Evelyn felt nothing about the separation.
To her, it was fine either way.
If they stayed together, the house would be livelier.
If they split, everyone would have their own family and make their own living.
Compared to Gray, she had less pressure and responsibility.
So each option had its pros and cons.
It was hard to weigh them, so she simply stopped thinking about it.
Gray and the others would handle it anyway.
She didn't need to worry.
To be honest, the separation had nothing to do with her.
When she registered her marriage with Gray, she had already signed a prenuptial agreement.
The Sterling family property had nothing to do with her.
Even Gray's personal assets had nothing to do with her.
If they divorced, she would only get limited alimony.
She used to think this was just a marriage in name.
In a few years, they might divorce and become strangers.
So she never thought about the family's property.
She never coveted it or cared about it.
But now, her relationship with Gray was good.
She no longer thought about divorce.
Yet the Sterling family was starting to split up.
Gray even asked for her opinion on the separation.
She didn't know what others thought.
For her, family harmony and warmth couldn't be bought with money.
That was why she felt more relaxed and happy here than at her own home.
Even though her family's assets were tiny compared to the Sterlings', it didn't make her feel that her family was less happy.
Everyone had different ideas.
Their final decisions would be very different.
She personally thought she shouldn't say too much about the separation.
Just be happy.
After that, Mrs. Sterling held an informal family meeting.
Besides Mrs. Sterling, Isabelle, Lillian, Gray, and Ethan, there were also accountants and lawyers who didn't attend the whole meeting.
Mrs. Sterling first asked a lawyer to announce Mr. Sterling's dying will.
It was the same as the separation principle Mrs. Sterling had explained to Isabelle and Lillian before.
Mrs. Sterling asked if anyone had questions.
If they did, they could consult the lawyer now.
Everyone looked at each other and said nothing.
"If no one has any doubts, the property distribution principle is to distribute according to the will's contents," Mrs. Sterling announced.
After thanking the lawyer and asking the butler to see him out, Mrs. Sterling asked the family's private accountant to give a brief introduction.
He explained the total amount and details of the property available for distribution.
He also explained some detailed rules for dividing the property into four equal parts.
"The old man's will says 50% of the property will be shared with me," Mrs. Sterling said.
"The remaining 50% will be shared equally by you four siblings.
At my age, it's useless to ask for those properties.
Let the accountant divide them equally into four parts according to 100%.
When the time comes, you will draw lots to decide who gets what.
That way, we won't have any more objections.
If you have any questions, you can consult Accountant Zhao now.
Understand clearly.
Don't wait until the real separation to raise objections again."
Mrs. Sterling explained without expression.
"We can all do it.
What do you think, fourth brother?"
"I have no objection," Gray said concisely.
Then the accountant left.
Only the family members remained at the meeting.
"Mom, after the separation, can I still enjoy the Sterling Group's annual dividend with the second sister?" Lillian looked at her second sister, then turned to ask.
"Before you have any questions, you should ask Lawyer Harrison," Mrs. Sterling replied without expression.
"He will explain it to you very clearly.
In principle, the Sterling family does not divide.
If they want to divide, they will no longer enjoy the annual dividends of the Sterling Group.
This has been clearly stipulated since the beginning of the Sterling family."
"But brother and fourth brother, they still enjoy it, don't they?" Lillian said, unconvinced.
"That's right," Mrs. Sterling said bluntly.
"The Sterling Group originally only passed on to men, not women.
I have mentioned this problem with you and Isabelle before.
If you want to enjoy the Sterling Group's dividend, you can't separate.
If you separate, the Sterling Group has nothing to do with you.
So think about it yourself."
Lillian pursed her lips and said nothing more.
She was a little unconvinced.
At the end of the family meeting, Mrs. Sterling announced that if there was no objection, the family would be separated by drawing lots next Tuesday.
After the separation, a press conference would be held to announce it.
If someone changed their mind before Tuesday, they could also raise it.
After the separation, there would be no objection.
After the family meeting, everyone went back to their own small home.
Isabelle and Lillian were in the same direction.
But Ethan and Gray were in two different directions of the garden.
Instead of going home directly, Ethan followed Gray.
"Second sister, this principle of separation is unfair," Lillian said bitterly.
"Mom told you before, didn't you hear me?" Isabelle looked at her and asked.
"Yes, but the more I think about it, the more unreasonable it is.
Separation means equal division.
We are also our father's children.
Why can't we enjoy the same inheritance right?
Even if the Sterling Group is passed on from male to female, and we don't interfere in the operation after the separation, we should be given the dividends that should be given to us.
Or convert those shares into the same cash to compensate us once.
How can you say that the Sterling Group has nothing to do with us after the separation?" Lillian said more angrily.
"Lillian, the Sterling Group was not founded by our father.
It was founded by our great-grandfather.
It has been stipulated since our great-grandfather's generation.
What can we do?"
"Our great-grandfather's thought was feudal," Lillian answered.
"Now there is no society where men are passed on but not women.
What women have no right to inherit?
It's feudal poison.
Feudal thought should have been abolished long ago.
It's too late now, isn't it?"
"Lillian, if you want the Sterling Group's dividend, then don't separate your family," Isabelle sighed.
"Actually, it's good for me to think about it this time."
"What's the matter, second sister?
How can you be convinced so easily?
Even if we don't need the Sterling Group's dividend, we can get much more property than we can get now.
Save now for others to work, receive a dead salary.
Live on that little dividend every year.
I'm not convinced.
After the separation, the Sterling Group's dividend won't be given to us.
Isn't it cheap for the fourth brother and Ethan?" Lillian replied angrily.