A Dog Barking at the Door

Seeing Brendan's sudden fury, the Reeds stayed silent and walked away awkwardly.

However, after Brendan was no longer present, they began attacking him for his incompetence, terrible character, and lack of manners. They all agreed that the family should be passed on to one of the distant relatives.

Brendan and his mother, Evelyn Crocs, were only in the Reed home's vacant hallway.

Evelyn clutched Brendan's shoulder and sobbed, "My son! It's been hard for you! Do what your grandfather taught you to do so that your grandfather can be at peace: look for Anastasia Reed. After this, your grandfather will look to you.

Brendan pulled away from her and cried, "Mom, you are my mother! Are you going to force me to find that bitch and bow down to her to get her to return? How about my feelings? Do you consider my feelings at all? She was already disowned, so why did you still want her? Am I not your son?"

Brendan's eyes were crimson. Making him apologize to Anastasia was like treading on his dignity—a significant insult! Of all the people, he is ready to give way for Anastasia!

Evelyn, heartbroken, stared at Brendan. "You, silly child, are my son. How could I, as your mother, harm you? However, you are the Reeds' only direct heir, and you will be the one to inherit their heritage. As the head of the household, you must learn to be patient! Timing is everything."

"Look at your grandfather. Do you think he wants to go back on his word and get that bitch to return even though he's already kicked her out? However, given the current circumstances, your grandfather has no choice but to bear with it. Do you think your granddad is impressed by that bitch? He wants to use her to add value for the Reeds."

"Once she loses her value, your grandfather will immediately discard her! Everything the Reeds own will eventually belong solely to you. So, what's the big deal about putting up with this gripe for a while? And soon after, everything will be for you by then? Do you understand, my son?"

Brendan's eyes brightened as he realized something. At the same time, he was full of energy. "Mom you are so bright! What a great plan! Yes, Mom, I understand now! Okay, I will look for Anastasia now. Even if she beats and scolds me, I will bear with it!"

— —

It was already evening. Ethan had driven Anastasia and Sophia home and stayed with them.

Although Claudia would mock him from time to time, Ethan ignored her and did not take it personally. He would occasionally offer her expensive gifts, which caused her to quit making disparaging remarks for a while. He will do this for as long as she like in exchange for some quiet time in the home.

Charles was away from home as usual. Ethan had yet to learn what he was doing these days because he often arrived home late.

Claudia, Anastasia, Charlotte, Sophia, and Ethan were the only guests at the dinner table.

They had just started eating when they heard a knock on the door outside the courtyard.

"Who's there?" Claudia remarked with a grimace, annoyed at being disturbed while eating.

Ethan set down his cutlery. "I'll go take a look."

As he approached the courtyard door, he spotted Brendan carrying a gift box and wearing an incredibly forced smile.

"Uncle..." Brendan felt something was wrong the moment he spoke. The person standing at the door was Ethan Knight! Brendan's wrist in the cast started to ache more. "What are you doing here?"

Ethan furrowed his eyebrows and replied, "Are you a lost dog looking for your leash? My wife and child live here. Why can't I be here?" Brendan walked back into the yard. "Move aside. I need to see Anastasia Reed about something. I want to see her."

However, Ethan insisted on standing at the door, preventing Brendan from entering. "Anastasia is now the General Manager of Spark Enterprises. Not everyone is eligible to see her," Ethan said, closing the door.

Brendan was so enraged that he almost cursed aloud as the door nearly touched his nose. But as he thought of his agenda and his mother's warnings, he took a deep breath and controlled his fury.

Damn it. He's only a live-in son-in-law! What's he so smug about? When Anastasia dumps him one day, I'll see what he says about qualifications! A little patience will go a long way, he said to himself.

When Anastasia saw Ethan return alone, she inquired, "Who's outside?"

"Brendan Reed," Ethan said, not hiding anything.

Anastasia and Claudia gazed at Ethan, stunned. "Why is he here?"

Ethan replied indifferently, "I suppose he's looking for you for something. Previously, you were gracious enough to offer the Reeds a partnership arrangement, but they made a fool of themselves and declined. Now that you are the General Manager of Spark Enterprises, they will undoubtedly want to meet with you again to discuss cooperation or something else that will benefit the Reeds."

He had long seen through the Reeds' arrogant, snobby, and mercenary demeanor. He knows that being here, Brendan Reed wants something that Anastasia can give for them.

"What? Anastasia, are you now the General Manager of Spark Enterprises? When did this happen? "Why didn't you tell me?" Claudia stared at Anastasia in bewilderment.

Charlotte stared at Anastasia with glee. "Anastasia, you are great! You become the General Manager of Spark Enterprises again so quickly!"

Anastasia looked at Ethan and coughed awkwardly. "I got appointed shortly before the conclusion of the day at work. I have not had time to tell you about it. Anyway, now that you know, thank you." She smiled to them.

Claudia was so pleased that she clutched Anastasia's hand hard. "You should have given us this wonderful news as soon as you arrived home! I will make some more food. Let us celebrate! Hahahaha! "General Manager, you've finally reclaimed your title! Congratulations to you, Anastasia!"

Claudia smiled pleasantly as Charlotte clasped Anastasia's other hand and added, "Anastasia, treat us to a meal tomorrow! We need to celebrate this!"

They tightly gripped Anastasia's hands, and she was instantly torn between laughter and weeping. "Sure, let's go out for a feast tomorrow! It's my treat!"

Anastasia stared at Ethan, apologizing.

In truth, Ethan had granted her the post of General Manager. It was simply a shame that Ethan's status was exceptional, and she couldn't divulge it to persuade her family to change their opinions about him. But she is grateful to her husband.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Brendan shouted as the loud hammering on the door continued. "Uncle, Aunt Claudia, this is me! I need to see Anastasia. Please open the door."

Brendan's ranting was extremely loud, and Anastasia immediately scowled. "Why hasn't he left yet? He is so noisy."

Claudia and Charlotte detested Brendan and refused to visit him.

Ethan frowned.

If they ignored Brendan, he would continue to knock on the door and yell, causing a commotion.

Anastasia stared at Ethan after she had considered her options. "We'd better let him in and talk things out."

"Alright." Ethan nodded and left the living room.

Ethan opened the door and asked Brendan to come in. Brendan soon followed Ethan inside.