Chapter 582 Won't Even Let Her Touch
"You said the same thing when we first met. I can't believe after all these years, you still haven't changed."
Seb didn't push the topic and instead asked about Jeremy's situation.
"I've got someone at the hospital keeping tabs on him. His condition's getting worse, and he's probably got about a month left. Carolyn must use this time to get rid of anyone in her way."
"Good. The more she does, the more dirt we can dig up."
"Yeah, but it's still a mess. A lot of folks in the Stoll family back Carolyn."
Seb smirked. "But she's got a dumb son. Spread the word that she traded the southern land with you for Gareth. That should stir things up."
Those backing Carolyn weren't doing it out of loyalty. Once they realized she couldn't keep her promises, they'd drop her like a hot potato. When that happened, Carolyn would be under siege, and her position as head of the Stoll family would be in serious trouble.
"Got it."
That evening, as they sat down for dinner, Gareth noticed Sharon and Daisy staring at him in surprise.
Daisy, more incredulous than surprised, asked, "Gareth, what happened to your face? Did someone beat you up?"
Sharon glanced at him briefly before looking away, her expression indifferent. She didn't care much about Gareth or Daisy as long as they didn't bother her.
Gareth's face fell. "It's none of your business."
Daisy pouted and lowered her head, not saying another word. After all, it wasn't her who got beaten up, so she didn't care.
Throughout the meal, Carolyn remained expressionless, as if she hadn't seen anything.
Halfway through dinner, Carolyn received a phone call and left in a hurry, leaving the three of them at the table. They finished their meal in silence and then went to their respective rooms.
The next morning, after breakfast, Sharon went to the study to wait for Andrew. When he arrived, she quickly asked if Carolyn had given him a hard time the previous day.
Andrew shook his head. "Ms. Roach, you don't need to worry about me. I'm fine. Let's start the lesson."
Without Daisy's interference, they made good progress. At eleven o'clock, Andrew stopped and said, "Ms. Roach, I have something to do this afternoon, so I need to leave now. If you need anything, feel free to contact me."
"Okay."
Sharon tidied up the books on the table and saw Andrew out before returning to the study. With some time before lunch, she picked up a book Andrew had recommended and started reading.
She was engrossed in the book when she heard the door open. Looking up, she saw Carolyn. "Do you need something?"
Seeing Sharon reading a business book, Carolyn's cold eyes softened a bit. Although she didn't plan to hand the Stoll family over to Sharon, she didn't want others to think Sharon was clueless and embarrass her.
Sharon's willingness to learn business was a good sign. If she behaved, Carolyn might even give her some assets in the future.
"Starting this afternoon, you'll go to the company every day at 2 PM to learn how to handle documents. I'll find someone to help you."
Sharon was surprised. "It won't be Andrew, will it?"
"Of course not. After lunch, change into something more formal. I'll take you there today, and from tomorrow, the driver will take you."
"How formal?"
Carolyn frowned, glanced at Sharon's current outfit, and said, "There's a mall on the way to the company. I'll take you to buy a couple of outfits."
"Okay."
After lunch, Carolyn took Sharon to the mall. At the table, Daisy glanced cautiously at Gareth, expecting him to be angry. To her surprise, he was calm and even had an appetite.
"Gareth, Mom is taking Sharon to Carter Tech Company today to officially learn how to handle company documents. Didn't you want Sharon to take over Carter Tech Company? Why don't you seem to care today?"
Gareth put down his fork and looked at Daisy. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't get it. Just stick to shopping and don't ask questions you shouldn't."
Daisy's face turned red with anger. "Don't forget, Mom said the Stoll family will be mine too. I have every right to ask. How else will I know if my interests are being harmed?"
Gareth sneered. "With your brains, just sit at home and wait for dividends. If you got involved in the company, it would be a mess."
With that, Gareth got up and left. Daisy, feeling furious, slammed her fork on the table. Who did Gareth think he was to look down on her? She might not be as smart as Gareth, but at least she didn't cause trouble everywhere.
