Chapter 496: Chapter 496: Gaining Ten Pounds

Christopher Lewis’s deep-set eyes narrowed, “Given the current situation of the Williams Family, you are very likely to become the future Family Head.”

Hope Williams looked at Christopher Lewis and fell silent for two seconds, understanding his implication; he wanted her to take up this position.

Hope Williams raised an eyebrow, “I’m not interested in that position.”

“Not interested?” Christopher Lewis frowned, “Do you intend to let outsiders take over the immense Williams Family business? Right now, aside from your sickly sister, you are the only one related by blood to Maverick Williams.”

Put that way, it’s clear to anyone with eyes that Hope Williams is the most suitable candidate for the Williams Family heir.

“Sorry, I am not suitable. I’ve been away from the Williams Family for over twenty years; to them, I am also an outsider. If it wasn’t for Maverick Williams seeking me out this time, I wouldn’t even remember having had any connection with the Williams Family. What’s more, I know nothing about the business world.”

“That doesn’t sound right, Maverick Williams didn’t treat you like an outsider when he sought your help for saving his granddaughter. For business matters, you can learn from Waylon.”

Hope Williams tugged at her lip with a hint of helplessness.

“Hope Williams, you cannot lack ambition like this, you can’t just hand over what belongs to you. You’re smart and would learn quickly.”

Hope Williams couldn’t help but find Christopher Lewis’s encouragement a bit amusing.

Hope Williams pinched the bridge of her nose, “You truly are a businessman who only focuses on profit – from the Fuller Family before to the Williams Family now, what you value is the dignity that a well-matched marriage brings.”

Christopher Lewis pursed his lips, his expression turning even more serious, “Waylon needs a well-matched wife by his side.”

Indeed, having a daughter-in-law from a powerful family and one without any family background are very different in terms of prestige.

Christopher Lewis is someone who cares deeply about family background and reputation.

Hope Williams let out a sigh, “You’re really making a great effort for Waylon’s sake.”

“Give this matter some serious thought, so you won’t regret it later.”

Silence filled the study for a while. Hope Williams’s slender fingers tapped absentmindedly on the armrest of the couch, “I think you’re rushing things too much. Maverick Williams is still strong and healthy.”

Christopher Lewis shook his head with a smile, “An old man nearing eighty, with a vast family business and no heir – you may not be in a hurry, but he probably feels like the roof is on fire. Think about it, why was Maverick Williams so eager to save Luna Williams? And after you refused to donate bone marrow, why did that fifteen percent of shares easily end up in your hands? That’s a full fifteen percent stake!”

Hope Williams’s brow furrowed, and after a brief silence, she realized a detail she had previously overlooked.

Given Maverick Williams’s assertive nature, if he truly did not want Jade Bell to give her that fifteen percent of shares, he would have had countless methods to stop it.

But he didn’t intervene initially and later on tacitly approved.

Maverick Williams knew that with her holding this fifteen percent, she would become the Williams Clan’s second-largest shareholder.

Maverick Williams, cunning as he is, would certainly understand the stakes involved.

But he also knew if Luna Williams’s illness couldn’t be cured, someone would have to stand against Ted Williams.

So, he was leaving himself a backup plan, preferring to transfer control of the corporation to her hands rather than to someone unrelated by blood.

Seeing the realization dawn in Hope Williams’s eyes, Christopher Lewis smiled, “So, Hope Williams, think it over for yourself.”

…

Seeing Hope Williams descend the stairs, Waylon Lewis scrutinized her expression, “What did he say to you?”

“Nothing much, just some matters about the Williams Family.”

“About the heir?”

Hope Williams curved her lips slightly, “I can’t hide anything from you.”

“If you don’t want it, nobody can force you.”

Waylon Lewis looked at her with a serious, furrowed brow.

Hope Williams nodded resolutely, her eyes softening, yet her heart was tinged with a quiet melancholy.

So Waylon Lewis had seen through it as well.

This matter was more troubling than she had imagined.

…

At dinner time, this meal allowed Hope Williams to truly feel what meticulous care meant.

One Waylon Lewis had been taking enough care of her, and now Alitzel Williams moved right next to her, insisting on serving her two bowls of soup.

The enthusiasm was unstoppable.

The Old Gentleman watched with a smile, and even Christopher, who usually disapproved of his daughter-in-law, broke tradition and told her several times to eat more.

Hope Williams ended up feeling full, but not wanting to let down the elders’ kindness, Waylon Lewis helped her finish the vegetables in her bowl.

In the car on the way home, Hope Williams couldn’t resist burping behind her hand, “I think I must have gained ten pounds today.”

“Mommy, gaining ten pounds would still make you a beautiful, plump mommy,” Willow comforted with a giggle.

Faced with Willow’s heartwarming comfort, Hope Williams smiled tenderly.

Then Luke added, “Yeah, yeah, Mommy should gain ten pounds every day. Mommy is too skinny.”

“…Good son,” Hope Williams responded with a wry smile, “If Mommy gains ten pounds every day, won’t I turn into a pig? What if your daddy finds me ugly and leaves me?”

“Mommy, he wouldn’t dare.”

Waylon Lewis chuckled softly, “It’s good to be a bit plump, more comfortable to cuddle.”

This man…

Hope Williams narrowed her eyes and gave him a glare. If Luke and Willow weren’t there, he probably would have continued the topic, but because Luke and Willow were present, Waylon Lewis fell quietly into silence after being glared at.

Back home, after watching TV with the two little ones for a while, Hope Williams coaxed them to sleep.

Just as she was about to head back to her room, her phone rang with a call. Hope Williams answered.

A woman’s voice came from the other side, “Is this Miss Hope Williams?”

“Yes, it’s me. Who’s this?”

“President Williams, hello. My name is Elizabeth Summer, I’m the project manager for Ansen Pharmaceutical R&D. Old Lady Williams has instructed me that henceforth all matters relating to Ansen should be directed to you.”