THE HOUSE OF EVERMORE

EDGAR

CHAPTER FIVE

EDGAR

“Joel, I need you to do me a favor,” Edgar stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of his office. But Edgar was not admiring the view. He stood with his back to Joel, his hands in his pocket, his mind unsettled, his foot tapping on the floor, his eyes fixed in one direction, his lips pressed together, his jaw as tight as ever.

“Joel, I know you want to build a good relationship between you and Stuart. That's quite understandable. I might have wanted the same thing if he weren't a threat to me. He paused, pinching the bridge of his nose. Then, continued Stuart, might have been away all his life, but trust me, he's not the easy type. I know he came prepared. Joel straightened. He's observant, quiet, but calculative. Doesn't speak unless he has something worth saying. He leaned against the edge of the shelf.

Not talking, but processing.

Edgar continued, I mean he carries the same energy, his presence is controlling. The looks in his eyes are filled with words the mouth can't speak.

A pause settles between them.

Do you think he knows all this? Joel asks with curiosity.

Edgar’s gaze hardened. He turned to Joel, " Do you think he doesn't know he possesses all these powers?

Joel exhales, what do you want me to do?

Edgar's eyes narrowed, he tapped his foot on the floor, and he stared closely at Joel. I want you to be friends with him and watch him closely. I want to know who he talks to, who he trusts…. Especially Elmore.

Joel raised a brow, but couldn't say anything. He moved from the shelf to the cushion. Since when did Elmore become a threat to you? He asked

Elmore has always been Grandma's ticking bomb, but now with Stuart in the picture, I feel her voltage increasing. You may not know this yet, but one thing is certain Elmore will soon become a big threat. Do you think Grandma assigned Elmore to Stuart just because she's good at her job? My brother thinks bigger.

Silence fell between them.

Nothing about Stuart is ordinary. With that, Edgar sits down on his chair. Going through his system. Joel no matter what you think, remember, you are more related to me and whatever benefits me, benefits you also.

The elevator door slides shut with a soft chime.

Elmore exhales, her eyes fixed on the glowing numbers above the door. She was holding a cup of coffee; on the other hand, she had her bag. Today, she was wearing a burgundy bodycon maxi dress, her hair tied up in a ponytail as always, and the statement jewelry she was wearing was so captivating. Her dress shaped her body so well that every curve was visible.

Behind her, Stuart stood quietly.

She could feel the weight of him there, like a thought she didn't invite, yet couldn't dismiss.

Long morning? He asked from behind, his voice was smooth, calm, and measured. Like every word in his mouth was being processed before being said.

Elmore glanced at him through the mirror, “You can say that ”.

Her lips twisted , is it that obvious?

“To someone watching,” he replied.

The elevator door opens.

Elmore watched him step out first, then followed him closely. She was studying him… really studying him.

They were almost at Stuart's office entrance, when they heard a familiar voice from behind.

“Hold up big bro,” it was Joel. He caught up with them. Elmore greeted him then made her way to her office.

Joel gestured, mind if I walk with you?

Stuart fell into step beside him. No, I don't mind.

You are settling in well, Joel said casually. Not many people adapt this quickly.

I don't see it as adapting, he paused. It's more like returning. His response echoed in Joel's ear but he didn't react.

“ Yeah, I think so too.” I know you are very busy, but if it's convenient for you, can we hang out during the weekend? He asked.

Stuart's gaze fell on him calmly. He responded, I don't see why not.

Alright, I will make the arrangements, you just need to show up with him shaking Stuart's hand and walking towards the elevator. I will email you the details later.

Joel smiled, though his eyes sharpened.

Lewis Parker was already seated in Stuart's office. His looks were everything a lady could ask for, his physique gave him the perfect structure. He was undeniably handsome.

“And look who is here,” Stuart said as he walked into his office. His face lights up with a warm smile. Finally, someone decided to return home, and Lewis responded with a warm handshake. How's your stay in London so far? Lewis asked.

It's been good, that's all I can say.

“Stuart, I didn't know you would be needing me this much, for real, bro, you just got back,” Lewis teased.

I know it was too sudden, but trust me it's for the better. Stuart replied.

Come to my office, he said immediately he heard the voice from the other end. He hung up.

Care for coffee, or do you want to start with champagne? he asked teasingly.

We can do champagne later tonight, but for now, we sip coffee and chill.

Elmore steps in. Sir… you ”,

She stopped

So did Lewis.

Hello, she greeted

Oh! Elmore said softly, I didn't realize you had company. Eyes flickering between them.

“Ivy, it's fine,” Lewis met Elmore Ivy Williams. Ivy met Lewis Parker. He's the one I told you would be joining us. Stuart introduced them to each other.

Lewis stood up for a handshake. “Hello, Elmore.” Hello Lewis, I work as the director of corporate relations. Nice meeting you, Elmore said, offering a polite smile. Likewise, Lewis replied.

