Chapter 93
âNo way!â Steward was the first to oppose. After uttering those two words, he started coughing again.
In the past, whenever he coughed like that, Sanderson would relent, but today Sanderson poured a glass of water and handed it to him with a resolute look in his eyes.
Steward took a sip of the water, quelling the itch in his throat, and then set the cup down on the coffee table with a sigh. âI donât have many years left. Canât you guys wait to split the estate until after Iâm gone?â
Sanderson spoke up. âDad, are you okay with Lia going out to dinner with Calvert?â
Steward darkened his face instantly, âOf course not!â
Sanderson felt a warmth in his heart, but before he could speak, Steward softened his tone, âBut if Calvert is earnest in pursuing Cordelia, I might consider it. But heâd have to show some real commitment. Cordelia must be married properly and with respect.â
Sanderson remained silent, and his gaze gradually grew colder.
Steward had always favored him since he was a child. When times were tough and there were only two eggs home, Laurinda would give one to Kermit and one to Steward. And more often than not, Steward would hide his, sneaking it to Sanderson later. But his emphasis on family interests was too strong.
Sanderson didnât want to argue anymore, âDad, letâs split the estate.â
Cordelia had been standing at the doorway all this time. Her eyes were lowered. Within her detached gaze, there was now a touch of softness.
She never felt much belonging to this family, but at this moment, she truly felt she was protected by her parents.
Seeing Sanderson so adamant, Steward was about to say something to make him stay, while Kermit suddenly spoke up, âYeah, letâs split up! We should divide the estate! Itâs always Sanderson holding us back. If weâd invested in that project, weâd be making money by now! I want my share!â
Steward was taken aback, looking incredulously at Kermit, âYou want to split the estate too?â
Kermit nodded, âYes, Iâm nearly fifty. Itâs time I made my decisions. Why should I still have to listen to Sanderson â
Steward was stunned.
Laurinda snorted coldly. âDarling, both your sons are no longer coordinated. Why force them to stay together? Letâs just split it! But the estate should be divided into four, I want my share!â
For Steward, with both sons and his wife wanting to split, he knew it was inevitable, even if he disagreed. He took a deep breath and said, âFine, if you want to split the estate, weâll do it fairly!â
He lowered his gaze, âIâll divide the company shares into two, one half for Sanderson, and the other half into three for me, Kermit, and Laurinda. Do you agree?â
Kermit immediately protested, âWhy does Sanderson get half?â
Laurinda also chimed in, âYeah, why does he get as much as the three of us?
Steward slapped his armrest, âThé company was built by Sanderson. The development itâs seen over the years is thanks to his hard work! Half is his due!â
Laurinda objected, âI disagree, the money we made when we were united was for the whole family!â
Kermit, shameless, added, âYeah, I donât agree either. When the family only had a few thousand dollars, it all went to Sanderson for business. Not a penny for me!â
Steward shouted back, âBack then all you knew was playing cards. What good would give you money
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done?â
Kermit was unabashed, âI donât care, the estate is in your name. Weâre both your sons. You canât favor one over
the other.â
Before Steward could retort, Sanderson spoke, âLetâs just divide everything into four equal parts.â He didnât want to take advantage of his family and decided to split things in the fairest way possible.
At the sight of Sandersonâs resolution, Steward inhaled deeply, âAlright, four equal parts it is. The cash will be split four ways as well. As for the properties, aside from this family home, we have four villas, one for dach. As for this family home, your mother and I will stay . Kermit, you move out!â
Without the instigation of Rachel and Juliana, Laurinda couldnât cause much trouble alone.
But Kermit and Rachel exchanged glances, both understanding each otherâs thoughts.
Steward and Laurinda still held shares in the company. If Sanderson stayed in the family home, wouldnât all that eventually go to him?
Kermit immediately went to Laurindaâs side, shaking her shoulders and pleading, âMom, I canât leave you. I want to live with you!â
Rachel gave Juliana a look, and Juliana too quickly teared up, âGrandma, I canât bear to leave you.â
Laurinda, swayed by their pleading, declared, âNo, Lorna and I donât get along. Cordelia, that girl, doesnât even see me as her grandma. I want to live with Kermit!â
Steward glared, âThen you go live with Kermit. Iâll stay with Sanderson!â
Laurinda immediately launched into crying, making a scene with an air of threatening despair, âIs ungrateful Sanderson trying to throw me out? Why is my life so miserable?*
eus.come
Sanderson looked at Steward, âDad, keep the family home. Letâs not fight anymore. If you miss us, come stay at my place for a few days.â
Steward, watching the chaos in the living room, his gaze fell on Sanderson who used to follow him around, now a man standing tall with white hair at his temples.
Sanderson had aged too.
Steward reddened her eyes, âOkay.â
They called a lawyer right then and there, and drafted a property division agreement. After signing, they handed it to Steward, who then passed his share of the stocks to Sanderson, âSanderson, I entrust my share
to you â
Sanderson wanted to refuse, but Steward pushed the agreement into his hands and went upstairs.
Steward in his seventies, once tall and strong, now hunched. The sight of him with his hands behind his back was particularly heartâwrenching.
Sanderson remained silent.
Upstairs, Sanderson and Lorna spoke to Cordelia with a smile, âOur new home is a small villa. Itâs smaller this place, but itâs a lot more comfortable. Pack up tonight, weâll move first thing in the morning!â
Cordelia nodded.
Her belongings were few. She packed a suitcase and then started to study.
The next morning, with a bright smile, Lorna handed Cordelia a plate of scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. âTonight, let Larry take you to your new place. Iâll follow with your luggage,â she said.
Cordelia nodded in agreement. Stepping outside she saw her car parked at the curb. She hopped in, and the engine hummed to life.
As they drove, Cordelia busied herself with book. After a while, she glanced up and out the window, a sense
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Chapter 93
of unease washing over her.
This wasnât the way to school!
She looked up sharply, only to see Kermit, her uncle, grinning at her from the driverâs seat. âCordelia, do me a favor, will you? Keep Mr. Wallace company at breakfast,â he chuckled.
At Midnight Scent.
Cordelia, who usually arrived by 7:20 AM at the latest, hadnât shown up. Everard, sitting behind the counter. couldnât focus on his book. He kept glancing at the door, a mix of concern and anticipation brewing within him.