C43 The Redistribution Of Shares

Back at the Wood family, Tracy was in a very good mood. She spent the entire day with Sarah. Sarah carried the baby, and every time she did, the baby would fall asleep quickly. She found it adorable and enjoyed it deeply.

When it was time for lunch, the entire family gathered together.

Kelvin was in high spirits. Every few moments, he would look at his daughter holding his granddaughter and smile proudly. As everyone prepared to eat, Kelvin suddenly glanced at Ben. He asked, half smiling. “Since the wedding date has already been decided, when are you getting a marriage certificate?”

Ben was also in a good mood since his sister had returned. He smiled and replied:

“I don’t know, Dad. My bride-to-be is sometimes very stubborn.” Samantha froze slightly, surprised by how openly Ben was speaking about her. Her cheeks turned slightly red and she looked down.

Ben continued casually, almost teasingly:

“Whenever she is ready, I am ready. See, young sis… when you get married, marry someone who obeys you like I do with Monica’s mother.” Samantha looked even more surprised. She had never seen this side of Ben before.

However, Sarah suddenly choked slightly on her drink and quickly took water. Tracy laughed warmly, enjoying the moment. “My daughter will definitely marry someone I choose.” Sarah immediately objected, embarrassed. “Mom, how can you say that?”

Everyone laughed again.

Then Kelvin spoke again, his tone becoming slightly more serious. “Well, since we are all happy…” he paused and looked at Sarah. “Can we tell them the big news now?” Sarah’s smile faded slightly. She already regretted casually mentioning she might come back but looking at the happiness around her, she also felt a strange warmth.

She spoke softly “Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister-in-law… I’ve decided that since my studies are ending, I will come back and live with you all here.” The moment she said that, Tracy’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh my God… my child is finally coming home. We will see you every day.”

Ben nodded in approval. “It’s good you’re coming back. You might as well join the company.” Sarah smiled lightly. “You forgot I’m already a shareholder. I’m not exactly an employee.” Everyone laughed.

Then Kelvin cleared his throat again.

“Speaking of the company…” he said, “as you all know, the Wood Family holds 70% of the shares, and 30% belongs to partners.” He continued “I’ve updated the shares.” Everyone went silent.

“I am getting old, and so is your mother. We both now hold 30% each instead of 40%.”

He turned to Ben. “Ben has 15%.” Ben nodded calmly. “Sarah has 12%.” Sarah was surprised. She had been living just fine with 7%, but now it had increased by 5%. She nodded slowly. “Thank you, Father… but this feels like too much. What will I do with all this?”

Tracy laughed. “You can start your own company.” Sarah smiled, "I consider it." Then Kelvin continued “My granddaughter has been born, so the Wood bloodline continues. I have allocated 8% to Monica.” Everyone smiled at that. “And lastly,” he said, “our daughter-in-law, who will officially become part of this family soon, will receive 5% shares.” Samantha’s eyes widened in shock.

“Father… that is too much. You don’t need to..” Kelvin raised his hand to stop her. “It is decided. Legally authorized. You cannot change it.”

He then added, “After marriage, do you plan to work in the company as before, or stay home until Monica grows up?” Samantha hesitated, then replied softly “I think working would be better. I want to grow into the business industry.” Everyone laughed lightly as dinner continued.

Kelvin then turned back to Sarah.

“Since you’re coming back, why don’t you join Ben on the overseas deal? As major shareholders after me, it will strengthen the team.” Tracy agreed immediately. “And you can meet good business partners for your future.”

Sarah hesitated. “I just came back… isn’t overseas a bit sudden?” Kelvin smiled firmly.

“It is a business trip. You will meet important people. And as a shareholder, you should represent the company.” Then he said firmly, “You are going. It is decided.”

Ben, who originally thought he would go alone, ended up agreeing to go with Sarah.

He began calculating internally. Now he held 15% shares. If he could somehow gain an additional 16%, he would effectively control major company decisions. His thoughts drifted toward Monica’s 8% shares but they were under Samantha’s control. Then he thought of Samantha’s 5% as well. Sarah, however, seemed uninterested in power or control.

If he could get close to her… and gain her trust… those shares might eventually come to him willingly. A small smile formed on his face. To him, this overseas trip was no longer just business. It was the beginning of a plan.

That evening, Sarah’s return announcement continued to ripple through the household. The energy in the Wood family home was lively, but everyone had their own thoughts about what had just been decided. Sarah sat quietly for a while after the conversation, still adjusting to everything. Coming back home had sounded simple in her mind, but now it carried responsibilities she hadn’t fully considered. Shares, business influence, and now even overseas assignments, it all felt like stepping into a world she had only observed from a distance.

Tracy noticed her daughter’s quiet expression and gently smiled. “You don’t have to figure everything out immediately,” she said softly. “Just being home is enough for now.” Sarah nodded. “I know, Mom… I just didn’t expect all of this.”

Across the room, Ben remained calm on the surface, but internally his thoughts were already calculating. The redistribution of shares had slightly shifted internal balance, but not enough to disrupt control. Still, Sarah’s 12% stake was not insignificant.

He glanced briefly at Samantha. She looked calm, but Ben knew her well enough to understand she was quietly observing everything. Samantha never spoke too much during important discussions, but she noticed everything. Ben quickly softened his expression and acted normal again.