Stuart cleared his throat.

Elmore shifted her gaze, “ I can come back later.”

No stay, Stuart responded too quickly. He caught himself, no you can stay, besides you need to do some handover.

Lewis smirked, he has never seen Stuart say a word so eagerly. He knew Elmore was more than what he introduced her as.

Then I will have to go get some file, Lewis, you can come with me, your office is ready.

The door clicked shut.

Wow, bro, what was that? Lewis asked with a suspicious look. She's very beautiful and graceful. I guess she's caught your attention, huh?

Stuart knew he didn't have to answer that. He just looked at Lewis and scoffed. He pushed his seat backwards, adjusting his tie.

Hi baby girl, Elmore was walking towards her car when her phone rang. Hello baby girl. It was Emma. So the gentleman I told you about…. Emmmm hold up, the one from the airport? Elmore asked.

Yes baby, so he called earlier and invited me for a drink. Emma is a date or he's just inviting you to come sit with him and gulp down some beer and soda? Elmore asked inquisitively. Girllll relax and listen first, so he said he will be coming with a good friend who hasn't been in town for a long time now. I've already told him I'm coming with my best friend and for your information… Hey girl, you cannot decline for any reason, I'm just telling you to get ready. Elmore knew she could not fight this so at the end she agreed. Alright, girl, I'm on my way home. See you in a jiffy.

Elmore adjusts the strap of her dress, catching her reflection on the mirrored wall. This time her hair was perfectly laid on her shoulder down to her back. She looks so chic, confident, and dangerous.

“You look insane girl,” Emma complimented, grinning at her as they walked into the VIP section of Havana club. If anyone survives tonight, it's obvious it wouldn't be men cause damn girl, we are hot. Elmore chuckled.

Lewis walked up to them. To his surprise, he saw Elmore with Emma. He glanced at Elmore closely to be sure. Emma hugged him. Ellie met Lewis. Lewis meet el…. Elmore, he said before she could finish her sentence.

Uhmm…do you two know each other? Emma asked, a bit confused.

“ Yes,” Elmore replied.

Ok ladies, I think we should all sit down first. Lewis said as he led the way.

Behold. Stuart was sitting at the edge of the club, the lights were dimmed, and he could barely be seen by others. His jacket off, sleeves rolled up, his shirt loosely buttoned, expression relaxed in a way Elmore has never seen before, a glass in his hand.

For a second it felt like the music dropped. Elmore looked puzzled, but mustered the courage to sit next to him. She felt like a child who had been caught doing something bad.

“Well,” Lewis said. Noticing them first. I think the only person who needs to be introduced is Emma. He turned to her. Emma met my good friend Stuart.

Stuart Hale Yates Elmore added. Emma looked at Elmore, she really wanted to ask a lot of questions, but in the end, she replied faintly. Nice meeting you Stuart.

“My pleasure,” Stuart responded.

His gaze locked on Elmore. It was his first time seeing her with her hair down.

Her dress, her confidence, her well-shaped body. The way she looked tonight.

He could feel something rising inside him.

Lewis laughed , he could feel the tension between them. Let's all relax, tonight Elmore is Emma's friend, and Stuart is my friend, the one I told you about, he said, turning to Emma. We can continue with the position s**t tomorrow, as for tonight we party.

“Emma, you wanna dance”?

Sure she replied. They headed to the dance floor leaving Stuart and Elmore behind.

Stuart hesitated for a second, then extended his hand to Elmore. One dance, huh? She studied him then placed her hand on his.

Just one she responded.

The dance floor swallowed them, lights flashing, hands moving, body colliding, heat rising. Stuart's hand settled on her waist, while she wrapped her hands around his neck. Eyes locked on each other steady and deliberate. Stuart could feel her warm breath as they landed on his chest. Every hair at the back of his ear stood up.

This feels different, she said, trying to break the rising tension between them.

Then let's make it more different. Hi, I'm Stuart. What's your name?

His voice was as tender as ever, his gaze was mild and warm. He sounded different, he seemed very gentle.

Elmore chuckled. She couldn't believe what was happening, but decided to flow with the moment.

Hi, I am Ivy. She replied, and Stuart couldn't help but smile. Ivy, you look so beautiful tonight. Elmore could feel the butterflies in her belly jubilating. Stuart leaned in, his voice low. Ivy, you look like trouble tonight.

Elmore couldn't help but smile, this time her smile was big, her eyes held more warmth than questions.

‘So do you,’ she replied.

Their eyes held too long, too intense

They swayed to the sound of the music, but it felt more like they swayed to the sound of each other's heartbeat.

Neither of them noticed the figure that was watching them from above. Phone glowing faintly in the dark. His eyes filled with determination. With a cigarette in his hand. Edgar knew something was already cooking……

Across the floor, Lewis and Emma were laughing, drinking, and sharing memories. Caught up in their own world.