Chapter 98: Scheming Mother and Son

Soft smoke oozed out of a transparent teapot. Fog clouded the glass, shielding the black tea from piercing eyes. The pot sat on top of a ceramic warmer where a small fire burned at its base. The warmer had gold detailing that outlined the black exterior—which matched the lid of the teapot. 

On either side of them, pastries filled up 3-tier cake stands. Cupcakes, cookies, biscuits, scones, macaroons and many more colored the table. Jam jars had been placed beside two plates of cinnamon rolls. A basket of fresh fruits had been provided for a refreshing food option. 

"So you settled for that as gift, huh?" Jackson commented. He picked up a gold spoon and added sugar to his tea. The black cup had a golden rim to complete the ceramic tea set. 

"Yes. What do you think of it, mother?"

Avery shook her head as she plucked out a grape from its stem. Then, she raised her cup to her lips, chewing on the fruit. "I think it's wonderful. I'm impressed that you came up with such a gift."

"I did have some help. I had talked it out with Eve."

Choking, Avery almost spit out her tea. "Eve? Have you always spoken to her about these matters? I always thought you picked them out on your own."

'That would actually explain a lot,' she thought. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the news. Of course, Eve knew exactly what kind of gift Evangeline would favor. The young woman must have done a good job at hinting. 

A side-smile curled Avery's lips, enjoying her own inside joke.

It was moments like this that assured her that she made the right choice with Eve.

Ambryan waved his hand and brushed off the comment. He reached for a scone and a spoonful of raspberry jam. "She happened to be in the room when it happened. Her remarks offered a different view from my own. 

"Oh, I bet." Avery chuckled. "Asking a female's opinion does good on choosing presents for other females. I think you should ask her more often, especially if Evangeline loves your gift."

"Hm, maybe."

She hid a smirk behind her teacup. 

Jackson grunted, pulling out his mobile phone from his inner breast pocket. He glanced at the screen and crease lines wrinkled on his forehead. "I think I will head back to the study. There's an update for a bidding on a building near our studios. If we get it, we can expand."

Avery's cup clattered on a white saucer. "On a Sunday?"

"Sorry, dear. I don't control the schedule," her husband replied. He finished his tea and stood up. 

Ambryan half-rose from his chair. "I'll come with you."

"There's no need," Jackson protested, walking behind his wife's chair. "Stay here with your mother. Otherwise, we won't hear the end of it if we both leave."

"At least, take your Richard with you," Avery suggested. She craned her neck to meet her husband's teal eyes. "The faster you finish what you have to do, the sooner you can get back."

Richard began shaking his head. "I don't think that will be good. I'm not part of the compa—"

"Please?" Avery cooed, wrapping her arms around Jackson's torso. "I just want you to come back as soon as possible. Richard is more than capable to help you out with his experience."

Ambryan stared at his tea as if studying how the light reflected on the brown liquid. Piano music played inside his head, blocking out external noise. He transported to another world other people couldn't see. 

In this paradise, he was alone and, more importantly, was free from PDA.

"Alright," Jackson sighed. He kissed the top of his wife's head. "We'll be back once we seal the deal. Richard, you heard the woman. Come with me and don't dilly dally."

His legs strode towards the sliding doors. 

Richard scrambled out of his seat. He yelped when his knee hit the table. The pain throbbed around the area, each step triggering it more. He did his best to ignore it and catch up to Jackson. 

Ambryan put his cup down. He leaned his back to the left and titled his head in the same direction. His face contracted to a serious expression. He watched his mother through keen eyes. She chose a purple cupcake and flicked at the icing.

The creamy texture exploded in her mouth. 

It was just the right amount of sweetness.

"So, why did you get rid of Richard?" Ambryan asked, getting straight to the point. 

Avery looked up and grinned. Of course, her son picked up on her act. She put the cupcake down and rested her chin on interlaced hands. "I just thought this would be the perfect chance."

"For what?"

