Chapter 313
From what ce did these exquisite beings emerge, if not from the untamed wilderness itself
As the quartet of otherworldly women graced the rugged terrain, a newfound guardian spirit
materialized alongside.
Each woman disyed her unique elegance, atured in distinct fashions, radiating diverse charms. Yet,
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their shared gender was the onlymonality among them.
Under the perg s shelter, four men engaged in conversation. Three adorned themselves in white
short-sleeved shirts, while Hackett stood out with his vibrant attire, an anomaly that set him apart.
Their discourse spanned topics ofmerce and theunch of the research facility. Yet, the entrancing
tableau at the vi’s entrance effortlessly diverted their attention, capturing their care and resonating
within their hearts.
Around the table, four pairs of eyes stole nces at the four women. Joseph briefly diverted his gaze
toward Ava and Natalie before courteously lowering his head to take a sip Hackett’s eyes were fixed on
Sherri a glint of enraptured fascination in his eyes Trevon’s gaze was unyielding, affixed on Natalie,
unable to divert his attention
Inparison, the women maintained aposed demeanor. Their collective focus centered on
Frank. All eyes were trained on his countenance, brimming with curiosity over his reaction as Ava
graced the scene, each wondering if he would be captivated
Two words were etched upon each individual’s expression which are curiosity and eagerness.
Frank was adept at reading expressions, and he naturally picked up on these subtle reactions.
Women were inherently curious creatures, and Natalie was certainly no exception. Stepping out of the
vi, her attention was immediately drawn to Frank. Even with Trevon right there, she couldn’t resist
stealing nces at another man. Trevor being astute, could sense the subtle undercurrent of
dissatisfaction brewing within himself
As soon as Ava made her entrance. Frank fell silent. Leaning back in his chair. he exuded an air of
casual nonchnce One hand rested on the chair’s back while the otherzilyy on the table. His
expression was inscrutable, his piercing eyes squinting slightly as he swept his gaze over Ava from
afar. He took a sip of his drink, seemingly untazed.
A warm radiance seemed to envelop Ava enhancing her presence as the center of attention for the
day. Frank’s kren eyes caught every fleeting emotion ying across her face
The sleek ck pants not only ttered her figure but also elongated her legs. The ssic ck and
white ensemble was effortlessly stylish, imparting Ava a fresh, distinct allure With a button of her
blouse unfastened at the cor, the creamy expanse of her corbone was subtly exposed, igniting
curiosity
Ava locked eyes with Frank, a rush of nervous energy coursing through her, causing her heart to race
and her chest to flutter. Alex. ever the supportive friend, gently squeezed her waist, infusing her with
courage.
Perhaps it was Ava’s imagination, but she thought she detected a crack in Frank’s typically
imperturbable demeanor. A subtle curve yed at the corners of his lips, a detail that went unnoticed
by most. Their eyes held for mere seconds before Ava lowered her gaze, conceding victory in this
silent duel.
Hackett failed to discern these subtleties. Believing Frank to beposed, he yfully nudged Frank’s
shoulder and asked. “Aren’t you making a move?”
Ah. Joseph’s presence acted as a reminder, tempering any bold inclinations
Amidst this analysis, Jasper unexpectedly blurted out. “Go for it.”
Innocent words, spoken innocently. Certainly not in the same context
With a proud expression, Jasper sought approval from Trevon, as if he had just aplished a great
feat. Trevon, regardless of whether Jasper truly understood, muttered toward Frank. “Frank doesn’t
have the nerve.”
Jasper chimed in. “He’s scared.”
Hackett had to give the kid a thumbs-up. “Impressive.“
Jasper looked satisfied, nodding like an inspector evaluating an employee’s performance, pleased with
himself
Frank didn’t spare a nce at Hackett, finishing his water and swallowing audibly. Trevon, with Joseph
present,mented, “Quenched your thirst?”
Still casting a sideways nce at Ava, Frank lifted his chin slightly at Trevon “Not enough? Need you to
fetch some for me!” “Let him stay thirsty.” He wasn’t about to waste his time. It was a rare sight to see
this guy back down. He deserved to feel parched, and suffocating would be even more fiting
Joseph picked up an orange, meticulously peeling it. His tone calm and deliberate, he remarked.
“Having an orange to quench your thirst at my ce wouldn’t bode well. Mr. Roberts, it’s wiser to
cherish your life”
Frank reached out, taking the orange into his hand. “Absolutely, and for the long haul”
Joseph caught the subtlety but opted for a knowing smile over exposing it
Amid their conversation, the group of five had arrived at the edge of the sunshade. Ava disyed a
slight flush on her checks, her heartbeat racing. Alex shot a sly nce at theposed Frank, her arm
confidently wrapped around Ava’s waist.
It was a striking sight.
Frank’s gaze lingered on Alex’s hand. Despite her being a girl, the gesture was strikingly audacious.
Yes, audacious. He pressed his lips together, picked up the orange, and took a bite with a nonchnt
one-handed maneuver
In a split second. Alex was taken aback by his intense stare. It was as if this man was devouring her,
yet she knew the rules of friendship. One had to stand their ground. If provoking this man was the
oue, then she was willing to y her role.
The group settled into their seats.
Natalie instinctively took her ce beside Trevon. Once seated. Trevon’s hand grew restless. His
broad palm encircled Natalie’s waist. Even through the thin fabric, the warmth of his touch radiated, his
subtle yet deliberate caresses sending shivers down her spine, electric current coursing through her
entire body.
