Chapter 487
Hearing Camilla’s resolute response, Darwin shook his head with a helpless smile. “You young people, always in such a rush. When did I say I wanted you to persuade Lance? For years, those two neglected him, and now they’re reaping what they sowed. But the shares of The Charles Group cannot fall into the wrong hands. Camilla, I’m asking you to sign these papers and accept the equity p>
Camilla wondered if she had misheard.
The shares currently held by Tessa and Oscar combined amounted to ten percent. Translated into cash, it was worth billions of dollars.
Even during her years in the Carter family, and now moving in these elite circles, she had never seen that much money. Even at its peak, the Carter family’s entire fortune wasn’t worth this much.
And now Darwin was telling her he wanted to give it all to her.
“Grandpa, did you mis-speak? How could I possibly take so much equity in The Charles Group?” Camilla asked in disbelief.
“It’s meant for you. Since they’ve already agreed to transfer it, they can’t take it back. If Lance doesn’t want it, I’m making the decision to give it all to you. You p>
“If Lance doesn’t want it, I won’t accept it on his behalf,” Camilla emphasized again.
“You’re not accepting it on his behalf; it’s being given directly to you. Camilla, you can see that Lance has a lot of resentment toward the family. When he finished his military service, he chose to start his own business rather than return. But I’m getting old, and I don’t know how many years I have left. I need to get things settled. Jasper is still young, and it will take a lot of time for him to grow up. So Camilla, I want you to take these shares and step into The Charles Group p>
“Grandpa, you must be joking. Uncle Oscar is still running the company. I’m an outsider, how could I p>
“What do you mean, ‘outsider’? You’re Jasper’s mother, my granddaughter-in-law. My grandson’s entire heart is focused on you. The Charles family could host your wedding at any moment; it’s just a matter of time. You will always be a part of this family. As for Oscar… he’s too steady. He lacks drive, and he’s too easily swayed by his wife. I don’t feel comfortable leaving the company entirely in his hands. Camilla, I know your capabilities. I’ve looked at the records for BLC. You built it from nothing to its current scale all on your own. I want The Charles Group to be your new battlefield. Besides, Jasper is going to inherit it eventually anyway. If you, his mother, take charge and eventually hand it over to him, wouldn’t you feel more at ease?” Darwin guided her patiently.
“But p>
“Camilla, don’t decline. Just think of it as getting familiar with the business for Jasper’s sake, alright p>
He had lowered his pride and practically begged her, even bringing Jasper into the equation, which made it harder for Camilla to refuse outright. “But Grandpa, I studied design. I have no background in finance. I was able to manage BLC because its core business is design. I’m worried p>
“There’s nothing to worry about. Oscar will assist you for the next couple of years. And with me still around to keep things in line, the board wouldn’t dare cause trouble. You just learn as you go. Even if something does go wrong, don’t panic. I can still cover for you for a few more years,” Darwin assured her.
Handing the company to Camilla wasn’t just about the reasons he stated aloud; Darwin had his own calculations.
Lance was clearly determined to cut ties with Oscar and Tessa, but they were still his parents. Darwin couldn’t bear to see his family completely fractured. By doing this, he was taking a strategic detour.
If Camilla joined The Charles Group, she would naturally have more contact with Tessa and Oscar. Given how attached Lance was to Camilla, he would definitely visit the headquarters more often. Over time, all that exposure might just soften his stance toward his parents, at least ending this cold war.
Darwin pushed the documents toward her again. “Sign them, Camilla. Just grant an old man his wish p>
“This is a massive responsibility. I really think I need to discuss it with Lance,” Camilla insisted.
Darwin was handing her the legacy and succession rights of The Charles Group. If she accepted quietly without telling Lance, it would be deeply disrespectful to him.
Darwin waved his hand dismissively, not stopping her. “Go on, Camilla. Just remember, my offer stands. But please, don’t make me wait too long. I want to see you fully take the reins of the company before I pass p>
Stepping out of the study, Camilla felt a heavy weight pressing down on her heart, as if a massive burden had suddenly been placed on her shoulders.
She stood in the hallway, unable to move immediately.
A chaotic jumble of thoughts sprouted in her mind, tangling together into a messy knot.
Inside the study, Darwin’s sudden decision had taken everyone by surprise. The butler and the lawyer, especially Victor Vance, were visibly stunned.
Attorney Vance was the head of the legal department at The Charles Group.