Chapter 45 Going official
Ingrid’s ugly expression showed her displeasure at the group’s disagreement. She was stunned anyone would oppose her suggestion, much less reject it outright.
If resuming this venture was good now, why had no one spoken up when it was previously abandoned? They just kowtowed to Bruce and Sylvia’s closeness, leaving others voiceless. Yet they readily fawned over Sylvia again now. Revolting.
“It’s settled then, we’ll proceed with this project,” Bruce concluded, hammering down the decision. Everyone else smiled agreeably, delighted at the prospect. Only Ingrid remained visibly unhappy as the meeting adjourned.
Bruce asked Sylvia to stay behind and questioned her resolve once alone. “I thought you’d let this go. Pursuing it today seemed like a passing impulse. But you’re truly set on snatching this from Cyril?”
Knowing her temperament all too well, Bruce still doubted Sylvia’s determination, fearing she might waver later and leave them stranded.
“I’ve made up my mind. Why shouldn’t I reclaim what he gained from me over the years? I won’t dwell on the past but do need to teach him a lesson after recent unsatisfactory handling. He must learn what forces not to provoke. Losing a couple projects he couldn’t have gotten otherwise should serve as fitting retribution.”
Cyril was no pushover but utterly overpowered by greater dynasties like theirs. This venture had been the Ivanovs‘ initial choice before tossed as refuse that Cyril picked up. He could prevail among peers but never up the hierarchy.
Bruce grinned and nodded. “I’ve set things in motion to seize the project. Also, your second brother announced his comeback concert tour this morning. Claimed it was just work schedules when I called but we know it’s because he misses you and wants to visit.”
Sylvia brightened at the news. “Second brother is the best! But he called you first? Hmph. Ask him to leave me tickets for his show so we can go together.”
Bruce quirked a brow skeptically. “You sure he’d reserve tickets for you under your name? Better call yourself or he won’t bother.”
Her estranged brother surely resented Sylvia now and wouldn’t indulge requests through
Bruce.
“You’re right. I’ll call second brother then. But he won’t yell at me for being crazy and
marrying that man right?” Sylvia asked nervously. Her brother’s acid tongue notoriously
Chapter 45 Going fea
ripped into anyone. His temper explosions left no bystanders unscathed, even passing dogs berated.
Bruce laughed heartily. “Didn’t he already last time you planned that wedding? This will just be reruns of the same scoldings. Why so worried now when it never bothered you before? Guilty conscience?”
Sylvia sighed reluctantly. “Of course I’m guilty now! Last time I could claim insanity but I’m sober and sensible so the criticism terrifies me.”
“Fine, I’ll call him after work and hope he goes easier this time.” She braced herself for the inevitable confrontation.
Seeing her resignation, Bruce only laughed louder, drawing curious glances from employees outside the glass conference room unused to such mirth from the formidable tycoon.
Sylvia scowled and threatened to make him stop but Bruce just kept shaking his head while trying to restrain his chuckles.
“Enough! Get back to work and call your brother already. Best strike early rather than waiting longer right?”
Agreeing the sooner she called, the better, Sylvia exited Bruce’s office and first noted their official website announcing the stolen development plans shrouded in diplomatic wording. Industry insiders easily inferred the Ivanovs‘ next ruthless move. But none dared comment, knowing challenging them was beyond reckless.
Settling into her office, Sylvia steeled herself and called her brother at last. He deliberately let it ring awhile, clearly intent on aggravating her more before answering with blistering profanity.
Though initially stunned speechless, Sylvia started giggling at the expected vitriol, finding her brother’s reliable temper as endearing as always.