While Thaddeus was being checked as he collapsed on the floor, accusations were raised of Anastasia.
"Anastasia, have you been secretly harboring resentment against Mr. Reed Senior, and did you purposely bring your husband here to provoke him?"
"Are you plotting to take over Spark Enterprises by driving the Old Master away with your dirty ways?"
"I've always known it—your family is full of ingrates with vicious intentions!"
The barrage of scolding words felt like daggers piercing Anastasia's heart. She had sacrificed so much for the family, only to be repaid with evil accusations now. Tears of frustration and betrayal welled up in her eyes.
Thaddeus took a couple of sips of water, regaining his composure, before fixing Anastasia with a glare of pure disgust.
"No matter what, you bear a significant responsibility for the sorry state the Reeds are in today. We must secure a cooperation agreement with Orion Industries. You have two choices: marry Seth Clay to forge an alliance with his family or secure the cooperation agreement with Orion Industries. Fail either, and you will no longer have a place in the Reed family."
His words hung heavily in the air, bearing with disdain and finality, further deepening the sadness of despair in Anastasia's heart.
"Alright, we'll settle the cooperation agreement. Mr. Reed, I trust you will keep your word," Ethan suddenly declared.
The room fell silent, everyone staring at Ethan as if he had lost his mind. Did this so-called good-for-nothing really grasp the immense challenge of securing a cooperation agreement with Orion Industries?
"Wait…" Anastasia began, her voice trembling with uncertainty, but Brendan quickly cut her off, eager to seize the moment.
Ethan's confident declaration sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone stunned. Anastasia's heart pounded with a mix of hope and fear. Could Ethan really pull this off? Could he really do it, or was this another impossible promise? The tension was intense, each breath heavy with anticipation.
"Your loser husband promised it himself, so don't blame us for forcing you!" Brendan grinned smugly and looked at Thaddeus. "Right, Grandpa?"
"Good. Since you took it on yourselves, don't blame me for being merciless if you fail to complete the task. You have two days to get the contract signed. If you fail, you and your family can scram!"
"How ignorant. If it's that easy to clinch a cooperation agreement with Orion Industries, I would have become the general manager a long time ago."
"Hah, some people just don't have any self-awareness. I'm afraid they won't even be able to enter the Orion Industries office!"
"You only have two days. You'd better not go to such lengths. I suggest you go home, pack up, and get ready to get lost."
Brendan's face was smug as he left with many people behind him.
"Why did you agree?" Anastasia asked.
As Ethan lowered his head, he was met with Anastasia's furious, tear-streaked face.
"I'm actually…" Ethan began, but before he could finish, she slapped him hard, the sound echoing in the tense air.
"It's all your fault! Why did you agree…?" Anastasia's voice cracked as she broke down, tears streaming down her cheeks.
The anger simmering in Ethan's chest vanished in the face of her despair.
"Do you know how difficult this task is? Do you know they're waiting for me to fail so they can drive me away?" Anastasia cried out, her voice filled with immense despair and misery.
Ethan's heart ached at the sight of her suffering. He reached out gently, his voice soft and reassuring, "Don't worry. I'll help you."
Anastasia suddenly raised her head, her eyes bloodshot and filled with rage. "How are you going to help me? Do you know anyone at Orion Industries? Do you know how to build connections and sign contracts? You don't know anything! How can you help me?!"
She pushed Ethan away, her body trembling with emotion, and staggered off.
Ethan followed her quietly, his heart heavy with guilt and determination. He watched from a distance until she safely entered the Reed residence before turning away, his steps heavy with bitterness and resolve.
As soon as Anastasia entered, Claudia approached her. "I heard that good-for-nothing made a scene at the office today. What happened? Did he cause any trouble? Why didn't you keep an eye on him?! Who is he to enter the Reed family?"
Anastasia waved her hand in fatigue. "I'm exhausted, mother. Stop talking."
Anastasia was extremely annoyed and frustrated.
Her grandfather told her she had to clinch a contract within two days. She was now pressed for time to complete this almost impossible task. She was so troubled that she felt that her head was about to explode.
If she didn't sign a contract in two days, her family would be kicked out of the Reed family. If her mother found out, she would kick up a big fuss.
"I still have something to do. I'm going to leave now. Please ask Charlotte to pick Sophia up at the kindergarten later."
Soon, a metallic red Lamborghini screeched to a halt at the door, and Charlotte stormed out, fuming.
"Mom, where's my sister?" she demanded as she burst into the house.
"Your sister went out. Oh yes, she wants you to help her pick up Sophia later," Claudia replied nonchalantly, lounging on the couch with cucumber slices on her face.
Charlotte grabbed her mother's arm, yanking it away from her relaxed position. "Mom! Now's not the time for a facial!" she barked, her voice trembling angrily.
Her face flushed with rage. "Mom, you have no idea. That loser came to the office today and provoked Grandpa. He even dared to take on the task of clinching a cooperation agreement with Orion Industries! So many powerful families in Emerald Coast County are desperate for that connection. Who are we? This task is impossible!"
"That good-for-nothing is bold to have agreed. I'll give him a piece of my mind when he comes again!" Claudia snapped, her irritation evident. "He's nothing but causing trouble and failing at everything he does. Ohh! When will Anastasia wake up and realize this!"
"Mom, the worst part is yet to come. Grandpa said he will kick all of us out of the Reed family if we fail to get the contract in two days!"
"What?!" Claudia screamed, leaping to her feet, oblivious to the cucumber slices tumbling to the floor.