Chapter 373: Promise Me Three Things

Then—

A soft knock echoed against the wardroom door.

Every head turned toward the sound, including Evelyn’s. Her fingers tightened unconsciously around Axel’s hand.

“Come in,” Samuel called, his voice thin but steady.

The door swung open, and Evelyn was taken aback to see the familiar face.

Joseph Carter stepped inside first, dressed in a crisp suit.

Behind him, an elderly man walked and followed him while carrying a leather briefcase—Mr. Harold Smith, Samuel Walters’s longtime lawyer.

Evelyn had seen him only a few times, years ago, at the company when her grandpa was still active.

And now, see him in this hospital room, enough to send a chill down her spine.

’Grandpa summoned Jo… and the lawyer?’ Her mind raced. ’Did he plan all of this?’

Joseph offered a respectful nod to everyone, then approached the bed. “Chairman Walters,” he greeted softly.

The lawyer followed with equal solemnity. “Sir.”

Samuel gave them both a faint smile. “Alright, everyone is here… we can begin.”

The air in the room tightened. Even the machines humming beside the bed seemed to quiet in respect.

“All of you,” Samuel began, his voice quiet yet deliberate, “I asked Joseph and my lawyer to come because I wish to speak clearly, officially, and without misunderstanding.”

His gaze swept across the room—his wife, his children, his in-laws, his granddaughter, and finally Axel.

Then his eyes settled on Evelyn.

“I’ve decided to give all my Walters Group shares to my grandchild, Evelyn.”

For a moment, time froze.

Alicia gasped softly. Norah’s hand flew to her mouth. Jason blinked, stunned. William stiffened as though struck.

“F–Father, why…” William’s voice cracked as he stepped forward half a pace, only to stop when Samuel’s sharp gaze met his.

“You cannot protest, William,” Samuel snapped. The frailty in his body did nothing to soften the authority in his tone. “You lost the right to speak for this family when you chose your pride over your daughters and wife!”

William swallowed hard. The room watched as his shoulders slowly dropped. He nodded once, silent, the weight of regret written clearly across his face.

Samuel exhaled and continued, calmer now.

“There is no need for concern. Though I am giving Evelyn my company shares, I will not leave my children empty-handed. You will receive my other assets.”

Lucy’s breath caught.

“But,” Samuel added, looking from William to Jason to Norah, “those assets will be handled by your mother. Lucy will oversee everything. Only through her will you receive what remains.”

Lucy’s eyes brimmed instantly. “Sam…” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Why are you speaking as if you’re already gone?”

Samuel reached for her hand, his fingers weak but warm.

“Because I do not want to leave unfinished worries behind,” he said gently. “You know how our children used to fight. That thought burdens me more than this illness.”

Norah wiped her tears and shook her head fiercely. “Dad, we’re not fighting anymore. We won’t. I swear to you.”

Jason stepped closer as well. “Father, we respect your decision. Evelyn is capable. The company will be safe with her.”

Even William spoke, his voice rough. “I will not oppose you. I will take care of Mother. You have my word.”

Lucy covered her mouth, overcome. Samuel smiled faintly at them all, his tired eyes glistening with pride and sorrow intertwined.

Evelyn stood frozen. Her mind struggled to process what she had just heard. Walters Group—her grandfather’s empire, the legacy built through decades of blood and sacrifice—was being handed to her.

She had never asked for it and never expected her grandfather’s 19 percent share to be given to her.

Her chest tightened. Shock. Fear. Grief. Gratitude. All tangled together.

Axel’s hand around hers grounded her, his thumb brushing the back of her knuckles in silent reassurance. He leaned slightly toward her, his presence steady and warm, as if anchoring her to reality.

“Are you alright?” He whispers.

“Hmm… I was just shocked. He gave it to me. Why?”

Before Axel could say anything, Samuel turned to Evelyn again. “Eve…”

She swallowed and forced herself to meet his gaze. “Yes, Grandpa?”

“Do not look frightened,” he said with a soft chuckle, a brief spark of humor lighting his tired face. “I am not giving you a curse. I am giving you a responsibility.”

Despite the heaviness in the room, a faint smile tugged at Evelyn’s lips. “It feels a little like both,” she admitted quietly.

Joseph, standing at the foot of the bed, cleared his throat awkwardly. “Evelyn, if I may say, the Walters Group could not ask for a sharper successor.” His attempt at encouragement brought a few faint smiles, breaking the tension just enough for everyone to breathe again.

Even the lawyer nodded. “Chairman Walters has thought this through thoroughly,” he added. “Legally and wisely.”

Samuel’s gaze softened further. “Even so, Eve… there are conditions.”

Evelyn’s eyebrows lifted. “Conditions?”

“Yes.” His tone turned serious once more. “Power without direction becomes destruction. I will not allow the Walters’ name to collapse under greed or vengeance. You will receive the shares, but you must promise me three things.”

The room fell silent once more, every breath held.

Samuel raised one finger. “First, you will never use the company to harm others for personal revenge.”

Another finger. “Second, you will never abandon your family… no matter how broken it becomes.”

A third finger, trembling slightly. “And lastly… You need to be active and fully participate in the company’s daily operation, take on the CEO role, and lead it. Do you agree?”

Evelyn’s throat tightened. She glanced briefly at Axel, who gave her a slight nod, his eyes steady.

“But Axel…” She whispered, “I will start working outside again. Is that fine?”

She was reluctant because becoming the CEO of Walters would keep her busy.

“I will support you,” Axel said calmly, his affectionate gaze enough to ease Evelyn’s worry.

Then, Evelyn turned back to Samuel.

“I promise, Grandpa,” she said softly. “All of it.”

Samuel smiled, relief washing over his tired features.

“Good girl. All right, we need to sign the document now,” he said, turning to his lawyer.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep