After Divorce

Chapter 42 Sylvia’s Warning

The next day, more “exposés” about Sylvia trended online, this time directly from Jonathon himself rather than the media. His petty revenge knew no bounds.

When Sylvia saw it at her desk, she laughed in disbelief. “Is he insane? How can he call this proof? It’s a joke at best. Shameless to present this nonsense as evidence.”

Juliette had shown her boss the posts, knowing Sylvia was too busy with work to notice such online drama herself. “I know, right? Some gullible people actually believe his claims that you met other men and cheated on Cyril! Ridiculous. Aren’t you going to do something?”

Sylvia shook her head, unruffled. “Jonathon couldn’t have dug this up himself. Someone must be helping him. Find out who.” She had suspected Bonnie but wanted proof.

Juliette grinned, having expected this and already prepared the information. “Way ahead of you!” She presented her findings with relish. “Interesting, isn’t it?”

Seeing Bonnie’s involvement, Sylvia decided Cyril needed a warning to control his sister, or she might take matters into her own hands. Juliette chuckled at the thought of Sylvia disciplining Bonnie.

Sylvia removed Cyril’s number from her blacklist and called him directly. He sounded when he finally answered, still dealing with Jonathon’s fallout damaging his company. Another call from Sylvia surely meant more trouble for him to resolve.

weary

“Remember our last chat? I said handle your people instead of always running to me. What’s the deal with Jonathon? If those posts were only for my viewing, stop wasting time. Last warning–rein in your sister or I’ll personally mentor her.” Sylvia gave an ominous ultimatum before hanging up.

Cyril’s frown deepened, recalling Jonathon’s unread “evidence” that he’d now regret. Clearly, this went deeper than he thought. Opening the email, Cyril saw it contained a recording.

Hearing Bonnie proposition Jonathon to target Sylvia using photos she provided, Cyril flushed angrily. His sister’s vendetta over his rebuke was as foolish as her plot against someone out of her league. How had slippery Jonathon been outmaneuvered by Sylvia’s unknown capabilities? Even her divorce terms exceeded Cyril’s expectations.

Realizing Sylvia’s restraint with this final chance to avoid direct intervention, Cyril rushed out without finishing work, demanding updates from his assistant about his wife and sister’s recent activities. Only Bonnie’s unexplained nightly absences bothered him now.

Chapter 42 Sylvia’s Warning

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Overhearing of Bonnie’s impudence, Cyril sneered. “So she stays out all night now? Gone wild after years abroad it seems and forgotten her way home.” He strode off, assistant hurrying behind.

Chapter 43 Obliterated

When Cyril found his foolish sister Bonnie the next morning after her night out clubbing, his sudden presence made her shriek.

Bonnie was furious at first for the rude awakening, ready to reprimand the intruder, until realizing it was her brother. Unlike others, she’d feared Cyril since childhood, obeying his every word and avoiding anything he forbade. So Bonnie could read his expressions clearly. “What’s going on brother? You woke me up right after I got back from partying all night,” she asked nervously, clutching her blanket to her chest and not meeting his eyes.

Noting how she concealed herself, Cyril’s brow twitched but he spared his adult sister’s dignity by not yanking away the covers.

“Do you ever consider the damage your online antics with Jonathon could bring our company? The trouble it invites?” Cyril kept his voice calm, hoping to reason with his grown sister. But Bonnie seemed oblivious to the gravity of her deeds, even daring to talk back to her angry brother.

“It’s just payback for them forcing you to marry years ago. And I don’t see the issue with exposing the truth?”

“You consider everyone a fool? Those photos clearly show random polite exchanges, yet you present it as evidence? I think the booze has pickled your brain. As of today, you’re confined home without access to your cards or money until you’ve reflected. I’m telling you, don’t bother calling for help this time.”

Cyril stormed off, fuming. His exit made him realize Sylvia had always acted strangely around his family, as if hiding something. He’d dismissed it as mere incompatibility that led to arguments, never considering Sylvia’s home life over the years.

Now his own sister and friend targeted her with such practiced ease. Had Sylvia endured unseen troubles that shaped her retaliation? Cyril felt regret for the first time.

Enraged at losing her freedom and cards, Bonnie threw a tantrum destroying her room. Finding the doors locked, she grabbed her phone to call Sylvia. How dare that woman run to her brother! She would put Sylvia in her place!

Sylvia was surprised to receive Bonnie’s call, having forgotten to re–block her number. But she smiled as Bonnie’s shrieking rant reminded her of the family’s impending misery.

“Tell your brother I warned if he couldn’t discipline you, I would. His family will now pay dearly for this call and your past behavior towards me.” Sylvia calmly promised