After indulging in these yful gestures for a while, Natalie lifted her gaze and shot him a warning look,
silently urging him
to behave.
After receiving the warning re, Trevon toned down his actions, yet his hand remained steadfast,
gripping her waist firmly. He refused to let her slip away. She tilted slightly,pelled to tug her chair
closer to him.
With the distance shortened, Trevon found satisfaction in the adjustment, a subtle smirk ying on his
lips.
Alex settled into a nearby seat, followed by Ava, Joseph, Frank, Hackett, and Sherri
Rose stood by the table, sensing the informality of the arrangement. She leaned in to murmur a few
words to Hackett. In the next instant, Hackett guided a puzzled Sherri to rise, situating her across from
Frank and beside Trevon
Once Hackett settled, Rose leisurely positioned herself beside Frank, her hand lightly resting on his
shoulder. Her weight leaned into him, her pleased gaze sweeping the scene. “Ah, just right. This is how
it’s meant to be.”
An assertive force abruptly brushed away the hand resting on Frank’s shoulder. He gently guided Rose
back into her seat and inquired. “nning to head back in the evening or early tomorrow?”
They had arrived on a Friday, and now it was already Monday. Their leave was up, and work beckoned
the next day. If they were returning, it made sense to do so in the evening. Joseph had mentioned
escorting her home, but the thought left an undertone of solitude.
At the question, Ava faltered for a moment. Her initial determination seemed to waver. Her shoulders
sagged, and Joseph reached out to encircle her with his arm, quickly adjusting her ponytail. “Let’s
savor the cake and keep our spirits high. You never know. There might be a surprise waiting for us
tonight”
Ava’s mind had already begun to wander. Would he be going back with her?
Weren’t his intentions here to dere his feelings, to pursue her?
Was he leaving before even getting the chance to do so?
Separated by Joseph, Frank couldn’t catch a glimpse of Ava’s expression. Noting Rose’sck of
response, he said, “If you’re not up for heading back, you can take a day off. I’m a bit tied up to escort
you.”
No time to escort her back? Was he nning on staying?
The cake in Ava’s hands suddenly seemed much sweeter, her mood lifting. On the sidelines, Joseph
released a relieved sigh and shook his head with frustration and amusement.
Suddenly rising from his seat, he addressed the group. “I’ve got somepany matters to attend to.
Have a good time, and if you need anything, just let Trevon know, and he’ll take care of it
Trevon? Natalie and Trevon shared a chuckle at the term. Indeed, Joseph had a sense of humor.
With a cheerful nod, Trevon said, “You can count on me, Joseph. I’ll y the role of the gracious host”
After Joseph left, a vacant spot was now between Frank and Ava. Rose quickly noticed and made a sly
attempt to seize the opportunity, but her hand was swiftly caught in a firm grip. Meeting Frank’s warning
gaze, she lifted an eyebrow. “What’s the deal?”
“Stay where you are,” Frank’s tone was a mix of firmness.
Held firmly by him, Rose had no choice but to remain in her original spot.
In no time, the servants presented a mouthwatering array of pastries, savory barbecued dishes, grilled
meats, expert pizza crafters, and baristas, Joseph had rounded up a team of culinary experts for the
manor, all to enhance Ava’s pleasure and contribute to her joyous journey.
As the table filled with dishes, Trevon watched the yful exchanges with a grin. One arm secured his
beloved wife’s waist while the other raised a beer in a toast toward Ava with a faint smirk. “Here’s to
you, Ava. I offer a toast in honor of your
Ava raised her ss gracefully and leaned forward to clink it against Trevon’s, saying, “Thanks, Trevon.
Cheers.”
Following her lead, everyone else quickly raised their sses, toasting Ava’s victory.
Frank casually popped open a beer can, taking a rxed sip before setting it down. His thoughts
remained unreadable to those around him.
Trevon nced in Frank’s direction, ced his beer aside, and leaned back in his chair, his tone casual
yet meaningful. “Remember the wisdom your expert shared with you. He’s generously shared a lifetime
of knowledge.”
With a subtle curve of his lips, Trevon’s words held a yful hint.den with meaning, as if he were
observing an intriguing spectacle.
The implications behind Damon were lost on Sherri, Hackett, and Alex. They couldn’t discern the
subtleties within.
Only those in the know could genuinely grasp the hidden significance of that sentence. Of course,
Trevon was also needling Frank, trying to unsettle his calm demeanor.
He couldn’t tolerate Frank’s calm facade, the act he put on.
Sherri knew an expert had been aiding Ava but remained oblivious to the identity. The expert who’s
been assisting Ava is truly impressive. Ava, I think it might benefit you two to meet, considering your
shared interests.”
Ava took a deep breath in the next instant, turning slightly to face Frank, her ss raised in a courteous
gesture of gratitude. “Mr. Roberts, I am grateful for your ongoing guidance. As a substitute for wine, I
offer this drink. Thank you for your assistance during this period.”
Sherri was left momentarily speechless. Was there some juicy information she was missing?
Looking at Hackett beside her, she noticed he was equally puzzled. ncing at Natalie and Trevon,
who appearedposed, only deepened her bewilderment.
Sherri signaled with her eyes. “What’s the gossip?”
Natalie covered one side of her face with her hand, silently mouthing the words, saying Frank was the
expert. Sherri was at a loss for words.