Chapter 294
“Timothy is dead. He died while trying to save Irvin,” William said bluntly.
+25 BONUS
“According to the survivors of the cruise ship explosion, you and your mentor weren’t the only outsiders onboard. The organization had also invited the real Timothy to the ship to discuss business.
“However, he didn’t want to get involved with the organization, so a conflict had broken out. And just when he had been about to leave, he coincidentally spotted a cornered Irvin. Seeing that Ir was badly injured, Timothy had sacrificed himself in order to save his twin brother,” he recounted.
I was stunned. Hearing the Truth had left me at a loss–I didn’t know what to make of it.
“So, the reason the Hardwells insist Irvin is Timothy is to hide that something has happened to Hardwell Group’s actual successor. They’re doing this to prevent fluctuations in their company’s stock prices. Am I right?” I asked.
William gave me a look that seemed to say, “Looks like you’re not completely clueless.”
Then , he explained, “It’s not just that. Before Mr. Hardwell Senior passed , he had transferred 30% of his shares to Timothy. In doing so, he had appointed Timothy as the heir. And to keep Hardwell Group’s shares within the family, female members are not allowed to own any of the shares.
“So, when a male member dies, his shares are divided among the remaining male family members. While the head of the family and his biological sons will receive a majority, other male family members will also be given a small portion.”
Then , he paused to confirm I was following his explanation. I nodded to indicate I was.
“Take Timothy’s death , for example,” he continued. “Let’s say Irvin doesn’t assume Timothy’s identity and instead returns to the Hardwell family as the younger twin. Then, Timothy’s shares will undergo a three–way split– 10 % will go to Magnus , another 10% will go to Irvin, and the remaining 10% will be split among the other male relatives.”
He asked, “Do you know how much 10% of Hardwell Group’s shares are
worth!
I didn’t know the exact figure, but I knew any rough estimate far exceeded my entire net worth. However , it seemed his question had been rhetorical because he didn’t wait for me to answer it.
“That’s not all. Not only will Timothy’s shares be redistributed, but the position as heir might not even remain in his family.” William’s tone grew more serious as he continued, “So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Hardwell or just an outsider–no one can know that Irvin has assumed Timothy’s identity. Because to them, he has to live as Timothy from now on.”
That meant Irvin could never be himself–he could never be his arrogant, dazzling, one–of–a–kind self ever again…
My heart ached uncontrollably at this thought.
As though seeing right through me, William scoffed and said, “Don’t let your heart ache for him. Irvin might have to live as Timothy, but that wife and child won’t be his. At the very least, he’ll still be alive. And in the future, Hardwell Group will be his.
“He’ll go from being your employee to shooting straight to the top of the high–society circle–Irvin’s life will be infinitely better.”
Meeting my gaze, he provocatively asked, “Or would you rather he had died in that explosion?”
Some said everything became insignificant when forced to choose between life and death. Now that I was presented with such a situation , I agreed. I would rather Irvin was alive than dead–nothing else mattered.
“If I’m not mistaken , you wished to have nothing to do with Irvin ever again. Well, your wish has come true now , so you better cherish it. Don’t foolishly start reminiscing about the unshakeable love you both had for each other.
“Tread carefully, Ms. Quill. The Hardwells aren’t people to be trifled with,” he advised. “I’m only telling you all this because of Noah–you’re on your own from now on.”
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With that, he left .
Tlooked out the window , watching as the howling wind swept withered leaves off tree branches .
Against my will , my heart grew heavier and filled with even more distress.
It seemed Irvin and I truly were destined to part ways from here on out.