After Thaddeus issued his ultimatum, the Reeds couldn't help but exchange uneasy glances. It had been long since anyone in the family had been disowned and expelled.
Although people today place less emphasis on family ties and being disowned no longer carries the same public shame, it remains a serious matter for a prominent family like the Reeds. Being disowned and thrown out would mean losing all rights to dividends and benefits from Reed-owned businesses and taking their home away. People in the meeting room could not comprehend in a situation like this thus holding their tongue for any reaction.
After all, being disowned by your family was a humiliating experience, as it usually signified that you had committed a serious offense or had a problematic personality that led to your expulsion.
Anastasia had not expected Thaddeus to threaten her without first determining the facts. Her heart turned cold at that moment. She had done so much for her family in the past, but for what? Was this family truly worth her efforts? Blood and sweat, she painstakingly build the company. Because of her, Spark Enterprises is what it is right now!
Anastasia visited Orion Industries several times over the next two days, begging to see Gideon Boysen each time, but she was turned down every time.
"I'm sorry, Miss Reed. The general manager is currently busy. Do you have an appointment with him?" Anastasia stood outside the Orion Industries office tower, unsure where to go after being denied entry. Her petite and delicate frame gave the impression that she couldn't hold on much longer.
Ethan stood on the top floor of the Orion Industries office tower, watching her for a long time, his eyes filled with sadness.
"Mr. Knight, are you not going to see her? She's your..." Boysen asked.
"No, we will stick to the original plan. Anastasia needs to see how insensitive the Reeds are towards her," Ethan replied firmly. He believed that Anastasia would only be ruined if she remained in that toxic household where everyone degraded and exploited her.
"Anastasia!" Charlotte ran over and hugged her sister, beaming with excitement. "Anastasia, I passed the Orion Industries interview and am now officially an employee! This is my nameplate. Don't worry anymore. I'll go in and speak to Mr. Boysen for you."
"Charlotte, no!" Anastasia quickly stopped her sister. "You've just been hired, so don't get involved in this situation; it might jeopardize your job. That would be worse! Oh, I haven't congratulated you on joining Orion Industries yet. Let's celebrate tonight."
"Why do you say that? Anastasia, I'm not a child anymore. I can share your burden. We are sisters. Besides, whatever your burden is, it will also be my burden. Why should you have to resolve this issue alone? Grandpa and the others think you're a pushover. If I were you, I would put this matter aside and let them deal with it themselves! Why should you be concerned about the company's risk of bankruptcy and losses? No matter how hard you work, they will not return Spark Enterprises to you!" Charlotte rattled on, feeling immense injustice towards her sister.
Feeling dreadful, Anastasia said, "I can't stop worrying about Spark Enterprises. I don't want to see it destroyed like this."
Charlotte knew her sister had always been strongly attached to Spark Enterprises. Stamping her foot in frustration, she exclaimed, "In that case, I will ask for you! I will go to Mr. Boysen's office."
Charlotte quickly entered Orion Industries with her work pass, punched the elevator button, and hurried to the general manager's office on the top floor. Anastasia could not stop her, and the secretary outside did not deter her either.
"Are you the General Manager, Mr. Boysen? I have a few questions for you. But first, I apologize for barging in without proper introduction and appointment." Charlotte said, standing in the office and looking at Boysen seated at his desk.
"Sorry, Mr. Boysen. This new employee isn't aware of the regulations and barged in. I couldn't stop her," the secretary apologized quickly to Boysen after frowning at Charlotte, recognizing her as Anastasia's sister.
"That's alright. You may return to your duties," Boysen said, waving his hand dismissively at his concerned secretary.
After the secretary left, Boysen asked Charlotte, "What do you want to ask me?"
"Mr. Boysen, could you please explain why you signed a contract with the Reeds' Spark Enterprises two days ago and then sued them for breach of contract this afternoon? I'd like to know why there is a breach of contract and whether the Reeds have offended you in any way. My sister has been waiting for you at the entrance for two days over this issue. Even if you decline to see her, it would only take a minute for you to send someone to clarify your intentions with her, right?" Charlotte's heart ached for her sister, who was on the verge of collapse outside.
"Since you asked, I will tell you. Go back and inform the Reeds that they have done something wrong and offended someone, and they must bear the consequences," Boysen advised.
"Who? Isn't it you they offended?" Charlotte asked in surprise.
Boysen shook his head. "No, the person they offended has far more authority than I do, and I cannot afford to offend him, let alone the Reeds. That is all I have to say. Inform them or the Reed family will bear the consequences of their own doing!"