Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Ashworth Holdings was buzzing with activity lately. Several stalled major projects had suddenly resumed. Word around the company was that Sterling Industries had provided crucial funding-essentially becoming Ashworth's "lifeline." Then later, I heard that Marcus had exploded at someone during a business dinner for mentioning his "adopted sister-me-by name. Apparently his dislike for me had reached new heights. Sure enough, Camden came home the very next night. He didn't even take off his shoes before rushing over with a new divorce agreement. "Just sign it." I laughed coldly. "Take your garbage and get out." He frowned but then relaxed his expression. Unusually, he didn't lose his temper. Instead, he tried to explain: "Ashworth Holdings is at a critical juncture right now. If we divorce, it gives the outside world closure. It's better for both of us." Oh, how well Ashworth Holdings does is my problem because...?" "How is it not your problem?" He paused, finally remembering all those humiliating divorce agreements from before. He softened his tone: "If you agree, I'll give you 8% of the shares." I looked up at him, my lips curling sarcastically. "Wow, Mr. Ashworth is so desperate to bring his beauty home that he's willing to part with such generous terms. Must really be in a hurry." Though this was still nowhere near the 25% stake he'd promised me during our most romantic period. Sage, I don't want to argue about this. I'd advise you to quit while you're ahead." Camden's expression darkened, his tone becoming harsh: If you won't sign, I can keep dragging this out. Either way, I don't lose anything." wasn't angry. I smiled and nodded. "Fine." His expression relaxed. But." changed course. His brow furrowed. 'I don't want the shares." I said calmly, "I want that land on the West Side." The West Side?" Camden looked at me like I'd lost my mind. "What do you want that wasteland for?" That property had been abandoned for years due to unclear ownership and other legal issues that had killed the development plans. To him, it was just a non-performing asset he couldn't liquidate. ་་་་་་་ ་་ Remembering my former business acumen, he grew suspicious: "Even if you sold that land, you wouldn't get nearly enough money to run a company." He studied me suspiciously, clearly thinking I had some hidden agenda. "It was part of my dowry from Dad." 1 met his eyes and spoke each word clearly. He froze. He remembered now. That land had been part of my dowry. It had once been incredibly hot property with unlimited potential. Years ago, when Camden's poor decision-making had led to a cash crisis at Ashworth Holdings, I'd mortgaged that land to help him weather the storm. Later, when the project was shelved and property values crashed overnight, he'd casually bought it back as our "anniversary gift." A worthless piece of wasteland in exchange for 8% of valuable company shares-it was an incredibly good deal no matter how you looked at it. Camden thought for a few seconds, then nodded with satisfaction. "Deal." Soon enough, the lawyer brought over a new agreement. The moment I finished signing, Camden snatched the papers and bolted for the door, afraid I'd change my mind if he stayed another second. Watching his retreating figure, I smiled silently. Ha. Camden would never know what he'd just given up. I set down the pen and walked to the window. I thought back to what Marcus had said that day. "Want to make him pay? Help me get that West Side property back." That worthless land?" They're planning to build the new city subcenter there. The most high-end commercial complex will be anchored on that site." "Why would you think I'd agree to help you?" "It belonged to Dad." His tone had been matter-of-fact. Once it's back in my hands, it belongs to the Sterling family again."