Wilcon paused, refraining from further speech. He understood the grave consequences of offending Mr. Boysen and potentially causing Orion Industries and its owners, the Quinns, to sever ties with his family. Boysen gave Ethan a fleeting glance but pretended not to recognize him, following Ethan's instructions to keep his identity hidden from the Reeds.
Boysen produced a document and placed it on the reception desk. Thaddeus quickly leaned over. When he saw the word 'contract,' his eyes widened, and he whispered tremblingly, "Contract?"
Boysen chuckled. "Yes, this is the strategic cooperation contract from Orion Industries. Miss Anastasia Reed sought me out several times yesterday, and her sincerity impressed me. I decided to allow your company to collaborate with us. I have already signed the contract. As long as you have no objections, you may sign it after reviewing it, and it will take effect immediately."
Orion Industries had proactively offered them the opportunity to collaborate! It felt like a gift from the heavens. However, when they realized the contract was awarded because of Anastasia, their expressions soured, and many instinctively glanced at Brendan multiple times. Thaddeus had promised to appoint the person who secured the cooperation agreement with Orion Industries as the general manager of Spark Enterprises. Was Anastasia about to reclaim her position and lead the company once more?
Brendan also looked deeply unsettled. He had been confident that Anastasia would fail to secure the cooperation deal with Orion Industries and had planned to use the opportunity to push her, her 'useless' husband, and her parents out of the family. He hadn't expected her to seal the cooperation.
Anastasia was equally stunned. The previous day, she had tried numerous times to see Mr. Boysen at the Orion Industries office but was unsuccessful. She had almost given up hope. To her amazement, Boysen was moved by her persistence, and he personally delivered the contract to Spark Enterprises.
Thaddeus was overjoyed. Without glancing at the contract, he signed his name at the bottom and stamped Spark Enterprises' official seal, fearing Boysen might change his mind and revoke the offer. Boysen, having completed the task assigned by Ethan, prepared to leave.
The Reeds, ecstatic over their newfound partnership with Orion Industries, ignored the furious Wilcon, who angrily stormed off.
Still elated after signing the contract, Thaddeus looked around at the jubilant Reeds in the room and cleared his throat. "Since everyone is here, I have an announcement to make."
Here it comes!
The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air. Thaddeus was about to reveal the new leader of Spark Enterprises. Countless jealous glances were directed at Anastasia. Those who had previously mocked her now looked at her with admiration, hoping to curry favor. If Brendan, the Reed family's eldest scion, hadn't glared at them so menacingly, many would have rushed to pledge their loyalty to her.
Anastasia, her eyes moist with anticipation, stared intently at Thaddeus.
"I, at this moment, declare that Brendan Reed will be the new general manager of Spark Enterprises, effective immediately. He will be responsible for all company affairs, including the cooperation with Orion Industries. Everyone is to cooperate with him fully!"
Shock rippled through the room.
Ethan's expression darkened. He hadn't expected Thaddeus to break his promise!
Brendan stepped forward, visibly pleased, and declared loudly, "Thank you, Grandpa! I will do an excellent job and not let you down!"
The other Reeds quickly turned away, realizing Thaddeus had made an empty promise. Why would he hand over the company to a granddaughter who wasn't even his blood relative instead of his biological grandson? They were baffled!
Some were particularly relieved they hadn't prematurely declared their support for Anastasia. Brendan wouldn't have spared them if they had!
"That's all. You are dismissed. Get back to work," Thaddeus commanded before turning to leave.
Anastasia, unable to contain her frustration, chased after Thaddeus and confronted him. "Grandpa! Didn't you say you would give Spark Enterprises to the person who secured the partnership with Orion Industries? Why have you made Brendan the general manager instead?"
Thaddeus looked at Anastasia with indifference. "Are you upset? With you in charge, the Reeds would remain a second-rate family in Emerald Coast County. If your useless husband hadn't offended Mr. Wilcon, we might have also secured a contract with him. You are incompetent! What right do you have?"
Anastasia's eyes filled with tears. "But Grandpa, I worked so hard for this. I spent days trying to secure this deal. You can't just take it away from me!"
Thaddeus scoffed. "Your efforts mean nothing if they don't yield results. Brendan will lead this company better than you ever could. Now, get back to work."
Ethan, witnessing the injustice, stepped forward. "You promised the position to the one who brought in the contract, Thaddeus. You can't go back on your word."
Thaddeus glared at Ethan. "And who are you to challenge my decisions? You are nothing but trouble for this family. Be grateful I even allow you to stay here. I'll make it clear now, no matter how many contracts Anastasia Reed secures, I will never hand over Spark Enterprises to her! She needs to know her place!"
Ethan's fists clenched, but he forced himself to remain calm. "This isn't over, Thaddeus. We will see who truly deserves to lead Spark Enterprises."
Thaddeus turned his back on them, dismissing their protests with a wave of his hand. Brendan smirked as he watched his grandfather walk away. "You heard him. Get back to work."
As the room slowly emptied, Anastasia looked at Ethan, her face a mixture of anger and despair. "What do we do now, Ethan?"
Ethan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Leave it to me."