Loving DAD 1108

“Dad, Gerard actually agreed to transfer twenty percent of his company’s shares to Sharon?” Rick’s tone was incredulous. “Back then, when we wanted to acquire just ten percent, he refused outright. He even brought up how he once helped Mom, trying to guilt us into backing off. But now, he’s selling twenty percent to Sharon without hesitation?” 

Richard watched Gerard disappear down the corridor. “The Silverstone family’s willingness to sell to Sharon isn’t out of goodwill. They’ve simply taken notice of the cutting–edge tech companies she controls. Silverstone Group’s market value can’t compete with ours, but that twenty percent stake is still no small asset. Sharon doesn’t have that kind of liquidity. Eventually, she’ll have to come to us for help.” 

Even the Kalen family, with assets worth billions, would need at least a year to free up that much capital for an acquisition. Their cash flow wasn’t as abundant as outsiders imagined. 

A competent businessman never lets his money sit idle in a bank collecting interest—that’s something only ordinary people do. 

Rick’s eyes flickered with thought. “If Sharon does come to us for help, couldn’t we use that chance to acquire her original shares?” 2 

Richard turned to look at him, his gaze deep and discerning. 

“Rick, you and I both understand the value of those original shares. Do you really think Sharon doesn’t? If she were that ignorant about equity, she would never have entered Kalen Group in the first place. 

“Put yourself in her position. Would you so easily sell off something that valuable?” 

Rick fell silent, his expression tightening. 

Richard continued, “If you can grasp that logic, then you should also realize Sharon can too. Besides, think about it–our family can offer her what others can, nothing more. So why would she choose us specifically, instead of someone else?” 

Rick opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to say “because we’re family.‘ 

If she had to give something away, better it stay within the family than go to outsiders. 

But before the words left his lips, he caught his father’s meaning. 

Richard was warning him–their intentions were far too transparent. 

They’d all been eyeing Sharon’s original shares, circling her like predators around prey. No one in their right mind would sell to relatives whose every thought screamed, “We want your equity.” 

“Then if she comes asking for a loan,” Rick asked, “and she refuses to exchange it for her original shares, what should we do?” 

It wouldn’t be a small amount. They might even have to pull funds directly from Kalen Group. If Sharon offered her shares as collateral, the shareholders would agree in an instant. But if she wanted to borrow the money with nothing in return, no one would support it. 

Richard replied, “Rick, when I tell you not to covet her shares, I’m not saying we shouldn’t acquire any. I’m saying you can’t expect to take them all. 

“If we propose to buy just one percent, she might agree–and we’ll still have an answer for the shareholders. Sharon is family. Even if we give her a little more, what of it? 

“But if you push her to hand everything over at once, she’ll think we’re trying to rob her.” 

At last, Rick understood. “I see.” 

Richard patted his son’s shoulder, a faint smile on his lips. “Rick, you’re still young. There’s much left for you to learn.” 

1/2 

That afternoon, Gerard calculated the total value of the twenty percent stake and sent the figure to Sharon. 

When she saw the number on the screen, her throat went dry. 

Chapter 1109