When Thaddeus heard Sophia's words, he frowned, his displeasure evident.
Claudia and Charles exchanged worried glances, fearing Sophia's statements might anger Thaddeus.
"Sophia, what are you saying?! He's your great-granddad. Greet him properly," Claudia scolded, raising her voice.
Sophia clung tightly to Anastasia's clothes, refusing to move closer.
Children are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them. Despite Thaddeus' smile, Sophia saw the harshness in his eyes when he looked at her and her mother.
Claudia grabbed Sophia's arm and dragged her forward when Sophia wouldn't budge. "What's wrong with you? You're so young and already so disrespectful. You must greet your elders properly!"
"Mom!" Anastasia rushed forward, her anger flaring. "Sophia is still so young. She could get hurt being yanked around like that!"
"She's being rude to her granddad. Why aren't you disciplining her? Instead, you keep defending her. You've spoiled her!" Claudia snapped at Anastasia.
"The Reeds disowned us. How is he my grandfather, let alone Sophia's great-grandfather?" Anastasia replied coldly. She then picked up Sophia and started upstairs.
She couldn't believe she was standing up to Thaddeus Reed like this.
"Anastasia, it was my fault for what happened earlier. It's my fault you feel hatred toward me. I'm here to apologize. Please, forgive me!" Thaddeus's old voice called out from behind.
Anastasia paused. When had Thaddeus Reed ever apologized to her so gently?
She couldn't recall it ever happening.
All her past grievances and mistreatments surfaced, making her want to cry.
But the damage from Thaddeus' past actions had long eroded any familial warmth she felt for him. She knew his true colors.
His unexpected apology today felt entirely out of character for Thaddeus Reed. What is his motive, then?
Anastasia sensed something was off and suspected he had ulterior motives.
She steadied her emotions and continued upstairs with Sophia.
"Anastasia!" Claudia shouted repeatedly, but Anastasia ignored her and went to her room.
"Uh, Thaddeus. I'm sorry. We've completely spoiled Anastasia, and she's too insensitive. Please don't hold it against her," Claudia quickly explained.
Thaddeus took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and waved it off, appearing regretful. "I can't blame her. I'm old, and my days are numbered. I've been stern with my children and grandchildren for their good, but who knew... Ahhh!"
Seeing this, Charles felt heartbroken and took Thaddeus' hand. "Dad, don't say that. You're well, and the Reeds need you."
A touching scene between father and son unfolded in the living room downstairs.
So when Charlotte returned home, she was surprised to find them talking affectionately.
She blinked in disbelief, thinking her eyes were playing tricks on her.
"Charlotte, you're here now. Your grandfather came here to us and waiting for you!" Claudia quickly took Charlotte's hand and led her over.
Thaddeus' eyes brightened, and he smiled warmly at Charlotte, saying, "Charlotte was such a tiny girl. Now, she's grown into a stunning young woman in the blink of an eye!"
Hearing Thaddeus Reed's unusual praise, Charlotte was surprised and disgusted.
"Save it. Just get to the point and don't beat around the bush," Charlotte growled.
"Charlotte, watch your tongue. He is your grandfather. Where are your manners?" Charles scolded, frowning deeply. With Charlotte's behavior, what's really going on today? Dad finally came here to ask us to move back with the Reeds, but Anastasia and Charlotte were hostile. What if he gets angry?
Charlotte scoffed. "Brendan Reed went to my office, looking and waiting for me the whole afternoon, and now Grandpa's here. Let's drop the act. I'll be blunt. I can't fulfill Brendan's request, so find someone else."
Claudia looked confused. "What's the request? What's going on?"
Charles looked furious. "What nonsense are you spouting? Your grandfather came to ask us to return to the Reed family. He even offered me a position at the Reed Corporation. Your grandfather is being very kind. Don't upset him."
Charles recounted what happened but warned Charlotte with his eyes, fearing she might upset Thaddeus and cause him to change his mind.
Charlotte responded coldly, "Oh, I get it. Grandpa's trying to pull a Trojan Horse on us! He's using the same tricks as Brendan. First, the kinship card, then trying to entice me. No wonder he's your grandson."
Ignoring Charles' pale expression, she added, "Isn't this just a ploy to get us to go to the Monroes and beg for mercy so they'll let the Reeds off the hook?"
Claudia and Charles were stunned into silence. Off the hook? What is happening?
Despite Charlotte exposing his true intentions, Thaddeus remained composed and continued to act friendly. "Charlotte, we have some misunderstandings, but we're still family. I came here because I'm genuinely worried about you. I have a few questions. I've already disciplined Brendan for his actions today, and I promise he won't do it again! Charlotte, please ask the Monroes to be merciful and let us go. We'll treat you well in the future."
Claudia and Charles realized that Thaddeus hadn't come to reconnect with them but to persuade Charlotte to approach the Monroes.
He had targeted Charlotte, believing she would marry into the Monroe family, and was trying to make amends for convenience.
Charlotte laughed bitterly. "Why do you think the Monroes will forgive you because of me? Who am I to influence them?"
Thaddeus hesitated. "Aren't you the fiancée of Damien Monroe's son? The Monroes took action against us because they were standing up for us. I need you to explain that it was all a misunderstanding."
Charlotte grinned wryly. "Which fiancée? Damien Monroe's son has been married for a while!"