After dinner, Magnus took Genevieve and the others and left. Julian descended with a triumphant air, his eyes and brows radiating charm.
“You’re awake,” Oswaldo said, sitting at the table sipping tea.
“Mr. Montgomery, I apologize for my impropriety.” Julian approached with elegant grace.
“There’s nothing improper. It’s normal to have trouble sleeping on your first stay at my house. I understand. Besides, it’s not unusual for young people to sleep in. I’ve heard that you maintain a strict routine and at your company, you are known for your strong sense of time.”
People had their own measure of good and bad, and Julian’s reputation was quite favorable, unlike the messy private lives of other wealthy individuals. He was both capable and powerful, a man any elder would admire.
“Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Montgomery. It looks like I’ll need a few more nights to get used to staying here,” Julian joked.
Oswaldo observed Julian, whose maturity and confidence seemed far beyond that of Zachary.
Setting aside his identity, the man was truly outstanding, and Oswaldo grew fonder of him by the moment.
“That sounds wonderful. I’m the only old man living here, and I’d certainly welcome your company,” Oswaldo laughed heartily.
“You are Auraro’s grandfather. I ought to treat you as my own,” Julian said humbly in front of Oswaldo, who quite appreciated his demeanor.
“You must be hungry. Go have some food, then join me for a few games of chess,” Oswaldo, who had no other hobbies, loved playing chess.
Julian had thoroughly researched Oswaldo’s habits early on. “My pleasure.”
When Aurora entered, she found the two deeply engaged in chess, Oswaldo beaming with joy.
She didn’t know what Julian had said to make the old man laugh so heartily, but this man indeed had his ways. He had quickly won over Oswaldo.
As the head of the Montgomery family, winning Oswaldo’s favor meant smooth sailing, given that Magnus was indecisive and easily swayed.
Julian’s strategy to start with Oswaldo was right. Seeing the two so joyous together, Aurora almost doubted whether Julian was the real grandson.
She also recalled the tense atmosphere between him and Joaquin at the hotel, wondering what past conflicts had led them to this point.
The Alvarez family was much more complicated than the Montgomery family.
“LAurora, when do you plan to marry Julian?” Oswaldo suddenly asked, catching Aurora off guard.
She almost choked on her saliva. “Grandpa, why bring this up all of a sudden? Besides, Julian and I haven’t been together that long.”
“You’re still keeping secrets from me. You promised to marry him when you were seven. It’s fortunate this young man is faithful, having waited for you all these years. Anyone else might have had countless girlfriends by now. Don’t fail him.” Oswaldo clearly sided with Julian.
It seemed he had recounted their past to reassure Oswaldo of his sincere intentions and subtly highlight his own loyalty.
When it came to the manipulation of emotions, Aurora was once again impressed by Julian. “Grandpa, let’s talk about this later. I’m still young, and I haven’t even graduated from college yet.”
“That’s true…” the old man murmured to himself, easing Aurora’s worries.
“Then let’s wait for you to graduate before getting married,” Julian casually remarked.
“Right. Getting married after graduation is perfect. When you were eighteen, I was supposed to transfer 20% of Montgomery Group’s shares to you. You rushed off to America then, so let’s talk about the shares when you get married. As your wedding gift, I’ve decided to transfer my shares to you.”
Oswaldo’s announcement astonished Aurora even more. He held 40% of the shares, with Magnus owning another 20%, and various others holding the remainder.
If he transferred all his shares to Aurora, wouldn’t she become the majority shareholder?
“Grandpa, if you transfer all your shares to me, what about you?” Shares were not something that could be given away lightly.
Once he truly surrendered all his shares, it would be like a king handing over his throne, relinquishing all his power to Aurora.
“I’m getting old, and I’ve been wanting to rest for a while now. But your father is too easily swayed. If I let go of all my power, it would probably be schemed away by Genevieve in no time. I know exactly what kind of person she is. I thought that after all these years, even if I don’t accept her, I should at least acknowledge those two innocent children.”
“But you surely know what Ivy and Zachary are like, right? If I gave the shares to your father, wouldn’t that indirectly end up with them?”
“Those two are such disappointments. If they got the shares, the Montgomery family would truly be finished. I’ve been waiting for you to grow up, and now seeing you so capable and with Julian by your side, I really feel at ease.”
There were no outsiders present, so Oswaldo spoke the truth, and Julian heard it without any attempt from Oswaldo to hide it.
“Mr. Montgomery, aren’t you worried I might have ulterior motives?”
“You? Definitely not.”
“Why are you so sure about that?”
“Although no one can estimate your worth, I had you assessed before. Your current net worth is probably the sum of the four major families combined. Why would you covet the small Montgomery family?”
Oswaldo had only assessed Julian’s tangible assets. Who knew what intangible assets he might also have? At such a young age, Julian had achieved so much. How could Oswaldo not admire him?
“So you’re really that rich?” Aurora had always known Julian was wealthy, but she hadn’t known just how wealthy.
Now hearing her grandfather say this, she felt that her assets in America were mere child’s play compared to his.
Julian chuckled lightly, “You never asked me.”
“I’m not with you for the money anyway,” Aurora retorted. If it was for money, she wouldn’t have waited until today.
“I know. I’ve always known,” he smiled gently. “Then let’s get married after you graduate.”
“Ah? How did we get back to this topic?” Aurora was truly amazed at how this man could steer the conversation back around.