywared the younĖ vas plechilly reminding hem of hei will day of excellener, and there was