Chapter 335: Shares
Maggie couldn't hide a faint smile. Nathael's offer of 150 million was perfect bait; too much would arouse Ronald's suspicion, too little wouldn't attract his attention. They had to give to receive.
"Dad, I don't want to put you in a difficult position," Maggie said, tears welling in her eyes as she looked at Ronald.
Ronald frowned. "Nonsense. Things are tough, but we'll find a way." He summoned his secretary and lawyer to calculate the family's assets.
Sierra watched, her anger growing. Olivia's heart conflicted; Maggie was receiving more this year than in the past decade! But Olivia remained silent, remembering Nathael's 150 million offer. Their family's dire financial straits were hidden from outsiders; they were essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul, owing significant debts to Nathael, the bank, and contractors.
Seeing Ronald agree, Alex announced, "In addition to the 150 million for the Camerons, Mr. Harris will also give Ms. Adam two villas, a hotel, a shopping mall, a yacht, and three shops."
Maggie was stunned, instinctively looking at Nathael. He'd already transferred much to her name; now, even more? Should she refuse?
Thirteen days remained until her promised breakup with Nathael; less than a week until the competition ended. Her mood sank.
"Why are you giving me so much, Nathael? Isn't this a bad idea?" Maggie asked, trying to gauge his intentions without outright refusing in front of the Camerons.
Nathael reassured her, "It's fine. They're all for you." Maggie remained silent, knowing Nathael was misleading Ronald. The 150 million offer was ambiguous; would Ronald believe it was for him? Regardless, Ronald was now calculating his assets.
Twenty minutes later, Ronald sighed heavily. "Maggie, our situation is dire. Your upbringing and marriage into the Harris family are fate. We can't give much, but we've tried our best." He instructed his secretary to give Maggie several property deeds: a suburban villa, two shops, and 15 percent ownership in two companies.
Maggie examined them carefully. The villa was worth approximately 1.5 million in Aquapolis; the shops, though small, were well-located. The companies were Cameron Group Industries and Cameron Group Building Materials.
She'd never been involved in the core Cameron businesses, despite wanting to help, and lacked real authority. This equity offering was unprecedented, even with the recent plummet in Cameron's value.
Maggie calculated: the Camerons initially held 60 percent, now 45 percent. With her 15 percent and Leo's secretly acquired shares, she barely reached 25 percent.
Ronald anticipated Nathael's money might not reach him directly, using the equity as leverage over Maggie. Loyalty would incentivize her to work harder; doubt would tie her performance to her dividends. Even if she sold her shares, it wouldn't significantly affect the Camerons given their financial troubles. Ronald's plan was clear to Maggie. She estimated the shares' value at approximately 15 million, far from their peak.
Ronald had strategized well. If the Camerons failed, he could abandon Industries and Building Materials. His key assets were tied to Cameron Group Renovations and another company under Noah's name—a clear escape plan.
"Dad… it's too much… I can't accept this!" Maggie protested tearfully.
Sierra, nearly losing control, stood. "Dad, why are you giving her so much? You only gave me two percent on my birthday! How could you…" She stopped short, remembering Nathael's warning.
Maggie smirked internally. Sierra's previous two percent held more value than her current fifteen. If Maggie revived Industries and Building Materials, Ronald could reclaim those shares. Furthermore, her poisoning, childlessness, and uncertain marriage with Nathael meant that upon her death or early triggering of the poison, the assets would revert.
Maggie admired Ronald's cunning. He’d played his hand masterfully.