A full-blown smile blossomed on her lips. "To discuss Evangeline's bodyguard, of course."

Ambryan raised his eyebrows. Wen hadn't informed him of recent progress. This must have happened earlier in the day. He shifted on his seat and leaned towards the table. "You have found one?"

"Well, there will be a team but there is one main bodyguard who will be by her side." Avery took out her phone. She scrolled through her files and searched for the one related to Evangeline's security plan. 

"Let me see."

Then, she shared it, saying, "I already sent it to your email."

Avery watched as her son turned on his own phone. She waited for him to finish reading. With Wen's help, they thoroughly created a detailed draft. She did keep a few things to herself such as the parts related to Evangelines's dual identity. 

"30 years old?" Ambryan questioned, reaching the profiles for each bodyguard.

"What about it?"

"Isn't there anyone younger?" He asked further and checked out the rest of the security team. He would have preferred someone close to Evangeline's age. Although the gap between 25 and 30 wasn't wide, he still felt unsure about the choice for the main bodyguard position.

"First, 30 is not that old. She's still perfectly fit and capable to act in case of emergency," Avery pointed out. Her face contoured into a deadpan expression. "Second, I want someone who will not only look out for Evangeline but also look after her."

Ambryan cocked an eyebrow. "Like a nanny?"

"Not necessarily a nanny but you do know about her eating habits. If you have any suggestions, feel free to share it. We'll make sure she's well cared for even in your absence," his mother assured him, remembering his phone call earlier. 

They were just the right words to say.

"I'll look over the documents later. When can she start?" Ambryan sighed and tucked his phone away. He only managed to skim through the file. He'd rather have more time, inspecting every line. 

He took a sip of his tea.

"Depending on how quick we get things prepared, probably Friday." Avery shrugged. She picked up her cupcake again and took a bite. "Now, let's move to the next order of business."

"Which is?" Her son wondered, looking at her above the cup on his lips.

"Why… When will your father meet Evangeline?" She reminded him. It had been a week and she saw Jackson's patience dwindling. This afternoon lunch just proved it. "I was thinking of arranging a dinner next Sunday unless… you have a better idea. I was actually hoping for an activity."

This moment was crucial. She wanted everything to be perfect, no room for error that could ruin the atmosphere. The menu would include everyone's favorite dishes. But, after today's lunch, she rethought the idea. There had to be something better. 

Something all of them could enjoy. 

"An activity? Something father likes to do, I suppose," Ambryan stated. It had to be if they wanted him in a good mood. He had seen Evangeline interact with other businessmen but he'd rather not take chances. 

He was onboard with his mother's idea. 

"Hopefully, something Evangeline is good at too."

"To impress him?"

"It does add an advantage, don't you think?" Avery winked. She chewed the last bite of her cupcake. "There's only a handful of things he likes to do. I'd say let's go golfing but I don't want to."

Ambryan chuckled. He remembered the last time they went golfing as a family. His father wanted them to stick together, not letting his mother escape to the country club. She had made several swings but only scored one. 

It frustrated her.

On the other hand, Jackson had a wonderful time. 

Ambryan figured it was because, when it came to golfing, his father completely outshined his mother. His competitive nature made him feel so smug about this fact.

"There should be something else. Besides, you mentioned dinner. This is taking place in the evening? Not a good time for golfing."

"Yeah, Cale mentioned that Evangeline had a photoshoot. It should be done by 1700 hours." Bubbly energy sparked inside Avery's heart. She had heard the details about the ad campaign. She couldn't wait to see the results.

"A photoshoot?" Ambryan scowled. Something didn't sound right about this plan. "Shouldn't she rest after the shoot instead of attending another event?"

"Well, I can't think of a better time. Also, I had asked her already."

"And she agreed?"

"Of course."

Ambryan closed his eyes. 

Avery held back a snort. The reaction was simple but it spoke volumes. "Don't worry. Cale told me it's a simple shoot and we won't stay out late. You'll be with her anyway. You can decide to leave early if you want."