Chapter 5 A condition

Damein

I drove through the huge land that was Blackwood estate with Miles. This place is like its own private country. The family houses are spread out across the property, with the main residences sitting far back from the front gates.

As I walked into the grand house, Rosa greeted me. She is an Italian immigrant who moved here years ago after Eloise hired her. She's been with us so long she feels more like family than an employee. "Young Master, everyone is in the sun room."

Everyone? Shocking, I'm always the first person present at these family gatherings.

I headed straight for the sun room to see Harold sat down and everyone else beside him. I have an idea about why this family meeting was called, and seeing Rufus just confirmed it.

"Glad you could finally join us," Harold said with a smug look on his face, "sit down!"

"Thank you for the warm welcome," I said then took a seat right next to my cousin and literal best friend, Ethan. Asides from Miles, Ethan is the only person I can trust with my life.

Ethan parents, Uncle Jack and Aunt Valerie were seated next to Harold.

My parents were on his other side. Beside them was my Uncle who looked annoyed; his twin sons Leo and Finn were missing. They were probably out partying somewhere. Finally, there was my aunt, Hilda who never married. She sat with her adopted daughter Sadie, by her side. I and Sadie have never really seen eye to eye.

My grandfather, Harold, stood up. He looked tired and sad but it was never his thing to show weakness at any point.

Rufus, our family attorney stood beside. The man has worked with the family for decades and handled a lot of shit.

"Thank you for coming," my grandfather said looking around the room. "Eloise built this empire had very clear ideas about who should lead it next."

The lawyer stepped forward and opened a thick folder and I could see how everyone stopped breathing.

The silence was so loud you could hear a pin drop.

"We all love and miss Eloise. She was a woman who dedicated herself to other people and built an empire with her bare hands," the lawyer began, "this is the last will and testament of Eloise Pearl Blackwood."

Everything we own started with my grandmother, Eloise. She was a rebel. She ran away from her rich family to marry Harold, the man she actually loved. Together, they started a small construction company and grew it into a multi-million dollar business

I leaned back, trying to act as non chalant and unbothered as possible. I've held the position as CEO for a long time. I was literally raised for the job so I know who the first choice for chair person is, it's me.

Rufus cleared his throat, his glasses perched on the edge of his nose as he looked over the heavy parchment.

"These are the words of Eloise Pearl Blackwood," Rufus began in a formal voice. "To my family, I leave the duty of the Blackwood name. The Blackwood Estate shall stay under the control of my beloved Harold for his whole life. When he passes, the title goes solely to my grandson, Damien. It must never be sold while Harold is alive."

Uncle Jack shifted in his seat. The wood creaked loudly. "Solely to Damien? That is a massive asset to lock away from the rest of us."

"Quiet, Jack," Harold snapped. He kept his eyes fixed on the floor.

Rufus continued. "Now for the other properties. The Italian Villa goes to Aunt Hilda. The London Townhouse goes to Damien's parents. The New York Apartment goes to Uncle Jack and Aunt Valerie. The vacation homes will be split between Uncle Marcus and his sons, Leo and Finn. This is only if they do not gamble them away within a year."

"They will probably lose them in a week," Sadie muttered. She tossed her hair back. I ignored her. She wasn't wrong anyway.

Leo and Finn are a severe embarrassement to the Blackwood name. I can't even confidently refer to them as my cousins.

"Now, let us discuss the company shares," Rufus said loudly because this was the part everyone was waiting for. "Blackwood Industries has 1,000,000 voting shares. I have divided them so everyone has a voice."

He began to read the percentages out loud. "Harold Blackwood would receive 15%. My parents were allocated 10%, and Uncle Jack and Aunt Valerie would also receive 10%. Uncle Marcus, Aunt Hilda, and Ethan were each given 5%. Sadie was granted 2.5%, while the absent twins, Leo and Finn, were also given 2.5% each. Finally, my personal portion was set at 20%."

Uncle Marcus stood up. He looked flustered. "Wait. That only adds up to 77.5%. That leaves 22.5% left. That is the controlling block. Who gets the majority?"

Rufus stopped. He looked at the paper. Then he looked at me and Harold. He leaned over and whispered in my grandfather's ear. Harold's eyes widened. He looked grim.

"Wait," Harold commanded. He raised his hand. "Before we go on, bring Miles in. He needs to be here for this."

Ethan looked at me. He was confused. "Miles? Why Miles? He is the company advisor, but he isn't family."

I didn't answer. My heart started thumping against my ribs. Miles walked into the room. He looked confused too. He stood by the door and straightened his tie.

"Continue, Rufus," Harold said.

Rufus took a deep breath. "The final 22.5% of the shares are held in a trust. They are meant for Damien Blackwood. This would give him 42.5% total and full control of the board. However, this clause is conditional."

Rufus took a pause. I felt a wave of dread hit me.

"Eloise added a condition," Rufus said for clarity. "To get these shares, Damien Blackwood must be married within six months of the will reading. Also, he must have a child, or be expecting one, by the end of the first year."

The room exploded with noise. I almost gagged.

What the fuck?

"A wife and a baby in one year?" Ethan laughed. "Damien doesn't even have a girlfriend! He only dates his laptop!"

"This is insane!" Aunt Hilda shouted. She stood up quickly. "What if he fails? Who gets the company then?"

Rufus looked at Miles. Then he looked back at the paper. "If Damien fails, the 22.5% goes to Miles Carter. He will manage them to keep the company stable."

The room went silent. It was a heavy, shocking silence. I looked at Miles. He looked like he had been struck by lightning. I looked at my grandfather. He just stared at me. He wanted to see if I could close this deal.

"This can't be legal," I muttered.

"It is very legal, Damien. Your grandmother was a very thorough person," Rufus replied.

"Six months to find a wife," Sadie mocked. "Who's the poor girl that agree to marry you."

"I'll do it for the shares!" Ethan joked, but no one laughed.

I had six months to find a wife. I had twelve months to have a child. If I failed, I would lose my empire to my best friend.