After Divorce

Chapter 46 Fair Competition

“What work? You claimed no commitments when I called this morning. And if so busy, how’d you answer my call instantly anyway? Just admit you still care despite the harsh front, “Sylvia retorted affectionately. 

“Believe whatever makes you feel better, sister. Know I’m doing very well at the family company now, already at VP level thanks to recent success. Once established, I’ll fund your biggest world tour ever!” She hoped to make her brother proud.

Balk went silent, weighing her bold statement’s authenticity before scoffing skeptically.

“You expect me to take your word as assurance of such a senior promotion? I’ve learned not to trust your tall tales anymore. Besides, didn’t you forbid any involvement from me back when insisting on that disastrous wedding? Consider us estranged.”

Her thoughtless words still pained Balk. He had always doted on his beloved little sister, reserving front row concert seats facing him specially for her. Yet his cherished sibling cast family aside for another man, leaving him heartbroken.

“I’m truly sorry, brother. I was terribly rude and irrational back then. But I’ve changed, focused solely on advancing my career to redeem myself.”

Sylvia desperately wanted to make amends for wounding her most caring brother. Hearing her remorse, Balk regretted maintaining distance, though she had brought this upon herself.

“Well, since you claim reform, I’ll move past grievances. But obviously you didn’t call just for apologies. Out with it then.”

Trust her brother to see through any pretense to her underlying motive. He’d spoken to Bruce that morning so likely guessed Sylvia’s aim already.

“Bruce mentioned your upcoming tour. Can you leave me front row tickets? I want to support you properly this time – with banners, light sticks, cheers, everything!”

Sylvia laughed, expecting her brother’s characteristic sarcasm before ultimate indulgence of her request.

Sure enough, Balk scoffed, “And why should I arrange anything for you? Go fight for tickets yourself if so eager.”

Before Sylvia could respond, Balk hung up, leaving her shaking her head in amusement. She knew despite his prickly words, he’d personally deliver tickets when her cherished brother inevitably relented, never neglecting her expressed wishes.

Chapter 46 Fair Competition

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After finishing that personal call, Sylvia resumed working, only to have an irate Juliette soon

intrude. 

“Jonathon not only refuses apology but attacked our website statement of stealing the development. Cyril also messaged querying our intent.”

Sylvia glanced up impatiently amidst her tasks. “Ignore Jonathon. Those partnerships will shut down anyway. Tell Cyril it’s just fair market competition. If he disputes, he’s welcome to contend openly as well. May the best bidder win. Otherwise, silent compliance.”

Juliette left grinning, eager to issue those bold replies. Sylvia agreed to her informing the others about securing concert tickets later. But she declined wasting time meeting Ingrid, rebuffing the waiting woman’s requested audience outside her office.