Chapter 1000: Reputation

Chapter 1000: Reputation

Camille was momentarily stunned, then she reached out to take the

document. She asked, "What is this?"

Ayan asked her to open and take a look. Camille quickly scanned the

contents and saw Horace's signature. She looked back at Ayan and

asked, "Do you want me to transfer my shares to Horace for real?"

Ayan explained, "Not to transfer them, but to do it in name only. This

agreement is legally protected, and Horace won't take actual

ownership. He wouldn't dare.”

Ayan had grasped the fact that Horace was genuinely in love with

Grace, and that made him all the more certain that this approach was

the best way to deal with Brody and Page. Only by nullifying Brody's

rights and leaving the Armstrong family with no say in Armstrong Corp

would he be forced to give up. . Otherwise, Horace would never

manage Armstrong Corp effectively, given the constant turmoil Brody

and Page would cause when they found out Grace and Horace being

together.

Camille didn't immediately respond after hearing Ayan's explanation.

Her expression was somewhat blank, and she squinted slightly. She

asked Ayan, “This is just signing an agreement, right? There's no actual

transfer of shares?"

"Of course not, just an agreement to convince Brody."

Camille nodded lightly. She still had a serious look on her face as she

told Ayan, "I've said it before, I'll never sell my shares in Armstrong

Corp to anyone. I want to keep them in my hands so I can have peace

of mind."

In reality, Camille hadn't personally benefited much from her shares in

Armstrong Corp. She used most of the dividends for charitable

purposes to help those in need. Her shareholding wasn't substantial,

and given the ongoing investments and expenses in Armstrong Corp,

the profits weren't particularly significant.

All along, Brody and Page had believed that she clung to her shares for

the money. However, the truth was, she had no need for that little

money. Her reason for holding onto her shares was simply to maintain

a balance within Armstrong Corp. If she had given all her shares to

Brody, considering his character, he would have readily sold them to

others whenever he needed money or wanted to involve Armstrong

Corp in any way, just like what happened with Horace.

However, not everyone was like Horace. If they sold her shares to

someone with ulterior motives, it would likely spell the end for

Armstrong Corp.

Camille was open about her thoughts and explained everything to

Ayan. He understood her perspective, which was why he and Horace

had come up with this agreement.

Ayan assured Camille, "Don't worry, whether Horace genuinely covets

your shares or not, I have ways to ensure he won't even think about it."

Camille nodded once more. She gazed at Ayan with a calm expression

and asked, "How did you persuade Horace?"

"He also wants full control over Armstrong Corp's decision-making.

Given the current state of Armstrong Corp's operations, it's hard to

move forward. Your father's thinking is too narrow, always focused on

immediate gains without considering whether these profits will benefit

or harm Armstrong Corp in the long run. Such management can't take a

company to greater heights.”

He had a serious expression on his face, and his deep black eyes

sparkled with seriousness about his work. It was just words, but Camille

could still clearly see the dedication in him.

Camille's lips curled up involuntarily, and she spoke in a low voice, "So,

are you praising Horace now?"

"Isn't it normal to do so?"

“It's quite unusual to see someone whom Mr. Simpson praises."

Camille teased.

Ayan said, "He is capable. Otherwise, Armstrong Corp wouldn't have

recovered to this extent in such a short time."

Camille nodded lightly. She sipped her lips and said, "Since you've

considered everything thoroughly, let's do it your way."

Camille agreed, and she had never doubted Ayan. She had complete

trust in him when it came to this matter.

Ayan, after all, had no need to covet her small shareholding. If he had

any interest in it, he wouldn't have involved Horace in the first place.

So, she totally trusted him.

Camille didn't say much, but Ayan was eager to ask, “You seem to trust

me completely, without any worry that I might have ulterior motives?"

“No worries at all. You're Mr. Simpson, with the vast empire of Simpson

Group. Why would you bother with my meager shares? That would be

beneath you, Mr. Simpson. So, please don't entertain such thoughts;

they would tarnish your reputation.”

"Are you trying to flatter me?"

“I'm just stating the facts."

Camille replied earnestly.

They exchanged smiles, and Ayan reached out to hold her hand. His

voice grew even more tender as he said, "The Armstrong family's

issues will be resolved soon. You just need to keep your composure.

Regardless of who contacts you, as long as it's related to the

Armstrong family, you don't have to respond, alright?"

Camille nodded in agreement. "Alright, I understand. I won't go near the

Armstrong family anymore."

"It's not just about going the Armstrong family; you don't have to meet

anyone of them outside or respond to their calls or messages either.

Everything will be handled once I've resolved it, okay?"

"Okay, I got it."

With Camille's repeated assurances, Ayan left the Simpson's mansion

and headed to Simpson Group with a sense of reassurance.

There was still some time before lunch. He couldn't use having lunch

together as an excuse to stay longer. Camille had to prepare for the

arrival of the old Simpson, who was expected to come in the afternoon

with Fletcher and Talia. While there were housemaids, she wanted to

personally handle some tasks.

Camille had just finished making the bed with the housekeeper when

her phone rang.

It was Page calling.

Camille didn't hesitate and immediately declined the call.

But a moment later, Brody called.

Again, she didn't answer.

Following Ayan's instructions, she decided to ignore these calls for now.

Everything could wait until Ayan had resolved the situation.

The calls came in for several times. Camille continued not to answer,

and Brody and Page refused to give up. Finally, they used Grace's

phone to call.

Camille remembered what Grace had told her last night, so she

declined this call as well.

At this point, Brody and Page were furious. They were supposed to

have a family dinner with the Wesley family in the evening, and Camille

was expected to accompany them. If Camille refused to go, they

wouldn't be able to explain the situation to the Wesley family.

Brody was so angry that he even threw a teacup. His face turned red

with frustration, and his eyes were filled with anger. He shouted, "What

does Camille mean by this? Does she think that having Ayan on her

side makes her invincible?"

Page was at a loss and asked, "What should we do now? If Camille

doesn't answer the phone, how can we explain the situation to the

Wesley family tonight?"

With a cold expression on his face, Brody said, "Let Grace go find her.

Grace has gotten closer to her, right? Let Grace go find her and bring

her to the hotel.”

Page quickly nodded and went upstairs to knock on Grace's bedroom

door.

Page entered, and Grace, leaning on her bed, was reading a book.

Seeing Page come in, her expression remained cold.

Page sat down on the edge of the bed, not detecting anything unusual

about Grace's expression. She spoke gently, “Grace, Mom need your

help. Can you do her a favor?"

Grace instinctively became guarded and looked at Page. She asked,

"What favor?"

"Could you go and find Cami? We're having dinner together tonight

outside, and Mom want you to bring her along. Can you do that?"

Grace had overheard Page and Brody's conversation last night, but she

didn't show any sign of it. She just asked, "Why do we have to have

dinner with her?"