Chapter 157 - Visit To Wyatt Manor (2)

Cole longed to be in his room. The memories flooded him and he looked at Dawn for approval. She nodded and he darted. 

Lily chuckled at his enthusiasm. Then she turned to Daryn and said, "Meet my daughter Anne and her husband, David McDow, Chairman of The Starfish Refineries." The two conveyed polite hellos "And that is Helena. She has been taking care of me like my own daughter-in-law ever since Clare died," Lily said warmly pointing at her. 

Helena bowed slightly. Her facial expressions were tight. Daryn reminded her of how his father Gayle had pushed her to get out of the Wyatt Manor, but she had continued to stay on. In fact she had pushed his daughter and son out of the place and took hold of the property—well not completely, but a large part. She had her plans ready. As soon as Lily Wyatt would die, she would control the whole Wyatt Empire. She wondered if Daryn knew about the plan that was hatched between Gayle and her. She also found it funny that Dawn was Gayle's daughter-in-law, the man who had tried to sabotage one of Luke's companies. If she was with Daryn, then there were high chances that she was unaware. An evil smile came on her face. That was one thing she could use against them. 

"That is my granddaughter, Cecilia," Lily finally introduced her. "She was eagerly waiting to meet y—" she coughed at her mistake, "Dawn and Cole." 

Daryn looked at Cecilia. She was so different from her cousin, Dawn. Overly dressed for a simple dinner evening? And why was she blushing? 

When Daryn's gaze fell on her, Cecilia's blush became deeper. 'Oh my! He is interested in me,' she thought. 

"Hello Cecilia," Dawn said. But Cecilia ignored her and said, "Hello Mr. Silver." 

"Hi there!" he waved at her. 

Cecilia's mouth fell. She couldn't stop staring at the most handsome man she had ever seen. 

Neal was sitting quietly all the time, watching them like a hawk. It was clear that instead of asking how Dawn and Cole did all these years, the family was more interested in talking to Daryn.

In order to further the conversation, David said, "I heard that the Silver House is planning on expanding further." 

Daryn took a deep breath. Why would he talk about his business to this man? So he changed the topic. "I heard that the government is keeping an eye on The Starfish Refineries." Mentally, he communicated to Dawn, 'Why aren't they talking to you?' She shrugged.

David flinched and let out a nervous laughter. He waved a hand and said, "You should know what it is to be in an industry like that. Everyone behind your back tries to spread baseless rumors." 

'Baseless rumor!' That was the most ridiculous thing Dawn had listened to. 

Lily interrupted, "We should allow the men to talk." She looked at Dawn and said, "Join me for a walk outside in the garden. I am sure you would like to take a look at the greens that your mother used to take care of with a lot of interest." She had to lure Dawn out of the place in order to give Cecilia a chance to talk to Daryn. 

Anne understood and coaxed her. "Yes! I would like to show you how nicely we've been taking care of the lawns. You will love it Dawn." 

Dawn couldn't help feeling nostalgic. That was one place her mother loved to spend time in. Her father always appreciated her efforts. But in reality she knew that because of her grandmother, her mother was reduced to spending time in the garden or kitchen. Lily controlled all the business apart from her son. "Sure!" she said enthusiastically. 

Anne looked at Helena, but Helena was in no mood to join them. She said, "I have some business to attend and will be back for dinner." She gave a tight smile and went inside. 

Cecilia continued to sit in her place. She leaned forward as her father talked to Daryn about business in order to show interest in the conversation and appear intelligent.

Lily and Anne walked with Dawn to the gardens outside in silence. Dawn noticed the bonsai trees that were lined in a neat row in their designer wooden boxes, which her mother had ordered long back. In the center there was a small, gentle water fountain, which boasted of a lovely marble statue of the Greek Goddess, Aphrodite, which her father had to ship from Greece because of her mother's insistence. She had introduced lily pads and koi carp in it. The soft cushion grass of the garden was like therapy to Dawn's feet. The flowers bloomed and formed a riot over the neat line of bricks and she stopped to inhale the smell. She closed her eyes. It was beautiful. She rubbed her hands over her arms. 

"Your mother really liked gardening," Anne commented. 

Lily chuckled with sarcasm. "Yes that was Clare's specialty because she actually failed in most other areas. So what could she do? This was the best option." 

Anne laughed. "It seems you've got your 'Greens' genes from your mom," said Anne acerbically. 

Dawn lowered her eyes. The reality of being with those who hated her weighed upon her. 'What were you thinking Dawn? They will suddenly become friendly?' In a way she wasn't even expecting any pleasantries. She took off her sandals and walked barefoot ahead of them. Without looking back she answered, "Yes, the landscape my mother shaped is so beautiful that it remains the same till now, because no one can ever match her creativity." Not only did she appreciate her mother's efforts, she even put her on a higher pedestal by saying that her creativity was the best. This also meant that she was suppressed yet she showed her best part in another form. 

Lily grunted understanding Dawn's smart implication.

"As for my green genes, I am proud they are from my mom, because there are several genes I wish I never had," she answered her aunt. 

Anne's face paled. Dawn just insulted her in the worst possible manner. 

Lily narrowed her eyes and quickly said, "You both can take a walk together. I will go and see how the cooks are preparing." 

"I will also join you," said Anne and left with her mother. 

Dawn was happy that the two had gone. She wanted to be alone in the garden. The air became better and she ambled further. 

Lily had to take advantage of the time. She asked Anne to go to the kitchen while she went to Cole's room. 

She found Cole lying on his mattress, staring at the ceiling. The bed sheet was crumpled beneath him and he had obviously been jumping on his bed. 

"Cole?" 

Cole sat immediately. 

Lily laughed. "It's alright," she said and sat on the edge of the bed. "Do you like it here?" she asked. 

He nodded. His face was pink with excitement. 

"Then why don't you come back?" 

His eyebrows lowered as he stared at his grandmother, trying to comprehend her statement. 

Lily gave him a glass of orange juice that she had brought from the kitchen for him. "Have this," she said with a warm smile. 

Cole took it politely. He sipped it. 

After a while, Lily continued, "I would love to have you back here Cole because you are the heir of this business. But I don't want Dawn to be with you."