Chapter 486
It wasn’t until they arrived at the estate that Camilla and the others understood the reason for Darwin’s solemn demeanor.
Aside from Oscar and Tessa, there was a lawyer present in the living room, and two equity transfer agreements were placed on the table.
Seeing the setup, Camilla instantly guessed the situation.
Sure enough, Darwin cleared his throat and looked at Lance. “Lance, your parents asked you here today because they want to transfer all their shares to your name. I know you have your own business and no desire to take over the family company, but that’s a minor detail. Once you agree, your father will remain at the company until you are ready to take over, or until Jasper grows up and can relieve him. Aside from the ownership change, this won’t affect you in any way. What do you say p>
Tessa didn’t say a word, but her eyes were fixed on Lance with deep anticipation and obvious nervousness.
She knew Lance didn’t want to see her, so she had deliberately stayed away for the past few days, quietly preparing the transfer documents.
Lance completely ignored Tessa’s nervous gaze. “Are you done?” he asked coldly. “I’ve told you many times, I don’t need your compensation, and our relationship ends here. You can take your things back. From now on, unless it’s absolutely necessary, we go our separate ways p>
“I Disappointment filled Tessa’s face. She opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.
Oscar stepped in. “Lance, I already had the papers drawn up. Even if it’s not compensation, can’t you just accept it as a token of gratitude for saving your mother p>
“I don’t need it,” Lance replied stiffly, refusing to yield an inch.
“Lance, do you really hate us that much? You won’t even accept what we want to give you?” Tessa clutched her chest, looking at him with deep hurt and grievance.
Lance turned directly to the butler, forcefully shifting the topic. “Weren’t we asked back for dinner? Is the food ready? Jasper was getting hungry at the hospital p>
Some wounds could not be erased with money.
Even if Lance didn’t want to actively blame Tessa anymore, he knew perfectly well that he couldn’t play the part of a loving son.
So it was better to avoid contact altogether.
“Right, right. Please wait a moment, sir. I’ll have the food brought out immediately,” the butler replied, catching a silent nod of approval from Darwin. He quickly hurried off to direct the staff.
Tessa still refused to give up. “Lance, I p>
“Enough. If he doesn’t want it, don’t force him. Let’s eat first,” Darwin interrupted, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority.
Tessa’s lips trembled. She glanced between Lance and Darwin, before finally saying stiffly, “I have no appetite. I’m going back p>
“Halt. Everyone is here, how does it look if you just leave? Whatever it is, we can discuss it after dinner,” Darwin reprimanded, stopping her in her tracks.
Tessa continued to cast unwilling glances toward Lance. Oscar stepped in to mediate. “Listen to Dad. We don’t often get to sit down and have a meal together as a family p>
Tessa didn’t argue further, but she remained completely silent throughout the meal. Aside from occasionally glancing at Camilla and Jasper, her focus was almost entirely on Lance.
Her gaze was careful, and whenever Lance noticed her looking, she quickly darted her eyes away.
In the past, she had habitually given everything to Sarah, completely ignoring whether Lance needed anything.
Now that she truly wanted to give him something, she realized he no longer wanted it.
The atmosphere at dinner was incredibly awkward. Camilla felt deeply uncomfortable sitting in the middle of it. When the agonizing meal finally ended, she was about to find an excuse to leave, but Darwin called her into his study.
The door closed. Inside the study were Darwin, Camilla, the lawyer, and the butler.
The equity transfer agreements from the living room were now sitting on the desk.
“Grandpa, did you call me in here for something specific?” Camilla asked, pulling her gaze away from the documents after a brief glance.
“Camilla, have a seat. Let’s have a nice chat,” Darwin said.
The butler pulled out a chair for her and handed her a cup of hot tea.
Since an elder was inviting her, Camilla couldn’t refuse.
She sat across from Darwin and listened as he asked, “Camilla, what are your thoughts on what happened today p>
“Grandpa, if you brought me here to ask me to persuade Lance, please don’t,” Camilla said gently but firmly. “I promised him at the hospital that I would support whatever decisions he makes. I also believe that the neglect and hurt Aunt Tessa caused him in the past cannot be smoothed over by a transfer of shares. So I will not ask him to compromise on this p>