Chapter 439:
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Suddenly, Keanuâs knees buckled as he leaned on his cane, intending to kneel before her in thanks.
âI am forever in your debt,â he whispered.
As soon as he began to lower himself, gasps echoed through the crowd.
âKeanu!â
âKeanu! No!â
âMr. Stevens!â
Several voices cried out at once, but Kellan was the first to react. He quickly stepped forward, catching Keanu just in time and keeping him from kneeling.
âPlease, donât do that,â Kellan urged, his voice firm, though his brow furrowed in concern.
Allison, equally shocked, hurried over and helped steady Keanu.
âKeanu, please donât do that. Others may say Iâm disrespecting or even mistreating you,â she teased gently, patting the back of his hand in reassurance. âBesides, this was just a small favor. If you really see me as your granddaughter, thereâs no need for all this formality.â
Keanuâs voice softened as he met her eyes. âAllison, I do see you as my granddaughter, not an outsider.â His eyes remained misty for a while longer before he regained his composure.
With a deep sigh, a wave of nostalgia crossed his face. âGregory and I⦠we shared a bond forged in the hardest of times. I couldnât save him back then, but his painting⦠I have to save it.â
Memories of the past resurfaced, and Keanu took a moment to steady himself.
âI was overwhelmed⦠didnât know how to thank you. But know this, as long as Iâm around, Iâll do anything in my power to give you whatever you need.â
His expression suddenly shifted to one of determination, as if heâd made up his mind about something.
âI have an announcement to makeâ all my shares in the Stevens Group will be transferred to Allison.â
The declaration stunned everyone.
Colton, in particular, clenched his fists, hardly believing what heâd just heard.
His grandfather was going to give all his shares to Allison? No way!
Melany, too, felt her knees go weak as the shock hit her. âKeanu, isnât this inappropriate? Allison isnât even familyâ¦â she managed, her voice shaky.
The news had struck them all like a bolt of lightning. Allison frowned. âKeanu, this is too much. I canât accept it.â
For one, transferring the Stevens Group shares involved complex interests with multiple parties. On a personal level, she wasnât in need of money. Sheâd much rather Keanu keep the shares and use them to enjoy his later years.
With so many illegitimate children in the Stevens family, if Keanu had nothing left, he might be treated poorly.
Just as Keanu opened his mouth to insist, Allison cut him off quickly. âIf you really want to repay me, why donât you catch two big fish and make me some of your famous fish dishes? I havenât had your cooking in forever.â
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