THE HOUSE OF EVERMORE

HELLO! STUART

CHAPTER TWO

HEllO! STUART

Grandma Lily I am here. Stuart said as he descended from the stairway, his voice echoed in the room. A very tall, well-built, masculine figure appears, a well-structured face, thin lips, and sharp eyes like those of his mother. His thick, dark hair was neatly cut. His hair gave him the perfect face card, broad shoulders, deliberate-high cheekbones, a jaw that was in line, his eyes emotionless, deep, intense, and observant. He dressed with understated authority; the authenticity of his looks could give anyone cold shivers. He wore a tailored suit in a deep, muted color that fit him flawlessly. Expensive without being loud, the watch on his wrist, the iron lines on his pants, his well-polished Louboutin shoe. Nothing about him sought attention, he is already the attention himself.

As he descended the stairs, one could see that nothing about him was out in the open; he didn't look like a man searching for a place, it felt like everyone was in the room where the ones begging him to stay.

Elmore's brain froze for a minute, the guy from earlier? She asked herself, she chuckled silently while gazing at him, of course she would remember his face, Stuart has a very captivating rare face card that will be very hard to forget.

All rise; y'all behold Stuart Hale Yates, the second Grandson of the Yates conglomerate. Everyone stood up except Grandma Lily Yates who is the Matriarch of the Yates conglomerate.

Not to be said, but the tension that lingered in the room became more intense. If the ground could open, Carol Yates would have jumped into it. Over the years, she had done everything within and above her power to make sure that a day like this would never be recorded in history. Yet this day has come and many more intensive days are yet to come.

As we all already know, this is Stuart Hale Yates, the second grandson and heir of the Yates conglomerate; the son of Lyla Ambers and Hale Yates. Stuart straightened as Grandma Lily's words settled all over the room. Everyone in the room could see how the atmosphere changed entirely the moment Grandma Lily introduced Stuart. Hands clenching, breaths stiffened, hearts racing, Stuart, who is fully aware of what awaits him, has to break the silence.

Good day to you all, his voice so calm, yet filled with undeniable supremacy, his hands in the pocket of his pants, well postured, he stood there like a king from another higher kingdom, his aura unmatched, the confidence that shone through his eyes could pierce someone's skin, everything about him was majestic, he could be called the head of the Yates conglomerate already, his dynamic gracefulness was something that could be seen all over him. As you all already know, I am Stuart Hale Yates, the second heir of the Yates conglomerate. A pause followed, deliberate.

I have been away for a very long time. I know my presence here raises questions; I won't pretend otherwise. Until today, I lived a life far removed from this household, from its history, trace, and the legacy it carries; I believe blood has a way of finding its way back home.

He paused and looked around before he continued. I am grateful for this opportunity to be here before everyone, not in secrecy, not in shame, but in the truth of my bloodline and origin. His eyes scanned the room, meeting each and every one of them. I am not home to fight or claim anyone's position. The moment he said that, Edgar felt triggered and a little relaxed; his high shoulders dropped as he evaded Stuart's gaze. I am here to work, build, and earn my rightful position in the Yates conglomerate. I am only asking for a chance to be known for who I am and not where I come from.

His voice softened, but did not weaken.

He inclined his head towards Grandma Lily, respect clear in the gesture. With that, he fell silent.

Grandma Lily was standing face-to-face with him. It was so visible that she was the happiest person in the room, her face beaming with great joy. She hugged him tightly. Stuart tilted his body down, hugging her back, and whispered Grandma, you look so beautiful. Stuart gestured to his mother to come forward.

As you all may know, this is my mother Lyla Ambers, he held her hand, planted a kiss on it and said all thanks to her that I am here, his gaze fell on Carol, who felt cold shivers run down her bone marrow, composed and tough, she could not bring herself to look away, she held his gaze till he looked elsewhere.

Welcome home son, Hale Yates said, urging his wheelchair to where Stuart stood. The cold distance between them didn't go unnoticed. Hale stopped in front of Stuart, so many unspoken words, eyes filled with questions, his hands clenched tightly in his pocket, and the veins in his neck became visible. Stuart squatted down before him, lifted his right hand, and planted a light kiss on it, his eyes not evading Hale’s eyes.

Hale opened his mouth to speak, but it seemed words were failing him; he could only pat his back, whispering I'm sorry, son.

