Chapter 72

72 Family Tensions and Accusations.

In the conference room, Alex sat brooding, his mood palpably sour, casting a shadow over the meeting.

The colleagues, sensing his dark demeanor, cautiously refrained from any provocation or unnecessary questions.

“Let’s wrap this up. If there are no further issues, return to your work,” Alex announced sternly as the meeting concluded. The room quickly emptied, leaving Alex and his assistant Collins alone.

They hurried back to Alex’s office, where a surprise awaited them. Lillian, Alex’s sister, lounged in his chair, nonchalantly applying nail polish. Alex, already on edge, snapped. He snatched the polish from her hands and flung it to the floor, startling her.

“What’s this, Alex? Why are you so upset?” Lillian exclaimed, shocked by her brother’s sudden outburst.

Alex, unable to contain his frustration, accused her, “Ever since Emma’s divorce, you’ve been nothing but trouble. You’re causing unnecessary drama!”

His words struck a nerve, and in a moment of anger, Alex’s hand flew across Lillian’s face in a sharp slap. The sound echoed in the room, leaving Collins frozen in disbelief.

Lillian, clutching her reddened cheek, glared at Alex. “Why did you even marry Emma if this is how you treat your own sister?” Her eyes welled up with angry tears.

Alex, now slightly regretful but still fuming, countered, “Whether you bullied Emma or she bullied. you, only you know the truth. And forget about attending the gala. Emma and I have no connection anymore. She won’t tolerate your antics.”

His words hinted at a deeper concern. Alex feared that if he ignored Lillian’s behavior, she would escalate her actions against Emma.

Lillian, her defiance unabated, retorted, “I’ll make Emma pay. You always take her side. I’m your sister, yet you’ve never been gentle with me.”

Alex, torn between frustration and familial duty, tried to reason with her.“Why act this way, Lillian? If Emma wronged you, tell me. I would’ve addressed it.

Lillian, however, was unyielding. “I just hate Emma. Do I need a reason? I can’t stand her, and I’ll act on it.”

Alex, struggling to understand, questioned her motives. “Why must you create problems for yourself and our family? Why are you so hell bent in causing trouble?”

Lillian remained silent, seething with a deep–rooted disdain for Emma. In her eyes, Emma was nothing more than a status symbol–a prideful person of humble origin who had no place in their lives. She believed that shaking up Emma’s world was justified, regardless of Alex’s protective stance.

“If you’re going to defend Emma, then hit me again. What does it matter? You’ve hardly been a brother to me anyway,” she challenged, her eyes blazing with resentment and defiance.

72 Family Tensions and Accusations Alex, caught in and of emotions, faced a dilemma. His sister’s unwarranted hatred towards Emma and her refusal to see reason left him distressed and longing for a resolution. Yet, Lillian’s stubbornness seemed insurmountable, her mind set on vengeance against Emma, irrespective of the consequences.