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 thewn.
The shade canopy remained resolute, casting unyielding shadows on the yard beneath it.
The card game hadmenced.
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.
Thetter action was not a conscious decision on Natalie’s part. Jealousy knows no bounds. Even the
affection a son receives can ignite us mes. Thus, she had to tend to both her beloved “sons.”
After numerous rounds of games, Hackett and hispanions found themselves consistently
outyed 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 ying
cards, not waging war.”
Witnessing Hackett’s waning spirits. Jasper hastily yed a pair of clown cards and eximed
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 dered, “Te is my biological son, and we are inplete
agreement with each other.” With a fond gesture, he yfully 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 yed 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 nce with Trevon, both men understanding their forting
strategy for the next
round.
Henceforth, Hackett maintained absolute silence and did not utter a single word. Trevon leisurely
yed 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 ys with hers, trying to help Ava exhaust
the cards in her hand.
With Frank ying 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 tantly 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 nced 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 y 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 uncontrobly. In a soft whisper, she replied
hesitantly. “Four.”
Frank swiftlyprehended her situation and yed a 3 card. Rose harbored no reservations about
their overt maniption, 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 contemted, “Why not reveal all my cards?”
Confidence radiated from Frank as he reclined in his chair, his legs spread apart, his muscr 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 yed, Frank’s arms asionally 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 upied 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 nce. Ava’s face radiated smiles mingled with a touch of shyness. Joseph and Emma’s
observant eyes even caught her asional glimpses of Frank.
Holding a book, Emma delicately removed the bookmark and ced 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 maniption
would not be pure. Genuine, unforced emotional expressions held the greatest beauty, and Ava did not
require such reinforcements in her budding rtionship.
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 ate
meeting and will not return home untilter 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
rtionship. 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 rtionships.
With Emma’s departure. Joseph remained alone on the balcony, gazing at the stars and moon. He
inadvertently slipped into deep contemtion 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 ying 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 encapsted 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
N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.
She proposed enthusiastically. Thave a game suggestion, and no objections will be entertained. You
must aodate 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
yfully gestured, zipping his lips in Natalie’s direction