"Really? How did that happen?"
"Although we signed the contract with them this morning for a collaboration. How can there be a breach of contract this afternoon? It's only a half day passed! We haven't done anything yet! We did not even celebrate for this good partnership with them!"
"Surely, Orion Industries isn't pulling a fast one on us. Did they set us up? But why would they target us?"
"What is happening? Why is there a breach? Has anyone checked or reviewed the contract?"
"This is outrageous. I thought Orion Industries was reputable and wouldn't stoop to such tactics!"
Everyone was murmuring in outrage. They had thought this was a fantastic opportunity, but it had turned out to be disastrous. How could they stand for this? They are just merely second-tier families with not so much cash flow on hand. How can they withstand this situation when Orion Industries is asking for such monstrous compensation because of breaching the contract?
Thaddeus slammed his fist on the table and yelled, "Enough! I called this meeting to discuss solutions, not to listen to your nonsense. Start thinking of ideas and countermeasures. If you have nothing to contribute, then keep quiet!"
The conference room fell silent.
"Do none of you have any suggestions? Have I been feeding a bunch of useless layabouts?" Thaddeus's anger intensified as he realized no one was offering any ideas. This family of which he always looked after even at his old age, has no ideas to lay down even at this critical moment. He's thinking if they are still even using their brains or just waiting for the money he provides.
"Did we offend anyone at Orion Industries? That doesn't seem right either. Mr. Boysen wouldn't have come over to sign the contract this morning if we had. Did anyone disrespect Orion Industries after signing the contract?" someone asked cautiously.
Thaddeus looked at them coldly. "Did any of you do something to offend anyone today?"
Everyone shook their heads, feeling a chill run down their spines under Thaddeus's gaze.
One of the Reeds was disappointed that Anastasia, who typically bore the brunt of Thaddeus's anger, was absent and began whispering.
"What are you muttering about?" Thaddeus glared at him.
Startled, he quickly replied, "No, I was just wondering why Anastasia Reed isn't here. She always seems to be absent when there's trouble."
Anastasia Reed? Of course! This must be about her!
Everyone suddenly had the same thought, as if they had been reminded.
"This must have something to do with Anastasia Reed! Mr. Boysen of Orion Industries said he gave us the contract because of her sincerity. But now he claims we breached the contract and demands compensation. Anastasia Reed should handle this!"
"Yes, she secured the deal, so she should resolve the issue!"
"Besides, everyone else is here for the emergency meeting except her. Is she purposely avoiding us, or is she hiding something?"
"She must have done something after Mr. Reed Senior handover the control of Spark Enterprises to Brendan!"
"She is such a pain in the ass. She didn't accept Mr. Thaddeus Senior decision. Hmph! How bold!"
The Reeds grew increasingly agitated, their speculations mounting and chatting with each other.
Brendan slammed his hand on the table, exclaiming, "I know!"
He excitedly told Thaddeus, "Grandpa, I know! Today, Mr. Boysen said he signed the contract with us solely because of Anastasia. I believe he was attracted to her. You said whoever secured the deal with Orion Industries would take over Spark Enterprises. Everyone knows Anastasia is determined to lead Spark Enterprises, so she must have secured the contract by any means necessary. So..."
"So she must have made some kind of deal with Mr. Boysen!" Brendan's confidence grew as he spoke as if his bold guesses were confirmed.
"Anastasia is known as the most beautiful woman in Emerald Coast County. That's likely why Mr. Boysen agreed to sign the contract. But he reversed his decision after realizing you didn't give Spark Enterprises to her! Mr. Boysen must be furious. That's why he's now suing us for breach of contract!"
The Reeds came to a startling realization.
Yes, that must be it! It's all Anastasia Reed's fault!
"Summon Anastasia Reed to come here in the office immediately!" Thaddeus ordered furiously.
After leaving the office, Anastasia rushed home, locked herself in her room, and refused to see anyone. She had put her phone on silent mode.
Claudia kept probing, but Anastasia wouldn't say a word. The events of the day, especially Thaddeus and the Reeds' attitudes towards her, had left her disillusioned.
Just then, Claudia's phone rang. Seeing it was Brendan calling, she answered immediately.
"Hello, Brendan. Yes, she's here. Do you need to speak with her urgently? Alright, I'll ensure she comes to the office immediately."
Claudia hammered on Anastasia's door. "Anastasia, come out quickly. Your grandfather needs you at the office urgently!"
Anastasia didn't want to go, but she reluctantly got up, thinking it might be important for work. She thought she still had some company responsibilities that needed attention even after what they had done to her.
She soon arrived at Spark Enterprises' conference room, greeted by a roomful of people glaring at her with furious and accusatory expressions. Anastasia's heart sank. What's going on? Does this have something to do with me?
"Anastasia, I didn't expect you to be so shameless. You worked with Mr. Boysen to get the deal signed, so why did you break your word and cause us to be sued by Orion Industries for breach of contract?" Brendan stood up first, attacking Anastasia immediately.
Anastasia was stunned, unable to comprehend what had happened!