THE HOUSE OF EVERMORE

LYLA IS FAMILY TOO.

CHAPTER SEVEN

LYLA IS FAMILY TOO.

The low murmur of voices inside the conference room faltered the moment Lyla Ambers walked in.

She was dressed in lilac couture. Luxury, Serene, timeless. She doesn't need to announce herself, she never needed to announce herself. Her grand entry already has.

She moved with unhurried confidence, heels clicking softly on the floor. Her hair was tied up in a bun with a few strands drifting knowingly on her face. Diamonds glinted subtly on her ears. Her head held high with so much poise. International resistance.

Heads turn, conversation dissolves into silence. The room breathed again, but the energy had shifted. She meets Carol's gaze, and a knowing smile tugs from her lips in a sinister way. She winks at her purposely. She took her seat in the front row. Crossing her legs, she lifts her chin. Her hands are on her thigh, tapping each other.

Once, slow and deliberate.

Stuart's first official public appearance wasn't just about him anymore. His presence has already raised questions and secrets added to the public appearance of his mother. The public now knows there's more to the Yates family than what they portray to be in the eyes of people.

Stuart adjusted his cuff, and he scanned the room to make sure everyone was settled. He rose from his seat gracefully. He clears his throat.

Lyla Ambers is my mother. The entire room fell into pin-drop silence. “She is here not as a spectacle or a symbol of speculation ”. His jaw tightened, his eyes emotionless. “She is here as family. ”

His words carried weight. His words pierced Carol's heart.

For years, he continued. She chose privacy over public appearance and recognition. That decision was made to protect and benefit me. He let the silence stretch. Allowing his words to linger in the room. But as of today, her presence will be known, and she will be recognized as my mother.

Her appearance doesn't shift or affect the government of the Yates conglomerate, nor does it redefine the power of the Yates conglomerate. All I ask for is for her rights as one of the members of the Yates to be restored and recognized. He turns to Grandma Lily who was still in shock. My mother raised me to understand responsibilities and privileges, restraints before power. If her presence reminds the world of that foundation, “then I welcome it, and I plead with everyone assembled here today to please accept my offer.” he bows before the whole conference. Not with fear but with respect for the public.

All eyes fell on Grandma Lily. She knew that the whole thing was now left for her to decide. She couldn't bear to tarnish her image and that of the entire family. She couldn't decide based on what she wanted; the public would always come first. They could sort everything out later, but she needed the public to appear as a good Matriarch.

She held her hand up to calm the whispering. I, Lily Yates, the Matriarch of the Yates conglomerate, am pleased to announce the acknowledgement and return of my second grandson, Stuart Hale Yates, and his mother, Lyla Ambers. I hereby announce that Lyla Ambers is an official member of the Yates conglomerate.

As of today I hand over the position of executive management of the Yates holdings to her as a recognition gift and symbol of her tie to the Yates conglomerate. I declared this meeting over, and she left.

Everywhere froze.

Eyes flickering, tongues wagging, camera flashing violently. Reports are trying to get more information.

Stuart knew the game had just begun and he was prepared for whatever the future holds.

He stayed in the office till past eight, everyone had gone home, and the lights were already off apart from the light in Elmore's office. He walked up to her office, and the door was slightly open. She was so focused on what she was doing on her PC without noticing the presence of the figure at the door. He steps in without knocking, taking her unaware. She looks up, a bit scared.

God! You terrified me, she said, holding her breath. Stuart laughed softly,

I guess you aren't all as strong as you portray. Ivy. ‘Crazy day’ huh?

I was about to go, just trying to save the whole file before shutting down. She replied. She stood up and grabbed her bag and jacket. Shall we? He asked as he led the way. Yes, we shall. She was walking before him while he led from behind. They looked so good together.

They got to the private garage where his car was already waiting. “Ivy” he called out, ride with me. I could use a friend right now. This time, his voice was soft, more like he was pleading; his eyes were warm. He was tired, he needed a break.

Elmore couldn't bring herself to decline, so she nodded. Okay.

I will drive, and the chauffeur will send your car home.

