Chapter 273: THE SHARES
As Astrid stepped toward her granddad’s ward, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the nurous n in black, stationed like sentinels by the door.
Their imposing presence seed to command respect, and they bowed in unison, as they acknowledged Astrid’s arrival.
"Welco Mada!" they all let out in unison. A warm smile spread across her face and was filled with gratitude toward her husband, who had promised to ensure her grandfather’s safety.
Astrid’s thoughts drifted to Julian, She pulled out her phone, her fingers moving deftly as she dialed his number.
As she waited for him to answer, she walked into her grandfather’s wards but paused when she saw her grandfather surrounded by familiar faces.
Julian sat beside her grandfather, his eyes locked onto hers as she approached.
A bright smile adorned her face, but it faltered for a mont as she took in the sight of Zach, sitting on the opposite side of the bed, and Miles and Maren, standing nearby.
Her gaze lingered on each face before finally coming to rest on her grandfather who stared at her with happiness.
"Grand dad!" she scread with joy as she reached his side, Astrid felt a lump form in her throat.
She bent down, wrapping her arms around her grandfather’s frail fra, and buried her face in his shoulder. Tears of joy and relief stread down her face as she whispered, "I missed you so much, Grandfather."
Her grandfather’s voice trembled as he replied, "I missed you too, Astrid. More than words can express." His arms enveloped her, holding her close.
As they pulled back, Astrid kept checking his body, "Granddad! Are you sure you are doing okay now? Have you run all the tests needed? This wouldn’t happen again right?" Donald grabbed her hands, trying to make her look at him.
"Darling... I am doing fine now!" she embraced him again, tears clouding her eyes.
"Please don’t get
scared like that again," She mumbled and he nodded his head.
"Of course my dear," he let out until Julian’s voice cut through the silence.
"Now that Grandfather is well, don’t I deserve a hug?" Astrid’s eyes t Julian’s, and she smiled, knowing exactly what he was implying.
She turned to Julian, and with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she threw her arms around him, embracing him tightly. She rested her whole weight on him, but Julain didn’t bother a bit.
Donald’s face scrunched up in mock protest, "I’m sitting right here, you know!" Astrid giggled, apng with Maren and Miles.
"Father, we are happy to see you are doing good now," Zach finally let out and the rest of the lads nodded in agreent.
"Yeah,
too but in the midst of that I have sothing important to discuss," he announced, his voice low The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on him, awaiting his words.
"I have so extraordinary news to share with you, Astrid," he announced.
Astrid’s curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward, her eyes locked onto her grandfather’s. "What is it, Grandfather?" she asked.
Donald’s face broke into a wide smile. "It’s about the contract you signed with the president," he revealed, having a proud look on his face.
"I must say, I was taken aback by the news. I thought the president would dismiss your architectural skills as a joke, but it seems he’s taken a keen interest in your work."
Astrid’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes shining with excitent. "Yeah, Grandfather!" she let out Astrid.
Donald nodded, his expression serious. "Astrid, this is a trendous opportunity for you. You will need to supervise the project closely, as it will attract clients from all over the world and showcase your exceptional architectural skills."
Astrid’s smile grew wider, then Donald grasped her hands, his eyes filled withdeep worries.
"I don’t know how much ti I have left with you, Astrid," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"But I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into an exceptional young woman, and I have no doubt you will make a na for yourself in the architectural world."
Astrid’s eyes welled up with tears, and squeezed her grandfather’s hands, trying to reassure him.
"Nothing will happen to you, Grandfather. You will be around for a long ti, and we will face whatever challenges co our way together."
Donald’s eyes clouded over, and he sighed, his expression troubled. "I wish that were true, Astrid," he said, his voice laced with concern.
"But I know Tonia is up to no good. She’s been trying to sabotage
for years, and I fear she will stop at nothing to get what she wants."
Astrid’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing with thoughts of Tonia’s treachery. "Are you talking about her wanting to take over the company?"
"I fear so, Astrid. And if you give her the opportunity, she will try to manipulate and deceive you at every turn, and ending life might be included."
Miles and Zach exchanged a weighted glance, their faces somber. Donald’s eyes locked onto Zach’s, and he spoke in a asured tone.
"I don’t know what to say about your relationship with Tonia, Zach. But I will say this, be very careful with whatever decision you are about to make. She will make sure to do everything to get what she wants."
Zach’s face was impassive, he had always had his doubt but didn’t want to destroy their marriage.
Donal’s gaze lingered on Zach’s face before he turned to Astrid, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Ah, Astrid, I almost forgot," he announced. "I have sothing for you." he snapped his fingers.
Then Mr. Jerkin, walked inside standing by his side, a sheaf of docunts in his hand. Donald took the docunts and handed them to Astrid, his eyes shining with excitent.
"What is it, Grandfather?" Astrid asked.
"It’s my shares in the company, Astrid. And your mother’s shares, too."
Astrid’s eyes widened in shock, and she felt as though she’d been punched in the gut. "Grandfather, I...I don’t know what to say," she stamred.
Donald Ward’s expression turned serious. "You don’t have to say anything, Astrid. Just know that I trust you to do what’s right. You’re the only one I can rely on to protect this company and our family’s legacy."
Astrid’s eyes welled up with tears, "But... there is Miles you can just give it to him, not ." she let out but he grabbed her hands shaking his head.
"Of course not... I don’t want it. I have a series of issues already, so to add that to it, face this yourself." Miles cut Astrid off and Donald smiled.
"He has his shares also, and I feel you will be the best one for the chairman position after all your mum should have been the one in charge of it now if things didn’t go the way they had gone."
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