Chapter 71 Playing the Matchmaker
“I sure have an exceptional grandson,” Merlin said while stroking his beard. He then handed Eugene a copper key while staring at the latter. “Go get me the red folder in the drawer.”
Despite his surprise, Eugene took the key and took out the folder after unlocking the drawer. “Do you mean this?”
“Yeah, and you shall be keeping this from now on,” Merlin said with a nod.
“What’s this?” Upon opening it, Eugene’s heart skipped a beat as he realized that it was his grandfather’s will, which brought a frown to his face. “Grandpa, what are you doing? Why would you write a will when you’re fine?”
Merlin got ahold of Eugene’s hand as the latter tried to tuck the folder back into his hands. “Don’t be nervous, as all I ask of you in the meantime is to hold onto it. My day will come now that I am old, so you should think about the company even though you don’t personally care about the wealth. To me, you’re the best candidate for the president of this company. The shares that your grandmother and I hold add up to one-fourth of the total number of shares, which would guarantee your acquisition of the position, with one added condition.”
A look of anger crossed Eugene’s face as he looked closer at the additional terms listed upon hearing Merlin’s words. “You mean I need to get married before I could inherit the company? Are you sure you want me as the president?”
Merlin wore a mischievous smirk as he responded, “I’ll try my best to live on while you do your best to accomplish that task!”
“You should have someone else inherit it, then,” Eugene said.
As anxiety kicked in, Merlin slapped him on the back. “Are you planning to piss me off so much so that you could inherit my wealth after I die of a stroke?”
“How could I when I can’t even meet your requirements?” Eugene was exasperated.
Merlin looked between Olivia and Eugene while signaling to the latter. “You should try harder then, you hopeless bum! I did a far better job back then!”
So he wants me to court Olivia! The realization gave Eugene conflicted feelings. Didn’t we only meet a few times? Why does he have such a good impression of her?
Meanwhile, Olivia stood awkwardly as if having heard something that she shouldn’t have, wondering if she would be silenced. This old man! Why didn’t you have me give you some space when you are talking about such important matters?
The document was handed to Eugene by Merlin, and he gave Eugene a naughty wink at the same time. “Hold onto and don’t let anyone discover this, or else they would say that I’m being partial to you. However, one day when I’m dead, you should show this if anybody questions your claim to the position.”
Those words left a bad taste in Eugene’s mouth as he sat on his grandfather’s bed. “Grandpa! Don’t spout nonsense! Didn’t you hear what Doctor Maxwell told you? You’d better try your best to live as long as you can so that you can witness my wedding!”
“If that’s the case, you should work fast to deliver your promise!” Merlin nodded as he spoke before turning to Olivia. “Bring North to visit me during the holidays, as I like him a lot.”
“Alright,” Olivia agreed.
Merlin heaved a sigh. “Although I no longer associate myself with worldly matters, I do have a clear grasp of things, so you don’t need to feel uneasy about it. I know you’re a good kid, as I would be long dead if it wasn’t for your constant visits. You can laugh all you want, but for families like us, familial relationships come after benefits of any form. However, Rocky isn’t blinded by these benefits, so you can work on building a relationship together.”
Why does it feel like he is playing the matchmaker? Olivia responded stiffly as she blushed.