They drove quietly. His hands rested steady on the steering wheel, the city light scratching ahead of them like a golden walkway. His eyes were fixed on the road.

Elmore sat beside him, composed. She wound down the window glass, allowing the cold breeze to caress her face and bare shoulders. She let her hair loose, falling on her shoulders and face. She looked more beautiful, driving with Stuart like this, alone. made her feel safe. A big smile was plastered on her face. She was really enjoying the ride.

Are you always this quiet in cars? He asked. His tone is calm though his glance lingers second after second.

Elmore turns facing him, one brow lifting.

Only when I'm comfortable, it's been a crazy day, this is so comfy she said, nudging her head towards the window.

Her eyes light up. in a good mood.

Stuart said nothing, he smiled faintly as the light in the street led them to the busy part of the city.

Come down he said as he pulled over on the narrow path of the busy street. What are we doing here? She asked with curiosity. Stuart looks at her, she is so adorable with her hair messed up. He thought.

“ Do you trust me ”?

Something about his question made her feel safer.

She looks up meeting his gaze. There's no way she wouldn't trust him. “Yes, I do.”

Then come with me.

Stuart and Elmore walked side by side, close enough that their shoulders were almost brushing. Elmore's heel clicks softly on the hard road as she tries to keep up with his pace. A steady rhythm that Stuart found himself matching. Every now and then her hand swung close enough to graze his hand. Each near touch sent a spark up his spine. Sharp and intense. Utterly intoxicating.

Do we have a destination or are we just strolling? Elmore asked

We are almost there, I guess your ankle hurts? He asked out of concern.

I can carry you if you want. He said teasingly.

They stopped in front of a shop along the street, and the golden light from the street lamp made everything very bright and colorful. Her eyes narrowed, her features softened. The beauty of the street caught her eye.

Stuart stared at her with a satisfactory grin. Here we are, he said. No boardroom, no position, no expectations. Just you, me, the busy street, the bright street lights, and a roadside pastry shop. His eyes no longer hold any powerful emotions. His shoulders relaxed. Stuart slips his hands into his pocket, resisting the urge to touch her face.

Elmore tilted her head, studying him. I've been living in this city all my life but I've never been here. How did you know of this place?

“Nevermind,” he replied.

Good evening, how may I help you? A lady in her early 50s asked.

Can I have two plum sunbuns and two milkshakes, Stuart responded.

That will be twenty pounds. She said, wrapping his order. She handed it over to him. Stuart gave her a hundred-pound note. Hold up, let me get your balance, but Stuart and Elmore have already left.

“ Here,” he gave her a cup of milkshake and a wrap of sunbuns. Not taking his eyes off her for a minute. Elmore bites the sunbuns, allowing her taste buds to savor the sweetness and flavor of the sunbuns. She took another bite to make sure what she tasted was real.

Mmmmm, this is so yummy, it tastes so good, more than every pastry I've ever tasted. She added.

I know, right? The ambiance of the place might not be so great. But trust me, it's one of the best pastry shops ever. Stuart replied.

Elmore stopped on her track and turned to him. This doesn't mean you no longer owe me a coffee date, she stated.

Stuart scoffed, I know I still owe you that and I'm definitely going to keep to my words.

The world feels so at peace here. His words carried emotions. Elmore could see that clearly.

You don't have to have it all figured out at once, you can take one step at a time. It's ok to feel lost, it's ok to be tired. What matters is how you show up after the struggle. She paused, turning towards him.

Stuart, you don't have to do this all alone. I know I might not fully understand, but as a child who was raised and bred amongst the Yates. I know how overwhelming it can be. Her words were so comforting; he really needed to hear that. He needed someone to remind him.

Stuart pulled her into his arms without thinking. Before she could struggle to break free from him. His arms were already wrapped around her. Firm, protective, desperate.

Elmore froze, flickering her eyes, and she melted into his arms. The street felt smaller all of a sudden, it felt like everything and everyone was on hold, the world revolved around them, just the two of them, lost in each other's embrace. Elmore could hear his heartbeat. It was steady and strong; it sounded like a sweet lullaby in her ears. Stuart held her tight like she could disappear the moment he let go.