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."
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..."
"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."
"Grandpa, you must be joking. Uncle Oscar is still running the company. I'm an outsider, how could I..."
"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..."
"Camilla, don't decline. Just think of it as getting familiar with the business for Jasper's sake, alright?"



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