Stuart stood up without saying anything. He made his way to where Edgar was standing. “Edgar,” Stuart said, inclining his head slightly. Not a bow, Stuart never bows, but a gesture of acknowledgement, he stretched out his hand for a handshake, Edgar as fierce as always gripped his hand as though he was marking his territory, eyes fixed on each other, it looked more like a combat handshake, both men were super handsome though Stuart was a bit taller, light skinned and broad than Edgar, they had one thing in common, which is there domineering looks, though Edgar looked more like Hale Yates than Stuart it was still certain that both were his sons. Stuart holding his gaze said, since you have been living and working with the family since childhood, I hope to learn from

You, the air between them tightened, Edgar looked like he said a lot with his eyes than his mouth, finally the handshake was over, Edgar stepped back, straightened his tie, and said. “Stuart” I am glad you are home after all these years. I hope to teach you well, as long as you pace slowly behind me. His words sounded more like a warning than a random response.

Carol, who could feel the rising tension, called out Stuart's name to calm the tension. Oh! Dearest Stuart we might still feel like strangers to you, but I hope you know we all are happy that you are finally home, back to where you truly belong, I know it might take time before you adjust, but I want you to know that we won't hesitate to help you settle down, both here at home and in the company. Don't hesitate to ask your brothers and father for assistance. Furthermore, I hope you will acknowledge me as your mother too, in the future, after all, we are a family. Something about Carol's words felt awkward; had Carol meant everything she said, Stuart might have believed her, but knowing who she was, Stuart looked at her and nodded, I will have that in mind.

Stuart beckoned to Joel. I know this is our first time meeting, but I must say, you make good music, and I'm proud of you. Joel Hale Yates,s who has been feeling less concerned about everything, finally felt comfortable with Stuart. His music meant the world to him,m and he appreciates anyone who acknowledges his music. That means you are a fan, huh? Joel asked. Yes, you can say I'm a fan, you make good music, and that should always be recognized.

The only way to Joel's heart was through his music; Stuart just gained a special spot in Joel's heart. Brother, thanks a lot, Joel said. Stuart reached out for a handshake, but instead, Joel hugged him. Claire, who has been lurking behind, stepped forward.

Claire Von-Dickson, tall, slim, and sleek. Naturally beautiful like her mother, her round and slightly chubby face, her bulging brown eyes, and her well-shaped nose and lips made her look more like a teenager than a 22-year-old girl. Hi she said shyly, she didn't know how to approach Stuart.

Stuart pulled her close by the wrist. He looked at her closely. If she behaved well, she might actually become his favorite little sister, he thought to himself. Claire couldn't keep up with his gaze so she lowered her head.

“ So, ” Stuart said, stepping forward, still holding her wrist, she looked up, Stuart moved his hand to her chin, cupped her baby-like face with both hands. Claire, you have really grown into a very beautiful aspiring girl, and I love that for you. Claire felt so warm and safe, she knew that she had been waiting for this moment. She wrapped her hands around Stuart's waist, pressed her head on his chest, and inhaled his scent, damn he smelled so good. Thank you big brother, I'm so happy you are home. She break the hug, looked up to Stuart and said, I don't know what you like or prefer but regardless I have a little gift for you, you can say it's a welcome gift from me to you, she reached out in her bag, brought out a custom made wallet, I had your name crested on it, I don't know if you would like it though. She stretched out her hand to him, and Stuart collected the wallet, not really his style, but he was still grateful. He looked at her, patted her hair, and said Claire, thank you for the gift. He tucked the wallet in his pocket and said I will make sure to use it well.

Stuart met Elmore Ivy Williams, Grandma said, and he walked towards her. His steps counted and in line, he is indeed a prestigious man. Stretched his hand out, “Hello Ivy,” only grandma Lily calls her Ivy, she scoffed, lifted her chin, held his hand and gaze, “Hello Stuart”, the air between them flattened, he already liked her aura, her looks, innocent and calm, her eyes sharp like the edges of a knife, her hair tied up in ponytail, making her face look very delicate. The red lip gloss on her lips made her lips look so plump and kissable. She studied his features openly, the controlled posture, the tension he wears with elegance like a second skin, everything about him screamed perfection.

“Ivy”, child, you will be working with Stuart. Henceforth, you have been with the family way too long, and you are the only one suitable to assist him with everything he needs to know concerning the Yates household and holdings till his coronation day. I hope it won't be too much for you to handle, Grandma Lily asks out of concern.

Oh no Grandma, it is not, I'm glad to assist Stuart.

With that, the meeting was dismissed.

Edgar was the first to leave. Immediately, Grandma Lily made her way to the study; his face held no countenance, but his clenched fists said it all. Carol, watching her son leave, knew that the battle line had been drawn. She looked at Lyla, without saying a word, she picked up her purse, looked at Lyla for the last time before walking away.

Laura could clearly see everything. She knew that this wasn't really her battle, but if in any way it eventually affected her, she wouldn't mind stepping in. Looking at her innocent daughter, she knew it wasn't yet time for her to strike. She excused herself.

Hale waited for everyone to leave. Stuart could you please take me to the garden?