Meanwhile, at the mall, Carolyn took Sharon straight to the top floor. The sales associate greeted her warmly. "Mrs. Stoll, long time no see. Have you been busy? The last time you were here was three months ago."
Carolyn nodded. "Yeah, I've been busy."
"Are you here for bags again?"
"No, I'm here to buy clothes for her. Recommend a few formal outfits."
The sales associate looked at Sharon and led them inside. "We just got some new arrivals this morning. They're quite nice. By the way, is she your..."
"Daughter."
"Your daughter? No wonder she's so beautiful, just like you."
Carolyn's lips tightened. "Show us the new arrivals."
"Here they are. See if you like any of them. I think these would suit her well."
The sales associate quickly picked out a few outfits and showed them to Carolyn. Carolyn glanced at them and was satisfied. "Have her try them all."
"Right this way, Ms. Roach."
Sharon tried on a black slip dress, and the sales associate paired it with matching high heels. As soon as Sharon stepped out of the fitting room, the sales associate exclaimed, "Ms. Roach, this outfit is perfect for you! With your figure, you could be a model."
Carolyn, who had been reading a magazine, looked up and was momentarily stunned.
Sharon's V-neck slip dress accentuated her figure perfectly, and her long, wavy hair added a touch of elegance. Although Carolyn didn't like Sharon, she had to admit that Sharon resembled her the most among her three children, both in looks and temperament.
Carolyn's fingers tightened around the magazine. Regaining her composure, she said, "This one's good. Try the others."
"If this one's fine, I'll just wear it. I don't want to try on more."
Carolyn checked the time. "Alright, wear this to the company."
The sales associate looked at Carolyn. "Mrs. Stoll, what about the others?"
"Pack them all up, and match each outfit with shoes and accessories."
"Got it."
Ten minutes later, the sales associate followed Carolyn and Sharon with several shopping bags. After loading the bags into the trunk, she smiled brightly at Carolyn. "Mrs. Stoll, goodbye. Let me know in advance next time, and I'll prepare afternoon tea for you."
Carolyn had just helped her meet her monthly sales target in one go. Thinking about next month's bonus, the sales associate was so excited that she could jump for joy.
"Sure." Carolyn turned to the driver. "Let's go."
The mall was close to Carter Tech Company, and they arrived shortly. They took the private elevator from the underground parking lot to the top floor. The elevator opened directly into the CEO's office, where several secretaries were busy working. As soon as they saw Carolyn, they stopped what they were doing.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Stoll."
Carolyn looked at them coldly. "I've transferred all my shares in Carter Tech Company to my daughter, Sharon. From today, she's the CEO. She doesn't know much about the company yet, so your main job is to assist her."
"Although I'm no longer the CEO, I'll periodically check the progress of various tasks. So, I hope you take this seriously and don't slack off."
When Carolyn first took over Carter Tech Company, a secretary made several mistakes with the reports and was immediately fired. The remaining staff worked meticulously, fearing they'd be next.
Hearing Carolyn's words, everyone felt a chill down their spine. They had hoped things would be easier with Sharon in charge, but Carolyn's periodic checks meant they couldn't slack off.
"Understood, Mrs. Stoll."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Stoll. We'll continue to work diligently."
"I'll do my best to help Ms. Roach get up to speed with the company's operations."
Satisfied with their responses, Carolyn said, "Jenny, come to the office."
She led Sharon and Jenny into the office and sat on the couch. "Jenny, you'll be her secretary. Today, explain the company's structure and current research directions to her."
"Yes, Mrs. Stoll."
After giving a few more instructions, Carolyn turned to Sharon. "If you have any questions, ask Jenny. I have work to do, so I'll leave now."
"Okay."
After Carolyn left, Jenny looked at Sharon. "Ms. Roach, I'm Jenny, your secretary. I'll need to organize some company documents and bring them to your office in about half an hour. Is that alright?"
"That's fine. If you have time today, could you also show me around the company?"
Sharon wasn't particularly interested in Carter Tech Company. She knew Carolyn was just putting on a show, making it seem like she had handed over the company. In reality, Carolyn wouldn't let her near the core research teams.