"Hook up? Go back on my word? Breach of contract? What are you talking about?" Anastasia asked, her eyes still red from crying.
Brendan humphed cruelly. "Stop pretending! Just admit it. Are you who caused Orion Industries to sue us for breach of contract and demand compensation? What do you gain from making the Reeds suffer such a loss? And don't try to pretend, Anastasia!"
It was only then that Anastasia understood what he was insinuating. She was shocked. Is Orion Industries suing Reeds for breach of contract? What's happening?
Anastasia cannot comprehend what's happening. She is unaware of what was written in the contract since Thaddeus only had the copy.
"Anastasia Reed, I'm telling you, no matter what sordid deal you struck with Mr. Boysen to secure that contract, something has gone wrong, and you must fix it!" Brendan shouted, pointing accusingly at Anastasia.
Her face flushed with anger. "What do you mean by sordid deal? I never promised anyone anything inappropriate. I don't think you should accuse me of this. Hold on! Who is supposedly should fix this concern? Aren't you the competent grandson of the Reed family? Besides, you're the general manager of Spark Enterprises now. You should handle any issues that arise!"
"Silence!" Thaddeus roared, slamming his hand on the table. "Brendan is now the general manager of Spark Enterprises so that you will speak to him with respect! Are you challenging my decision this morning?"
Anastasia clenched her jaw and finally replied, "No."
"Good. What right do you have to demand that I hand over Spark Enterprises to you? The scandal you were involved in already tarnished the family's reputation and caused us significant losses. And today, your useless husband insulted James Wilcon, causing the Wilcons to withdraw their collaboration. I thought you might be useful, but this happens when we sign the contract with Orion Industries!" Thaddeus looked at her with disdain.
"Anastasia Reed, I am very disappointed in you."
Anastasia seethed but knew her grandfather was biased and would blame her regardless of what she said. He would assume she was making excuses. She just realized that since the beginning, when starting up the Spark Enterprises, no help was given to her by her grandfather. Denying all her requests. She needs to go on her own and with bank loans to survive all the challenges. Brendan was not shouted despite not being able to build his own company using all the funds Mr. Thaddeus Senior gave to him. Not even once. Her heart is bleeding while reminiscing this. Indeed, her grandfather is biased between her and Brendan. What can she do now?
"No matter what, you must resolve this issue with Orion Industries. Spark Enterprises will go bankrupt if we are forced to pay a substantial sum for breach of contract. Will you stand by and watch that happen?" Thaddeus knew how much Anastasia cared about Spark Enterprises and often used it to coerce her into working tirelessly for the company. He uses this trump card to her to ensure she will bite the bait of downplaying her.
He was doing it again. Anastasia's heart was heavy with grief, but she couldn't bear to see Spark Enterprises fail. This company is her heart and soul. So, she bites the bullet. She tightened her fist and raised her head to Thaddeus. "Alright, I promise to see Mr. Boysen and try to sort this out, but you have to promise me one thing."
"This is your duty in the first place. How dare you demand something in return?" Brendan snapped.
Thaddeus frowned. "What is it?"
Anastasia took a deep breath and said sincerely, "If I can resolve this issue and save Spark Enterprises, you must return it to me, Grandpa."
"Don't even think about it! It's impossible!" Brendan shot up as if stung. Spark Enterprises is already mine. Anastasia Reed, who are you to take it away from me?
"I founded Spark Enterprises alone, despite Grandpa's opposition. After Sophia was born, you promised to help me run it, but you haven't returned it. I'm simply reclaiming what is rightfully mine." Anastasia asserted.
"How dare you!" Brendan turned to Thaddeus, enraged. "Is she saying we stole Spark Enterprises from her?! It's the Reeds' property! Besides, she conspired with Mr. Boysen to snatch it!"
"How dare you claim Spark Enterprises belongs to you. You are shameless!"
"I was wondering why we were sued for breach of contract so soon after signing it. Anastasia Reed has been scheming all along!"
"If it weren't for our family's name, you wouldn't have been able to start Spark Enterprises. We helped you, and now you have the nerve to say we stole it from you!"
"Exactly. We worked hard for years. It would have collapsed long ago if we hadn't taken over Spark Enterprises! This company belongs to the Reeds."
"If you have a different family name, I don't think you can establish the Spark Enterprises!"
The Reeds began accusing Anastasia, twisting the truth to make it seem like Spark Enterprises had always belonged to them and that Anastasia was trying to steal it. She was furious but knew she couldn't argue with so many people who depended on the company.
"Enough, all of you!" Thaddeus shouted to restore order.
He glared at Anastasia with a severe expression. "I don't care if you schemed against us. Regardless, if you can't resolve this matter with Orion Industries within two days, I will erase your name from the family records!"